HVAC Maintenance for Spring 2024: Analyzing Weather Trends & More

As bustling business owners and specialized HVAC technicians in New York City brace for spring 2024, the changing landscapes and cityscapes demand attention to perhaps one of the most critical […]

How to Prevent Your Outdoor Condensers from Freezing

Are you tired of dealing with frozen outdoor condensers during the winter months? We understand the frustration of having your HVAC system suddenly stop working due to frozen condensers. It […]

Winter Commercial HVAC Maintenance: A Building Owner’s Guide

With the winter upon us, building owners must not only prepare for the cold weather but also for potential HVAC issues that may arise. The importance of regular maintenance for […]

What Sets Air Ideal Apart: Safety, Expertise, Progress, and More

When it comes to choosing an HVAC company, there are countless options available in the market. However, not all companies are created equal in terms of safety practices, expertise, and […]

HVAC Sheet Metal Fabrication: A Breakdown of the Process

The process of HVAC sheet metal fabrication is an intricate part of HVAC installation and repair. While the outcomes of sheet metal work such as ductwork, equipment housing, and more […]

HFC Refrigerants: A Crash Course on Their Usage

Whether you’re a commercial refrigeration technician or responsible for managing your workplace’s refrigerant usage, it’s important to understand both the basics and fundamentals of these popular gases. This blog post […]

Restaurant HVAC: What NYC Eateries Need to Know

As a restaurant owner in New York City, having the right HVAC system is essential to keeping your guests comfortable and providing an atmosphere where they can truly appreciate their […]

Maintaining Patient Health with Hospital HVAC Systems

As a hospital worker, you undoubtedly understand the importance of health – for your patients, as well as those working in and around the facility. The quality of care your […]

Commercial Humidification: Understanding the Humidifiers Used

As the elements of nature continue to take their toll on the environment, it’s essential to make sure your home or business premises remain comfortable and healthy. The best way […]

What to Know About Commercial Retrofits

The benefits of investing in commercial retrofits for HVAC systems can be substantial, from lower operating costs to improved efficiency and performance. However, these upgrades require long-term investment as well […]

Tenant Fit-Outs: What Successful Implementation Entails

As HVAC professionals, we know the importance of tenant fit-outs for a variety of end users and buildings. But just what goes into a successful implementation? In this post, we’ll […]

Air Quality Index: What You Need to Know

As an invisible pollutant, air quality is often taken for granted. However, it’s important to understand the state of your local air quality and how to interpret the available evidence. […]

Combating Airborne Illnesses as Fall Approaches

As the temperatures start to drop and we begin ushering in the cooler, autumn months, it’s important to remember that the change of season also brings with it an increase […]

Emergency Services: Taking Precautions Against HVAC Malfunction

When it comes to your home’s HVAC system, it can be difficult to predict when emergency services may be needed. With temperatures rising and cooling systems constantly operating, malfunctions or […]

Preparing Your Home Against Carbon Monoxide: What to Know

As the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning become increasingly apparent, it is important to make sure your home is properly equipped to protect you and your family. Carbon monoxide (CO) […]

Coil Cleaning: How It Benefits Your Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining your home’s HVAC system and ensuring that you have clean air circulating throughout your space isn’t just good for comfort purposes, it also has an impact on the overall […]

Canada Wildfire Smoke: What You Need to Know

As the wildfires intensify across Canada, many people are concerned about air quality and the potential health risks. Smoke from these wildfires has covered large parts of North America — […]

Humidity: An In-Depth Look at the Weather Phenomenon

Humidity – it affects weather patterns and plays an integral role in regulating temperatures indoors and outdoors, but do you truly understand how it works? If not, you’re not alone. […]

Pollen: How to Defend Yourself Against Allergies

Are your allergies getting you down? Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions, and with spring come all sorts of airborne allergens like pollen. There is no escaping […]

What Are SEER Ratings? Here’s What You Need to Know

When selecting an energy-efficient HVAC system for your home or business, understanding SEER ratings is key. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it’s a calculation of how efficiently […]

Solar Power: What Are the Benefits?

