Useful Videos
Airflow First, Equipment Second: The Design Rule 90% of DIYers Ignore
Why the strongest condenser in the world can’t save a weak duct system—and how to fix the real root of HVAC performance.
Walk into any home improv...
From Pad to Panel: Jake’s Full Walkthrough for Designing a 2.5-Ton Outdoor Condenser Layout
How to place, wire, protect, and future-proof your outdoor AC like a pro.
Designing the outdoor condenser layout for a modern 2.5-ton air condition...
R-32 Isn’t Plug-and-Play: What Changes in Your System Design When You Upgrade to Modern Refrigerant
Upgrading from an R-410A system to a modern R-32 air conditioner is not a plug-and-play job.
It doesn’t matter if the tonnage is identical. It does...
The Homeowner’s System Design Blueprint: How All the Pieces Actually Work Together
When homeowners talk about “HVAC,” most think about the outdoor unit, the thermostat, or maybe the filter they forget to change.
But system design—...
Oversized vs. Undersized: Samantha’s Diagnostic Checklist to See Where Your Home Stands
Every homeowner eventually hits the same wall:
“My home just doesn’t feel comfortable — is my system too big or too small?”
Goodman 4 Ton 14.5 SEER...
Are You Planning an Addition or Finishing the Basement? How to Recalculate Tonnage Without Replacing Everything
Home additions are exciting — a new office, an expanded bedroom, a finished basement, or that long-awaited sunroom. But the moment homeowners start...
Ductwork: The Sizing Factor Nobody Talks About — Until Their System Starts Struggling
When homeowners think about HVAC sizing, they almost always focus on:
SEER2 ratings
Tonnage
Brand names
Refrigerant type
Heat pump vs. AC...
Smart Monitoring = Smart Sizing: How Devices Like This Amazon HVAC Sensor Reveal Your True BTU Needs
For decades, HVAC sizing has been based on formulas, experience, and educated guesses.Manual J calculations help, square footage gives us a startin...
Climate Zones Matter More Than You Think — Samantha’s Tonnage Map for Every U.S. Region
If there’s one thing I wish every homeowner understood about HVAC sizing, it’s this:
Your climate zone matters more than your square footage.
You...
R-32 vs. R-410A: How Refrigerant Type Changes the BTUs You Actually Get
When homeowners compare HVAC systems, they usually look at:
SEER2 ratings
Brand reputation
Tonnage
Noise level
Price
Warranty
But the...
Square Footage Lies: 7 Common Sizing Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
When homeowners ask me what size HVAC system they need, I usually get the same question:
“How many tons should I buy for my square footage?”
It sou...
Is a 4-Ton System Overkill or Just Right? Real-World Floorplans Samantha Says It Does Fit
When homeowners ask me whether a 4-ton HVAC system is “too big,” “too small,” or “just right,” they’re almost always surprised by the answer.
Becau...