What an HVAC Pad Is and How to Choose the Right One
An HVAC pad (also called a condenser pad) is the flat, level base that supports your outdoor air conditioning unit and keeps it off the bare ground. For west-central Minnesota homes near Willmar, Hutchinson, and Olivia, the right pad resists frost heave, spring snowmelt, and freeze-thaw cracking – the main forces that push a condenser […]
Smart HVAC Vents: Optimize Climate Control & Easy Install
Eighty percent of homes in the US will soon be equipped with some form of smart technology, and ecobee smart HVAC vents, featuring a pressure sensor to reach the target temp, are at the forefront of this revolution. These innovative vents, equipped with a pressure sensor and designed to reach every corner, offer precise control […]
CFM in HVAC: Understanding Airflow in Your Minnesota Home
CFM, short for cubic feet per minute, is the volume of air your HVAC system moves every minute, and it is the number that determines whether each space heats, cools, and ventilates evenly. In west-central Minnesota, where furnaces run hard from October into April and summers turn humid, getting CFM right is what keeps a […]
High Side and Low Side in HVAC: What AC Pressures Tell You
In an HVAC system, the high side is the high-pressure section between the compressor and the metering valve, where refrigerant sheds heat and condenses into a liquid. The low side is the low-pressure section where that refrigerant absorbs indoor heat and boils back into a gas. Comparing both readings against the manufacturer’s pressure chart shows […]
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC Unit in West-Central Minnesota
Northern Services Today helps homeowners across west-central Minnesota decide when an aging HVAC unit is worth repairing and when it’s smarter to replace it. From Olivia to Willmar, Hutchinson, and Litchfield, our climate demands a lot from heating and cooling systems—furnaces run hard through sub-zero winters while air conditioners battle humid summers—so worn-out equipment shows […]
Benefits of Residential Boilers: Top Advantages & Efficiency Guide
Why settle for less when your home’s comfort can be maximized? The advantages and cons of residential boilers are often overlooked, yet they stand as a powerhouse for efficient home heating within the electrical system. Sleek in design and robust in function, these systems offer a unique blend of reliability, energy conservation, and cold pressure […]
5 Reasons Dust Keeps Accumulating in Your Home
Dust accumulates in your home from five main sources: your HVAC system circulating particles, human activity shedding skin and fibers, outdoor air infiltrating through doors and cracks, textiles shedding fibers, and pets releasing dander. In west-central Minnesota, tightly sealed homes running furnaces hard through long winters trap and recirculate these particles, making dust build up […]
Checking Your AC’s Air Filter: How to Know It’s Doing Its Job
Air filters are an important part of any HVAC system, as they help to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. A standard air filter is designed to catch dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles that can cause allergies or respiratory issues. The MERV rating system is used to measure […]
Heat Pumps in Cold Weather: Maximizing Efficiency & Comfort
Ever wondered how heat pumps, often used as both heating system and air conditioners, tackle the chill of cold weather, unlike traditional gas heating or air conditioning? They’re not just for mild climates; modern heat pumps, a versatile heating system, are engineered to provide cozy warmth even on cold days, surpassing traditional gas heating and […]
Prepare Your Air Conditioning and Heating System: Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the lifeblood of modern buildings, providing comfort, controlling indoor climate, and ensuring healthy air quality. In the United States, these systems account for a significant portion of energy consumption, with residential air conditioning alone making up 19% of household electricity use.[1] This comprehensive guide explores the critical aspects […]