As energy costs continue to rise, more and more people are turning to alternative sources of power. Solar energy has become increasingly popular as a result, due to the various […]

Understanding the Importance of MERV Ratings

Choosing the right air filter for your home can be a difficult decision, but understanding MERV ratings is essential for proper care and maintenance of your HVAC system. MERV stands […]

Increasing Building Sustainability: The Greener Approach

As the demand for green alternatives to traditional building processes increases, it’s important to consider what measures can be taken in order to increase building sustainability and efficiency. HVAC customers, […]

HVAC Contractor Safety: Outlining Our Commitment

At Air Ideal, we pride ourselves on our commitment to HVAC contractor safety. With an Experience Modification Rating (EMR) of 0.73, we have demonstrated our aptitude for safety — but […]

Preparing Your HVAC System for the Spring

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your HVAC system for spring. There are a few things you can do to […]

Combating Burst Pipes in a Commercial Setting

With the winter storm and potential disaster the season brings, burst pipes are unfortunately a commonality. Though they happen in residential areas, a burst pipe can be especially dangerous for […]

Burst Pipe Prevention: What You Can This Winter

One of the biggest problems HVAC systems face in the winter is excessively cold weather. We all know how New York winters go, and especially with the December winter storm, […]

HVAC Noise: How to Combat the Problem

Are you currently experiencing HVAC noise? Are you constantly asking, “What’s that sound?” or “Why is it so loud?” If you’re asking such, there are a number of reasons why. […]

Heat Pumps: Why Should I Invest?

With HVAC technology improving at the speed of light, one piece of equipment that may have slipped under your radar are heat pumps. Versatile in both warming and cooling seasons, […]

Air Ideal Now a Certified Minority-Owned Business, Announces Vijay Biradar as Partner and Chief Executive Officer

Contact Information Air Ideal Vijay Biradar 516-873-3100 info@airideal.com Release Date 1/9/2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Air Ideal Now a Certified Minority-Owned Business, Announces Vijay Biradar as Partner and Chief Executive Officer […]

Supporting HVAC Contractors’ Mental Health

Without HVAC contractors, many of society’s institutions would not function. Homes and businesses would collapse with poor infrastructure. While humans can go days without food and water, they can only […]

Preparing Your HVAC System for the Winter

With the winter on its way, your HVAC system will definitely need to be serviced. As one of the most extreme weather seasons of the year, winter takes a massive […]

Examining the Benefits of HVAC Automation

Are your employees constantly having to get up and adjust the thermostat? Do areas of your office receive better air supply than others? Perhaps it’s time you look into HVAC […]

Equipping Your Office Against COVID-19

Many business owners were met with new HVAC challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.  It was a time of uncertainty. Employees were forced to work from home. Business owners had […]

Preparing Your Residential HVAC System for the Winter

While the winter can be a fun time for all snow lovers, the changing of seasons also represents a new set of challenges for you and your HVAC system.  Remaining […]

Rooftop Unit Maintenance: What You Need to Know

As building owners, maintaining the health of your rooftop unit should be top priority. Not only is it the lifeblood of your building’s HVAC system, but it’s also a crucial […]

5 HVAC Problems to Look Out for this Fall

With the changing weather, the fall season presents a new set of challenges for your HVAC system. From clogged drains to flood damage, here are 5 HVAC problems to look […]

4 Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System for the Fall

As the seasons change, so will your HVAC system use habits. Instead of lowering that thermostat, it’ll be time to start cranking up with the cold weather on its way. […]

How VRF Systems Can Benefit Your Commercial Business

With the world incorporating greener, environmentally-friendly practices, one way businesses can save money and energy is by installing a VRF system. Short for Variant Refrigeration Flow, VRF systems combine both […]

Airborne Contaminants to Look Out for This Summer

As your HVAC system will be running high this summer, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve by identifying airborne contaminants that can manifest in your HVAC system and […]

What to Look for with Emergency Service Providers

Every home and commercial business should be prepared with an evacuation plan in case of emergency. Whether it’s a fire or a carbon monoxide outbreak, having a plan in place […]

How to Determine and Achieve Ideal Air Balance

With forced-air systems, achieving ideal air balance is important in maintaining comfort throughout your home. While many may believe that air is evenly distributed throughout their homes at all times, […]

4 Signs Your Commercial HVAC System Isn’t Operating Efficiently

Preparing your commercial HVAC system for the upcoming summer months is important — but so is knowing the signs of an inefficient commercial HVAC system. You may notice issues such […]

3 Ways to Save Money This Summer Through Commercial HVAC Maintenance

No one likes overpaying for anything, especially when it comes to the energy bills. Taking stock of your commercial HVAC system’s health, especially ahead of the summer time, can put […]

How Commercial HVAC Optimization Can Help Cut Costs

Neglecting proper maintenance of an HVAC system — be it through sediment buildup, standing water rising, or clogged filters — can cost you big bucks. As the seasons change, you […]

Getting Your Commercial HVAC System Ready for Summer

The summertime is quickly approaching and with workers returning to the office, it’s important to have your commercial HVAC system ready for summer. Having an uncomfortable working environment will only […]

3 Reasons Why Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Essential to Commercial HVAC

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas which can cause serious health problems – even death. A carbon monoxide detector is the best option to prevent CO poisoning and save […]

5 Ways Professional HVAC Service Can Impact Productivity in Office Buildings

The way that the climate is controlled within office spaces matters greatly. Every commercial office building has a specific set of needs. An experienced HVAC service provider can make those […]

Is Your System Getting the Professional HVAC Service It Needs?

