HVAC Archives - Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning

5 Top Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Heat Pump

February 1, 2025

The fact that the Seattle area rarely gets overly cold or hot means a heat pump is one of the best options you have for both heating and cooling your home. The only real downside to having a heat pump is that it will typically have a slightly shorter lifespan than traditional HVAC units like air conditioners and furnaces that only work for part of the year instead of all year long. Nonetheless, you can potentially get 15 years of life or more out of a heat pump just by following these basic steps. 1. Change

Debunking Common Winter HVAC Myths

January 1, 2025

The chilly weather in Seattle, WA, puts your furnace to the test. Unfortunately, there are several myths regarding your HVAC system that can compromise how you use your setup. Let’s debunk several of the most common winter HVAC myths. Myth: Raising Your Thermostat Setting Warms Your House Faster If your home feels chilly, you may consider adjusting your thermostat to promote a warmer indoor environment. Some homeowners believe that if you turn your thermostat up by many degrees at once, it will warm your home faster. This is not only a myth, but it can

Programmable vs. Smart Thermostats

November 12, 2024

The type of thermostat you have can make a big difference in how high your heating and air conditioning costs are than you may realize. If you’re still controlling your HVAC system with an old manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or Wi-Fi smart thermostat will save you money. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the important differences between the two. In this article, we’ll compare the two and show you why installing a smart thermostat in your home can pay off. Benefits of Programming Your Thermostat Programming your thermostat so that the temperature automatically

Where Should I Install My Mini Split?

May 23, 2024

A ductless mini-split system is great for eliminating hot spots in your home and supplementing a central AC system. This type of system is also a good choice when adding an addition to your home, cooling a garage or shed or even cooling an entire home that doesn’t have a central HVAC system. No matter what your reasons for installing a mini-split system are, it’s important that you choose the right location for the indoor and outdoor components. In this article, we’ll explain what these different components are and what factors are most important when choosing to install each one.

Can Heat Pumps Also Cool?

February 7, 2024

Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient options for heating a home. They are typically two to three times more efficient than furnaces that burn fossil fuels. This efficiency is because heat pumps transfer heat rather than burning natural gas or heating oil, which means that installing one can significantly reduce heating costs. Another major advantage of a heat pump is that it can also function as an air conditioner to cool your home in summer. Understanding How Heat Pumps Cool Heat pumps are very similar to traditional air conditioners in many ways, as

Choose a Quality HVAC Contractor

January 10, 2024

Choosing a quality contractor for your heating and cooling needs is an important process. Choosing the right contractor can make the difference between getting the most comfort and efficiency for your money or getting stuck with a system that doesn’t meet your needs. Here Are Some Tips On Evaluating a Contractor: Ask How Long The Company Has Been In Business Common sense says that older, more established companies will have a better record of customer satisfaction. Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning has been in business since 1987 and has met

HVAC Buying Tips

January 10, 2024

How To Navigate Purchasing a New HVAC System In these modern times, the heating and cooling industry is constantly progressing and evolving. New products and technology are coming to the market on a regular basis. Consumers are becoming more interested in environmentally friendly solutions as well as indoor air quality products that improve the air they breathe. Now, more than ever, our customers – and particularly new home buyers – are not just looking for a single product or service to meet the needs of their home. Rather, customers are often seeking a total solutions package

Can a Humidifier Create Mold?

January 4, 2024

Although Seattle is famous for its rainy climate, the air inside most homes can still be quite dry during the winter. Colder air can’t hold nearly as much moisture as warmer air, which leads to lower relative humidity, making the air feel much drier. If you’re like many people, you may occasionally use portable humidifiers during the winter to help add moisture to your home. One issue with running a humidifier is that it can contribute to mold. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prevent a humidifier from causing mold and why a whole-home humidifier is the best choice

The 3 Types of Home Heat Pumps and How They Work

November 2, 2023

Heat pumps are energy-efficient alternatives to traditional heating and cooling systems. As appliances, heat pumps work in a manner similar to refrigerators or air conditioners. During a single cycle, a heat pump uses energy to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space. Specifically, this appliance uses electricity along with a refrigerant to “pump” or move heat from one area to another. Just like an air conditioner uses refrigerant and coils to move air, a heat pump uses energy and refrigerant to move heat. Unlike furnaces or boilers, heat pumps do not generate heat. Instead,

8 Ways to Limit Energy Loss in HVAC Air Ducts

August 30, 2023

According to the University of Florida, between 25% and 40% of heating and cooling energy is lost by ducted HVAC systems. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) asserts that a large portion of these losses exists even when ductwork is well-insulated, well-maintained, and fully sealed. If you’ve been paying a veritable fortune to regulate the temperature in your Seattle, WA home, deficiencies in your air ducts are a likely reason why. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies for limiting this energy loss. The following are eight of them. 1. Add or Improve Air Duct Insulation

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