The Link Between AC Tune-Ups and Repairs

July 22nd, 2024
tools-for-HVAC-repair

As we are forever trying to teach our children, our choices matter, and our actions have consequences. When we make better decisions to begin with, we’ll end up happier with the results. Have you thought about how this might relate to your air conditioner? 

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you are proactive about taking good care of your AC system, you can avoid problems that would be difficult or expensive to fix. The best thing you can do is get AC tune-ups every single year. Here’s how that will affect your air conditioner and help you avoid repair needs.

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Is a Mini Split Good for My Montana Home?

July 8th, 2024
graphic-of-cold-air-coming-from-a-mini-split-air-handler

Have you been hearing about ductless mini splits, or noticing that friends or neighbors have systems like this? Or perhaps you’ve only heard about it from people who don’t live in our area. Montana’s weather is certainly different from what folks experience in many other parts of the country. It’s understandable that, even if you like the sound of a ductless mini split, you’ve got some serious questions.

We’d like to help you get some things sorted out. How exactly does a ductless mini split work? What climate control can it provide? Will it be good for your Montana home? Let’s get you some answers.

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Why You Should Choose an HVAC Company that Provides 24/7 Service

June 24th, 2024
analog-clock-face

When your air conditioner needs some help, perhaps just routine maintenance, or your furnace needs a minor repair that’s not terribly urgent, you might only be thinking about this particular need. Right now, there is no emergency. You don’t require 24/7 service, do you? We believe that you should only consider scheduling any appointment with a company that does provide 24/7 service. We’ll explain exactly why. 

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What’s the Difference Between Ducted & Ductless Heat Pumps?

June 10th, 2024
person-turning-on-a-ductless-air-handler-with-a-remote

Whether you’re looking into a new system for your home’s climate control or you’re trying to determine what sort of upkeep, maintenance, or repair your existing system needs, it’s understandable if you have some questions. If you have a heat pump, or are getting one, this might be your first time dealing with this type of HVAC system. Could a ductless mini split in Kalispell, MT be best for you?

What do you need to know about heat pumps in general? And what about how the cooled or heated air is distributed? Some heat pumps are connected to a home’s ductwork. Some are not! What are the key differences between ducted and ductless heat pumps? Is one better than the other? What maintenance do they need? We’ll tell you everything.

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What Are Cold Climate Heat Pumps?

May 27th, 2024
Heat pump HVAC logo featuring half sun and half snowflake inside a blue and yellow circular design.

Spring is the perfect time of year to evaluate your HVAC system. How are the various parts doing? Do you need to schedule maintenance or repairs? Or is it possible that it’s time to consider replacing your air conditioner or your furnace? There are some major advances that have taken place in recent years, and you could have better performance and higher efficiency with a new system. To better understand system upkeep, review what maintenance different HVAC systems require.

What kind of new system? You could replace both your air conditioner and your furnace with a heat pump. No, heat pump technology isn’t new. But there have been some big changes to how—and how well—a heat pump can work in places with colder winters, as well as to the technology in general. Cold climate heat pumps are an excellent option for our area. We’ll tell you all about them.

What Is a Heat Pump HVAC System and How Does It Work?

A heat pump HVAC system heats and cools your home by transferring heat rather than generating it. In winter, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it indoors. In summer, it reverses the process to remove heat from your home. Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in freezing temperatures using advanced compressors and refrigerants, making them a reliable, energy-efficient option for year-round comfort.

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Don’t Ignore These Late-Season Furnace Repairs

May 13th, 2024
Tech Checking Furnace

As the warmer months set in, handling late-season furnace repairs is vital to ensure you’re ready for it next season. While many homeowners focus on furnace maintenance before winter sets in, late-season furnace repairs should not be ignored because they’ll save you from major headaches later. Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook late-season furnace repairs in Bigfork and what key areas to focus on.

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Keeping Your Cool: Why April and May is a Great Time for AC Maintenance

April 15th, 2024
air-conditioning maintenance technician

As spring blooms and temperatures begin their climb towards summer highs, it’s easy to overlook the health of your home’s air conditioning system. However, neglecting your AC unit can lead to unpleasant surprises when the heat becomes unbearable. That is why April and May is the perfect time in Kalispell, MT to prioritize AC maintenance.

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How Long Heat Pump Installation Really Takes

April 3rd, 2024
Outdoor heat pump unit installed beside a house with landscaping.

Heat pump installation in Columbia Falls, MT  involves several steps and considerations to ensure proper functioning and efficiency. Let’s go over what the process entails in this helpful guide.

How long does a heat pump installation take and what affects its cost?

  • A typical air‑source heat pump installation can take 4 to 8 hours, though more complex setups may extend beyond a day
  • For systems with existing ductwork or simpler layouts, the install might finish in a single day
  • Larger or multi‑zone systems, or those requiring significant electrical work or modifications, can take 1 to 3 days
  • The cost depends on:
    • System type and capacity
    • Efficiency rating and brand
    • Complexity of installation (ductwork, wiring, structural changes)
    • Labor rates, permits, and local regulations

Assessment, Sizing, & Type: The first step is to assess your heating and cooling needs and determine the appropriate heat pump size for your space. Factors such as the size of your home, insulation, climate, and desired temperature range all play a role in sizing the unit correctly. There are several types of heat pumps available from standard models to cold-climate heat pumps that can still work efficiently in sub-zero temperatures. Choose the type that best suits your location, budget, and heating/cooling requirements.

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7 Services HVAC Contractors Provide

March 18th, 2024

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) contractors offer a variety of services to ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and comfort within your home. Average highs in the area are in the 80s in the summer but we do occasionally get heat waves with temperatures in the 90s and in the low 100s are very rare but possible.

Spring is a great time for annual cleaning, as well as annual maintenance checks on your HVAC system before the heat arrives. To make sure your HVAC in Columbia Falls, MT serves you well during the upcoming cooling season, add scheduling a visit from one of our licensed and certified technicians to your spring “To-Do” list. Keep reading to learn about other HVAC services we provide.

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How to Know if You Need a Humidifier in Your Home

March 4th, 2024
humidity-written-on-window

Determining if you need a humidifier in your home depends on various factors, including the climate you live in, your indoor environment, and any specific health concerns you may experience. Since the area of Flathead Lake gets 18 inches of rain on average per year, which is far lower than the US average of 38 inches of rain per year; and an average 37 inches of snow per year, compared to the US average of 28 inches of snow per year, humidity is low, and some residents might find the dryness to be uncomfortable.

Days with noticeable humidity are rare throughout the year with humidity in the area being below 60% for approximately 40 days of the year. Because of these dry conditions, you may want to look into the installation of a whole-house humidifier in Polson, MT. Let’s take a look at the signs that will tell you a whole-house humidifier is a good option.

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