Your commercial HVAC system is built to last for years, but like all things, your heating and cooling equipment eventually wears out and will need routine care from experienced HVAC […]

6 Ways to Achieve Greener Commercial HVAC Performance

HVAC systems can have a number of benefits for your business. When properly maintained and controlled, greener HVAC systems can reduce overall energy costs by up to 50 percent. This […]

The Top 3 Benefits of Investing in Commercial HVAC Monitoring Equipment

As a building or facilities manager, you have a lot to consider when it comes to the most effective approach to heating and cooling your commercial building. From maintaining mission-critical […]

What to Consider for Your Next Commercial HVAC Upgrade

When it comes to your next commercial HVAC upgrade, there’s a lot to consider. In this article, we’ll talk about these various elements, as well as a few important reminders […]

The Top 3 Commercial HVAC Tips for Corporate Office Buildings

In the digital age, several profound changes have been made to the ways in which we approach work – it’s true across industries. As employees continue to find new ways […]

The Importance of Effective Winter Budgeting for Commercial HVAC Solutions

When your commercial HVAC equipment fails, day-to-day operations for your business can halt. And when HVAC malfunctions happen, entire businesses and the buildings in which they operate are affected.  Failure […]

The Top 4 Safety Hazards for Commercial HVAC

Eliminating safety hazards for commercial HVAC should be a top priority for every facilities manager. HVAC service technicians should not only follow best practices while performing HVAC maintenance, but they […]

Maintaining Commercial HVAC Efficiency and Performance During Cold Snaps

As many facilities managers know, the HVAC system is often the most significant consumer of energy in commercial buildings – and often by far. That’s why commercial HVAC efficiency is […]

How Does A Commercial Heating System Work?

HVAC systems are an essential component of every business structure, especially as we approach the winter months of the year. Restaurants, hospitals, schools, hotels, office buildings, and other commercial structures […]

Commercial HVAC Coils: How to Protect Them This Winter

In the winter months, it’s easy to overlook the cooling components of your commercial HVAC system–when it’s cold outside, your A/C units are likely the last thing on your mind […]

The Dangers of a Cracked Heat Exchanger

With commercial heating and cool equipment, it’s essential to the life and performance of your HVAC unit to take heat exchanger cracks seriously — don’t dismiss the dangers of damage […]

HVAC Winterization: What You Need to Know

During the hot and humid months of the year, your commercial HVAC unit is responsible for keeping your corporate building or office dry and cool year-round. As the sunny summer […]

Is It Time to Replace or Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System?

Is It Time to Replace or Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System? As a commercial business owner or building manager, high-quality heating and cooling systems are significant investments that require a […]

Finding the Right HVAC Contractor for Your Commercial Building

Finding the Right HVAC Contractor for Your Commercial Building Choosing the right contractor for your commercial HVAC needs is essential to maintaining a work environment that is both safe and […]

Commercial HVAC Preparation for the Fall Season

Commercial HVAC Preparation for the Fall Season While the summer heat may still be in full affect, now is the time to begin preparing your commercial HVAC equipment for the […]

Common Summer HVAC Problems and How to Prevent Them

Common Summer HVAC Problems and How to Prevent Them For many of our commercial clients across the New York City area, HVAC issues are a common problem during the increased […]

Smarter Ways to Maintain an Optimal Humidity Level Throughout Your Commercial Building

Smarter Ways to Maintain an Optimal Humidity Level Throughout Your Commercial Building Like temperature, humidity levels play a major role in maintaining a comfortable building environment for your commercial business […]

Finding the Right HVAC Contractor for Your Commercial Business

Finding the Right HVAC Contractor for Your Commercial Business Commercial businesses depend on HVAC solutions that are tailored to their unique operational and building needs—that’s why it’s important to find […]

The Importance of HVAC Energy Efficiency in 2021

The Importance of HVAC Energy Efficiency in 2021 Efficiency in general is one of the most important elements any business or facilities manager should consider. From energy consumption to the […]

