How Solar Gain and Shade Affect HVAC Sizing

How Solar Gain and Shade Affect HVAC Sizing

Direct sunlight and shade patterns play a big role in HVAC sizing. Here’s how solar gain, windows, and shading affect your system’s efficiency and comfort.

How Solar Gain and Shade Affect HVAC Sizing

How Solar Gain and Shade Affect HVAC Sizing

Direct sunlight and shade patterns play a big role in HVAC sizing. Here’s how solar gain, windows, and shading affect your system’s efficiency and comfort.

Suburban U.S. home with visible heat pump and warm–cool gradient, signaling energy-efficient, reliable year-round comfort.

HVAC Sizing for Climate Zones: How to Choose the Right System for Your Location

Sizing HVAC by square feet alone is a trap. This guide shows why climate zones and published 1%/99% design temps matter for real comfort and savings.

Cozy living room with thermostat at 72°F and a modern heat pump outside, conveying warm–cool comfort and energy-efficient reliability for The Furnace Outlet.

How to Use Climate Zone Lookup to Choose the Perfect HVAC System for Your Home

Your climate zone is the cheat sheet for picking HVAC that actually fits. Zones 1–2 push cooling and dehumidification, 3–4 need balance, 5–7 demand real heating power, and 8 requires specialty solutions.

Outdoor central air conditioner unit next to a house with The Furnace Outlet branding.

Seasonal Tips for Central Air: Expert Maintenance Across Top Brands

Window and wall ACs are affordable but often waste energy. Pairing them with a smart thermostat or AC controller solves that problem cutting cooling costs by up to 25% while improving comfort. This guide covers the best features (scheduling, geofencing, remote control), where to place sensors for accurate readings, and how to prevent short cycling for longer equipment life.

three central air conditioner units outside a home with the furnace outlet logo

Smart Thermostat Integration for Window & Wall ACs: Cut Cooling Costs by 25%

Key Takeaways Smart thermostat or AC controller cuts cooling energy use up to 25%. Lower bills, smaller carbon footprint, same comfort. Sched...
smart thermostat on wall next to window air conditioner in bright modern room

PTAC Maintenance & Cleaning Checklist: Costs, Installation, and Long-Term Savings

Managing PTAC installs across hotels, senior living, or apartments? Most new units cost $1,750–$3,200, while retrofits average $2,050–$3,600. This guide explains how costs split between equipment, parts, and labor, how long installs take, and what to check during a pre-install walkthrough.

A PTAC unit and installation sleeve displayed on a clean white background.

How to Reset Your Mini Split: Safe Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Homeowners

Mini split acting up error codes, frozen coils, or unresponsive controls? A safe reset often fixes the problem. This step-by-step guide shows you how to power down, wait, and restart in the right order, plus what signs confirm the reset worked. You’ll also learn quick checks to prevent repeat issues and when it’s time to call an HVAC pro.

Stay Cool Under the Stars: Your Ultimate Guide to Camping Air Conditioning

Stay Cool Under the Stars: Your Ultimate Guide to Camping Air Conditioning

Discover how to stay cool during summer camping trips with tent AC units, portable camping air conditioners, and mini portable air conditioners. Learn tips for selection, maintenance, and RV setups for ultimate comfort.

A person holds a remote control while facing a wall mounted mini split air conditioning system and outdoor unit indoors.

Central Air Installation Advice: Pro Tips for Top Brands and Long-Term Comfort

A great central air system is only as good as its installation. This guide explains how to size equipment with a Manual J load calculation, place condensers and air handlers for efficiency, seal and insulate ducts properly, and ensure pro-level commissioning.

A modern central air conditioning condenser and air handler installed outside a residential home.

BTU vs Power Usage in Window & Wall ACs: Pick the Right Size and Save on Bills

Shopping for a window or wall AC? Bigger isn’t always better. This guide explains how BTU sizing and efficiency ratings (EER/CEER) determine power use and costs. You’ll learn how to size your unit properly, estimate electricity use with simple formulas, and compare features like inverter tech, ENERGY STAR, and smart controls.

A window air conditioner and a wall-mounted air conditioner side by side in a bright home.

PTAC Installation Cost Breakdown: Equipment, Labor & Smart Budgeting Tips

Wondering what’s a fair price for PTAC installation? Most new installs run $1,750–$3,200 per unit, while retrofits average $2,050–$3,600. This guide breaks down equipment, parts, and labor costs so you can compare bids, avoid hidden fees, and plan multi-unit projects with confidence.

A PTAC unit with installation tools in a clean white room showing a professional setup.

Bad Smells from Mini-Split? Stop Odors Fast  Safe DIY Fixes & When to Call a Pro

Mini-split smelling musty, sour, or burnt? Odors usually come from moisture, mold, clogged drains, or dust buildup—and sometimes from wiring or refrigerant leaks. This guide explains quick DIY fixes, danger signs that mean it’s time to call a pro, and a simple prevention plan with filter care, dry-out mode, and annual cleanings.

A clean white mini split air conditioner mounted on a wall with The Furnace Outlet logo in the corner.

Central Air Conditioning: How It Works & Top Brands Compared for U.S. Homes

Central AC cools your entire home through one system, but choosing the right brand and size makes all the difference. This guide explains how central air works, compares leading brands like Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Goodman, and Rheem, and shows how to balance efficiency, warranty, and cost of ownership.