We try to focus on topics and issues, rather than stories and anecdotes... but you'll still find a few of those.
I've discovered a dryer transition duct that is far superior to anything else I've ever seen - it's called DryerFlex. The DryerFlex dryer transition duct is a cross between foil and semi-rigid aluminum, but it outperforms both of those materials in every way possible.
Read MoreA dryer transition duct is the flexible material that can be used to transition between the dryer and the duct. Transition ducts should be used sparingly, stretched tight, not smashed, and replaced periodically.
Read MoreIt may surprise many of you to learn that cleaning your HVAC ducts may actually increase the amount of particulate mater in the air and lead to actually more contaminated air being delivered to the home.
Read MoreWithout question, the biggest problem that I find with boilers on old Minneapolis and Saint Paul homes is leaking exhaust gas. While every heating contractor knows to look for backdrafting at the vent while performing maintenance checkups on boilers, I've found that many contractors don't bother to check for exhaust gas leaking around the jacket of the boiler, which can be just as serious of an issue.
Read MoreAre super expensive furnace filters really worth the extra money? Their job is not to purify the air you breathe. Furnace filters protect equipment; not people.
Read MoreWhen I think of homeowner maintenance, the first thing I think of is changing the furnace filter. At least one out of five homeowners is diligent about doing this, but for the rest of you...
Read MoreFor Minneapolis homes that have boilers, the most common required repair for Truth-in-Housing Evaluations is a missing or improper backflow prevention device installed on the water line that feeds the boiler.
Read MoreI took home a furnace that had a cracked heat exchanger, and I removed the heat exchanger cell that had the largest cracks. You can see the cracks for yourself below - click on any of the photos for a larger version.
Read MoreFor the last two weeks I've blogged about HRVs. In part one, I covered what HRVs are for and how they operate. For part two, I covered HRV maintenance and operation. Today I'll discuss installation defects.
Read MoreLast week I blogged about why houses need HRVs. This week I'll write about maintenance and operation of HRVs, and I'll try to cover the stuff you should know if you own one.
Read MoreAs most people know, new houses are constructed much tighter than they used to be - they don't leak air all over the place. Today I'll share some basic information about how HRVs operate and why they're needed in today's newer, tighter houses.
Read MoreFor the last 800 years, building codes have allowed bathrooms to be built without exhaust fans. It's time for a change. It's time for bathroom exhaust fans to become a requirement in Minnesota, at least in bathrooms that have bath tubs or showers.For the last 800 years, building codes have allowed bathrooms to be built without exhaust fans. Exhaust fans aren't even a requirement here in Minnesota! This is a great example of how building codes are only minimum standards.
Read MoreDon’t waste your time or money installing a cover on your AC unit. I've already seen people start to cover their air conditioners this year, but there's no need to.
Read MoreI don't think I'll be recommending any more furnace certifications. Heresy you say? No, I have good reason not to. I started out meaning to write a blog about what is involved in furnace certifications and who does them, so I contacted 40 local HVAC contractors. I was shocked at most of the responses I received.
Read MoreI'm a big fan of range hoods that exhaust to the exterior, and I like them even more when they're installed properly, but this doesn't always happen. I find a lot of problems with range fans when I inspect homes, and today I'll review a few of the most common defects.
Read MoreShortly after replacing his old mid-efficiency natural draft furnace with a high-efficiency furnace, Nelly started noticing a host of moisture problems with his house.
Read MoreHumidifiers are usually not used properly, and they can cause serious problems with houses in cold climates like Minnesota.
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