Preparing Your Commercial HVAC System for the Summer Season

Preparing Your Commercial HVAC System for the Summer Season For commercial businesses across the New York City metropolitan area, the summer season can be brutal. With average temperatures ranging between […]

The Three Most Common HVAC Humidification Mistakes

The Three Most Common HVAC Humidification Mistakes The humidity levels throughout your building are easily influenced by your HVAC equipment. In turn, humidity has a direct impact on the health […]

Duct Cleaning: When and How to Clean Your Air Passageways

Duct Cleaning: When and How to Clean Your Air Passageways Your air ducts are an essential component of your commercial HVAC system. Serving as the main passageway for air circulation […]

The Commercial HVAC Energy and Cost Savings Tips You Need to Know

The Commercial HVAC Energy and Cost Savings Tips You Need to Know Keeping your commercial space at a comfortable temperature can be overwhelming. From the planning that goes into installation […]

The Importance of Clean Coils for HVAC

The Importance of Clean Coils for HVAC Now more than ever, high-quality and breathable air is at the top of our minds. In the United States, the average person spends […]

Spring HVAC Inspection 101: The Importance of Seasonal Maintenance

Spring HVAC Inspection 101: The Importance of Seasonal Maintenance To maintain the health and safety of your building’s occupants and the overall success of your business, a year-round maintenance plan […]

When Should Your Commercial HVAC System Be Repaired or Replaced?

When Should Your Commercial HVAC System Be Repaired or Replaced? The life and performance of a commercial HVAC system should be a top consideration for facilities managers year-round. When HVAC […]

The Dangers of Irregular Commercial HVAC System Maintenance, and How to Prevent Them

The Dangers of Irregular Commercial HVAC System Maintenance, and How to Prevent Them For so many commercial spaces, it be easy to not consider the health of your commercial HVAC […]

Preparing Your Commercial HVAC System for Staff Return in 2021

Preparing Your Commercial HVAC System for Staff Return in 2021 With the first month of 2021 behind us and a coronavirus vaccine roll-out underway, you may be seriously considering returning […]

Preparing for Commercial HVAC System Maintenance in Extreme Weather

Preparing for Commercial HVAC System Maintenance in Extreme Weather Your commercial HVAC system is designed to handle significant changes to weather conditions throughout the year. In the summer and winter […]

How to Reduce Carbon Emissions in 2021

How to Reduce Carbon Emissions in 2021 As companies, we have a duty to reduce carbon emissions wherever possible. Not only does it save us money in both the short- […]

How to Tell Whether Your Commercial HVAC System is Energy Efficient

How to Tell Whether Your Commercial HVAC System is Energy Efficient Commercial HVAC System Energy Efficiency Checklist A logical first step for achieving optimal energy efficiency for your commercial space […]

The Importance of Air Quality Checks for Your Business

The Importance of Air Quality Checks for Your Business The quality of the air you breathe should be your first consideration when selecting and maintaining your commercial HVAC system. With […]

Indoor Dining in NYC and the Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Indoor Dining in NYC and the Importance of HVAC Maintenance As more and more business have begun to open their doors and dining rooms to the public, clean and breathable […]

Ventilation Tips for the Drafty Office Space

Ventilation Tips for the Drafty Office Space As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, our living and working spaces will become increasingly cooler with the changes to […]

How to Winterize Your Commercial HVAC system

How to Winterize Your Commercial HVAC system With October nearly behind us, it’s the time of year to begin setting plans for winterizing your commercial HVAC system. Temperature transitions can […]

3 Ways to Reduce Office Allergens

3 Ways to Reduce Office Allergens It’s that time of year again. With flu season upon us, it’s important to keep your business’s workspace safe for your employees and customers. […]

The Importance of Year-Round Industry Standard Maintenance for Your Commercial HVAC System

The Importance of Year-Round Industry Standard Maintenance for Your Commercial HVAC System With the bulk of the summer months finally behind us, it’s still important to the life of your […]

Quality Filtration Upgrades Can Help Limit the Effects of COVID-19

Quality Filtration Upgrades Can Help Limit the Effects of COVID-19 We’re living in unprecedented times. Months into the pandemic, we’re all still looking for ways to establish best practices for […]

The Crossroads of Design, Engineering, and Commercial HVAC

The Crossroads of Design, Engineering, and Commercial HVAC It goes without saying, your commercial HVAC system is a great selling point when you are trying to attract new tenants or […]

Get Stuff Done with HVAC

It’s something so ubiquitous yet often unnoticed- the comfort of stepping into a building and sensing just the right temperature, air quality, and safety. HVAC not only delivers these qualities […]

Why Your Hospital Should Be Thinking About It’s HVAC System

With COVID-19 heavily impacting hospitals in New York, we know that your hospital’s HVAC  system is definitely not the first thing on your mind. However, the benefits of a good […]

A good HVAC system is quintessential to comfort and efficiency

New York is the city that never sleeps, and as a result, there are always employees that are serving their customers. In order to perform as well as possible, your […]

Why Your Company Should Be Thinking About Its HVAC This Summer

With summer getting closer and the economy practically in a standstill due to COVID-19, Air Ideal knows that every penny saved matters even more in these difficult times. We know […]

Reopen Your HVAC Before You Reopen Your Business

About to Reopen Your Business? Reopen Your HVAC First! There are some businesses that are being allowed to reopen soon. If you happen to be the owner of such a […]

Sanitizing the Office to Keep a Healthy Work Environment

Where Do I Start With Sanitization? One of the best ways to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading in the workplace is properly sanitizing surfaces that are known to harbor […]

Clean HVAC Units Are Necessary to Reopen Your Business

Commercial buildings should have clean heating ventilation and air conditioning systems at all times for good air quality. This includes clean filters, coils, and ducts that trap airborne particulates that […]

Going Green Is Getting Better for Your Bottom Line

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), HVAC accounts for approximately 34% of the energy used onsite in commercial buildings. Already a whopping portion, and likely your largest operating […]

Discover How Air Ideal Can Help Your Business Reduce Carbon Emissions

Many businesses regularly service or upgrade their commercial HVAC system to save money, but what about reducing their carbon footprint? According to the Climate Institute, “cooling your building is contributing […]

5 Benefits Of Installing A High-Efficiency HVAC System

Are you a commercial building owner in New York City or a commercial tenant? Does your building have a high-efficiency HVAC system? If so, this information could be helpful to […]

The Importance of Commercial HVAC for Data Centers

A data center, whether it is located in your company or is an offsite center is critical to the operation of a business. Gone are the days of relying on […]

Why Commercial HVAC for Offices Is Essential

Your commercial HVAC system serves the entire office. A functional heating and cooling system should keep your employees comfortable, focused, and productive. Ironically, there’s always a silent war going on in […]

The Holidays Are Over! How To Prepare Your HVAC Unit For Spring

The winter has left your HVAC unit working overtime to keep your customers and employees warm. Winter in NYC can get bitterly cold. Setting the temperament of your business depends […]

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Commercial Space

Whether you’re at home or at work, indoor air quality (IAQ) is important to people. It can affect their health and comfort. For businesses, it can ultimately affect your bottom […]

How to Get Your Commercial HVAC System Ready for Winter

When winter’s grip gets ahold of the NYC Metro and Western Long Island area, it doesn’t like to let go. Brutal cold winds drive the snow and everyone just wants […]

How Preventative HVAC Maintenance Lowers Business Overhead

Businesses must focus on keeping their overhead low while maintaining a high-quality service. One key area of overhead where costs can vary month-to-month is heating and cooling. The cold winter […]

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System

After a long, hot summer, the cool fall weather is a welcome relief. Air conditioners become less important and there’s no real need for a heater yet. Even so, New […]

Now Is the Time to Schedule Your Commercial HVAC Tune-Up

Every New Yorker knows that the winter months are no time to find yourself without heat. With the onset of cooler temperatures, now is the perfect time to ensure that […]

4 Tips for Making Your Business More Energy Efficient

When you’re running a business, overhead costs can dip into profits. One way to cut down on your overhead costs is to make your office more energy efficient. Not only […]

Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits Are Back!

The 30% federal tax credit for geothermal heat pumps in the residential sector and the 10% credit for qualifying commercial geothermal installations has been reinstated. They are also retroactive to cover […]

New Tax Law Allows Expensing of Commercial HVAC Installation in First Year

As of January 1st, 2018, changes in the new Federal Tax Code allow for the cost of any section 179 property as an expense which is not chargeable to capital […]

VRF Air Source Heat Pumps Set to Capitalize on Geothermal’s Loss

Heat Pump Sales Volume By Country By 2020 As we have written previously, the Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit for geothermal HVAC systems has sunset (as of 12/31/16). The 30% […]

Your Help Needed Now for Renewable Energy and Geothermal Tax Credit Extender

GEO has received information regarding the tax credits in regard to legislation. Please take action regarding this important industry legislation. NOW is the time to act to help extend the […]

Ecovent – High Tech Disruptor of HVAC Air Distribution

https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/z4oslhxtbt?popover=true Just as Nest disrupted the thermostat industry with its Nest Learning Thermostat, there is a new tech start-up attempting to solve home comfort and air distribution balancing issues.   Ecovent […]

New 2016 Efficiency Standards Kick in for HVAC

Don’t buy that 13 SEER replacement unit you were thinking about. The 2015 New York State (and International) Energy Conservation Construction Code has 2016 efficiency standard increases built in. Minimum […]

NY State Geothermal Tax Credit & Sales Tax Exemption Bills on Gov Cuomo’s Desk

The following comes from Bill Nowak, Executive Director of NY-Geo, Please Act: Governor Cuomo has called the geothermal tax credit (S2905) and sales tax exemption (S4279) bills to his desk. He […]

VRF is Unique Solution for Historic Tribeca Landmark

                  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the eleven story building at 260 West Broadway was built by the New […]

VRF HVAC Market In NYC Poised for Significant Growth

The combination of new FEMA flood insurance requirements, aging chiller and cooling tower plants, fears of legionella contamination and illness, a surging real estate market and increased population density are […]

NY State Legislature Passes Geothermal Tax Credit

The New York State Assembly and Senate have passed the Geothermal Tax Credit bill A2177A (A2177A-2015). This bill allows for a 25% state income tax credit up to a maximum […]

How Sandy and Flood-Resistant Codes Impact HVAC in NYC (and Beyond)

The reverberations from construction code revisions as a result of Hurricane Sandy are now being felt for HVAC installations in New York City. Have you tried to file for installation […]

Consumer Beware – Geothermal Hacks Abound

Unfortunately, as this News 12 expose’ reveals, not all geothermal HVAC installers are looking out for their customers’ best interests.  Geothermal HVAC Installer Scams Consumers We have received a spate […]

IRS Deals Major Blow to Geothermal Market

Here in the northeast, the recent price erosion of natural gas due to hydrofracturing has made it more difficult to sell geothermal by ROI payback analysis alone. It was still […]

Can the US Become Energy Independent?

Despite whatever your views may be on the various topics of fossil fuels, fracking and renewable energy, it is obvious that the major US push towards developing energy production in […]

Major Natural Gas Expansion Underway in New York Metro Region

There will be a significant increase in the volume of natural gas being brought to the New York Metro region as a result of multiple pipeline expansion projects from the […]

LG Brings New Indoor VRF Heat Pump to the US Market, Filling a Void for Urban HVAC Design

For some time now I have been advocating for an indoor single phase VRF (variable refrigerant flow) split system with a horizontal discharge condensing unit for window, through the wall […]

Conversion from Fuel Oil to Natural Gas Even Sweeter in 2013

In our annual review of home heating fuels on Long Island, nothing has changed except for the widened gap between fuel oil and Natural gas prices. Today, “Prices for crude […]

HVAC Design in the Wake of Certain Climate Change

Back in February we discussed Sensible Rebuilding and HVAC Installation with Future Flooding in Mind. According to this New York Times article, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a panel of renowned […]

Yes, It Is Summer in the City and It Is Hotter – The Heat Island Effect

Yes, it is hotter in the city, especially at night. Why is this? It’s called the Urban Heat Island Effect and it means that urban areas heat up at more […]

HVAC – The Path to Always Being Employed

Even during the depths of the recession, top HVAC technicians were in high demand. Between 2010 and 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 34% increase in HVAC […]

New York State Poised to Make Geothermal Heat Pumps Tax Exempt

Press release from the Long Island Geothermal Energy Organization (LI-Geo.org): The New York State Senate and Assembly have proposed new legislation related to geothermal heating and cooling installations. On January […]

WiFi Enabled Thermostat Wars Disrupt Complacency

The patent battle that has unfolded between Honeywell and it’s upstart competitor, Nest, is well documented, but it has also forced Honeywell to inovate instead of resting upon its current […]

Sensible Rebuilding and HVAC Installation with Future Flooding in Mind

As most Long Island and New York homeowners are still waiting for insurance settlements to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy (see this Newsday article), it is imperative that planning for future […]

Sandy Revisited – Repair vs.Replacement of Flood Submerged HVAC Equipment

The NY State Department of State has issued the following: “Floodwaters are not just water; the water may also be contaminated with chemicals, sewage, oil and other debris. When the […]

Congress Reinstates 25C Federal Energy Tax Credit on Qualifying HVAC Equipment Retroactively

As you probably know, in a last minute compromise on New Years Day 2013, Congress passed an agreement that will put off mandated cuts in federal spending and reinstate dozens […]

Aftermath – HVAC Replacement Opportunities in the Wake of Sandy’s Destruction

Having seen a vast variety of flooded out and crushed heating and air conditioning equipment in the last few weeks, it seems self-serving to discuss the “silver lining” that being […]

Hurricane Sandy and Energy Lessons Learned

Here I sit in an office with no power, phones, Internet or ROOF for the past 5 days, banging away on an iPad through a slow cellular hotspot to extol […]

Tough Heating Season Forecast in the Northeast for Oil Consumers

With home heating oil prices currently at $4.25 per gallon here on Long Island and a much colder season forecast ahead, this Newsday article predicts a difficult winter for those […]

Oil to Gas Conversions – The Time is Now!

Natural gas prices have plummeted in the past 5 years and are now lower than they were 20 years ago. The chart shows the progression of natural gas prices over […]

The Election and the Fate of Renewable Energy Tax Credits.

A recent article in the New York Times echoed the death knell of the wind power industry as the result of both the new glut of shale gas and the […]

Last Chance to Buy an 80% Furnace! (and save)

With the Federal government enforcing new energy efficiency standards as of May 1st, 2013, this will be the last winter that consumers can buy a down and dirty 80% AFUE […]

HVAC and Global Social Conscience

In a recent New York Times article entitled “The Cost of Cool“, author Elisabeth Rosenthal noted the trade offs of the environmental cost of air conditioning versus the economic benefits […]

Nest Learning Thermostat Featured on CBS Sunday Morning

The Nest Learning Thermostat was featured this Sunday on CBS Sunday Morning in a piece by New York Times technology pundit, David Pogue. The report also featured other “smart thermostat” […]

NBC Today Show Magnifies the Importance of Checking a Contractor’s Resume’

[youtube=https://youtu.be/5xny9nvrO98]In our current economic climate, there is intensified concern by consumers that certain unscrupulous contractors may take advantage of them. This is especially true of HVAC contractors in the summer, […]

Variable Speed Compressors to Revolutionize Efficiency Standards

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8UWQwQVxBE]Almost every manufacturer of HVAC equipment is currently scrambling to bring to market variable speed units with either Copeland or Danfoss inverter driven compressors.  Variable speed geothermal heat pumps being […]

Making Economic Sense of Air Conditioning SEER Replacement Options

It will be close to 100 degrees in the New York area today. This is the type of weather that older HVAC systems fail in: right when you need them […]

Maryland is First State to Recognize Geothermal as Renewable Energy

The Maryland legislature has passed a bill accepting geothermal heat pumps as eligible for state provided Renewable Energy Tax Credits. This sounds like a no-brainer, since the federal government has […]

64 Year Old Life Magazine Article Touts Geothermal Heat Pump

When most people think of geothermal heat pumps, they think new technology. The positive connotation of new technology is advancement, but many link new technologies to risk and technical bugs. […]

VRF System Ratings and Qualifying for Demand Side Incentives

The American Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has finally developed a new certification program for variable refrigerant flow multi-zone split air conditioners and heat pumps. In years past, systems manufactured […]

Natural Gas Glut is Double Edged Sword

Natural gas prices have plummeted over the last two years due to the market glut as a result of the shale gas explosion created by hydrofracturing or “fracking”.  For energy […]

Finally, a Heat Pump for Low Ambient Temperatures

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfXVmksODTM]  A couple of the toughest things about living in the northeast is the vagaries of northern weather and the unavailability of natural gas for heating in many suburban and […]

Nest Releases First WiFi Software Update

One of the best things about a Nest Learning Thermostat is Nest’s ability to constantly work on software improvements and send (and receive) wifi updates whenever they are available. Our […]

Responsible Refrigerant Management in the Age of Uncertainty

No doubt if you are reading this, it is because you have been shocked by the recent spike in R-22 refrigerant prices due to the recent allocation squeeze by the […]

Price of R-22 Refrigerant Soars After EPA Reduces Allocations by 45%

When the 25C Tax Credits were in place in 2010 allowing a $1500 Federal Tax Credit (on top of utility rebates) to upgrade to a 16 SEER high efficiency system […]

Northeast US Feels the Economic Crush of Home Heating Oil

It seems my last blog post was timely indeed as the New York Times did a piece this weekend on the high and ever-increasing cost of home heating oil and […]

Fossil Fuels Comparison, Geothermal HVAC, ROI and Home Heating

When deciding upon a heating source for a new custom home or commercial building people often ask, “what is the best bang for my buck”?  This is obviously a loaded […]

Show Your “IQA” by Building an Energy Star Home

Builders, Developers and Real Estate professionals are competing for the chance to build new homes now more than ever. The smart ones are luring energy conscious home buyers with the […]

The Benefits of Combining VRF and Geothermal Technologies

Two of my favorite (and most efficient) technologies can actually be combined to form an uber-efficient HVAC system. Both Mitsubishi and Daikin have provided water-cooled condensing units as part of […]

Thermostat Replacement and Environmental Impact

With the advent of all of the buzz circulating around the new Nest and internet enabled thermostats, there is one big question that goes unanswered. What happens to all of […]

Nest Undressed

The folks at SparkFun did a teardown of what makes the Nest learning thermostat tick. As the author says, “It’s always fun to see the wizard behind the curtain”. Link […]

Would You Heat Your Home with a Data Furnace?

Imagine replacing your gas or oil fired furnace with a bank of internet servers courtesy of Google. Sounds pretty far fetched, don’t you think? Well that is what Microsoft and […]

Remote Comfort Convenience for the Masses

With the buzz created by the launch of the new Nest thermostat, it seems the ease and convenience of remotely addressing thermostat settings may be the new trend for the […]

NEST is Here – Say Goodbye to Programmable Thermostats

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QCJ1PnVlzIE] Tony Fadell and the tech team that brought you Apple’s iPhone has gone out on their own to tackle what they believe to be the largest energy wasting culprit […]

VR Technology Becomes Mainstream Solution in Urban Environments

Variable Refrigerant technologies have become a mainstream HVAC application in urban environments over the past decade. The flexibility of unit design and layout configurations has made this a market niche […]

Innovations to Reduce the Cost of the Closed Loop Ground Heat Exchanger

Although we advocate installing closed loop systems for the reasons stated in my previous post, this does make it difficult for us to be competitive with the majority of other […]

NPR on Closed Loop Geothermal Systems

Congress may be looking to de-fund public television and National Public Radio, but these are two media outlets that have always provided interesting insight into the world of green energy. […]

New York Times Touts Benefits of Geothermal

Most of the testimony we read regarding the benefits and costs of a geothermal heating and air conditioning system come from the mid-west. However, if you are a local Long […]

The Great Debate: Pressurized vs. Non-Pressurized Geothermal Ground Loops

When walking into another contractor’s installation, it never ceases to amaze me how differently installers approach things. This can be attributed to the lack of serious construction standards for ground […]

25C Tax Credits Reduced for 2011 in Revised Tax Cut Legislation

From the Air Conditioning Contractors of America: After hours of fitful debate, the House of Representatives passed the tax extender package last night by a vote of 277-148. President Obama […]

Going, Going, Gone?

The 25C energy efficiency tax credits that were initiated via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are due to expire on December 31st, 2010. Although Geothermal and Solar credits will […]

Ikea Leads the Way in Commercial Geothermal Installs

Its good to see a big box retailer that is actually committed to reducing its carbon footprint and leading by example. This Time magazine article discusses Ikea’s efforts to further […]

New Air to Water Heat Pump May Soon Replace Fossil Fuel Boilers

A product that has been available in the UK and Europe for several years is finally being introduced to the US market. The Daikin Altherma is an air-to-water heat pump […]

Why Federal Tax Credits Aren’t Enough

I have often said that the growth of energy efficient products is directly proportional to the Federal subsidies set aside specifically to target such. The Renewable Energy Act and the […]

New Closed Loop Heat Exchanger Could Lower Installed Costs

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUsapJ58bKU]If you’ve ever traveled through a Florida neighborhood you’ve probably seen those weird looking polyethylene manifold contraptions for solar pool heating assist.  A company called Maytal Tech is currently marketing […]

The Case for Closed-Loop Geothermal Heat Exchangers

Introduction When choosing the type of ground loop to provide heat transfer for your geothermal heat pump system, you are presented with two primary options, closed and open loops. An […]

Great video for the geothermal newbie

This video does an excellent job of explaining a closed loop geothermal system in layman’s terms.  [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1r7fXO0QII]

Geothermal Boiler on the Horizon

Now that the government has given Energy Star accreditation for water-to-water geothermal heat pumps, you can heat your home hydronically and get your 30% renewable energy tax credit.  This is […]

Federal 25C Energy Tax Credits Unraveled

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (aka “the Stimulus Bill”) has a number of provisions in it to induce consumers to take energy conservation measures by replacing or […]

Geothermal Landslide in Heating and Air Conditioning

In the past year, we have had an onslaught of inquiries about Geothermal (also known as Geo-Exchange) HVAC. With the availability of a 30% Federal Tax Rebate on top of  […]