Our Blog | HVAC Tips | General Sheet Metal in Kalispell, MT

Mini-Split vs. Ductless: What’s the Difference?

March 17, 2023

You can heat and cool your house using ductless heating and cooling systems. Ductless HVAC systems are being included in the architecture of many newer houses because of their efficiency and capacity to improve indoor living conditions. If you’re wondering whether to install a ductless system or a mini-split, keep reading. What Is a Ductless HVAC System? Ductless heating and cooling systems can heat and cool a home without moving air through ductwork. To heat and cool a home without using ductwork, a short, flexible tube is used to bring air from outside into

Will Geothermal Heat and Air Condition My Home?

February 10, 2023

As the years go by, more and more people are investing in heat pump technology. One of the biggest questions that people have about geothermal heat pumps is if they will heat and air condition their homes. The simple answer is yes, they will do both. What Does a Heat Pump Do? It’s easiest to think about heat pumps as a heat transfer system. In the winter months, your heat pump will bring heat from outdoors into your home. In the summertime, your heat pump will transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors. Therefore,

Is Indoor Air Quality Worse in Winter?

January 19, 2023

The indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home can dip when the outside temperature plummets in Kalispell, Montana. As winter sees more people relax inside, the variety and volume of airborne particulates increases. Here are three reasons why your IAQ is likely worse during the cold season. 1. Homes Are Sealed up Tight In summer and spring, it’s common practice to open windows and doors. Letting fresh air flow through your home during the warmer months clears out contaminants like volatile organic compounds. To keep your heating system

What Is the Average Life Span of a Furnace Blower Motor?

December 21, 2022

As winter rolls around in Kalispell, MT, many homeowners are dealing with furnace issues connected to their furnace blower motor. The blower motor is a crucial component of any furnace because it pushes the warm air through the house. You might be wondering how long you should expect this vital part to last? How Long Does a Furnace Blower Motor Last? The blower motor is designed to last as long as the furnace does. This can be anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The better maintained your furnace blower motor is, the longer it will hold

What Is a Furnace Limit Switch and What Does It Do?

November 18, 2022

Gas furnaces have several different components to ensure that they function correctly. One of the most critical components is the limit switch, which acts as a control for the heating system and is an important safety mechanism. Let’s take a closer look at what the limit switch is and the two different functions it serves. Controlling the Blower Fan A furnace limit switch is located inside the supply plenum, which is where the hot air flows out of the furnace. The thermostat is the primary control for the heating system, constantly measuring the temperature inside the

Should You Drain Your Furnaces Condensate Line?

October 20, 2022

If you have a furnace, then you have a condensate line. This important equipment needs to be drained regularly to keep it functioning properly. How often should you drain your furnace’s condensate line? That depends on several factors, including the type of furnace you have, the climate where you live, and how often your furnace is used. This blog post will discuss how frequently you should drain your condensate line. 1. Type of Furnace The first factor to consider is the type of furnace you have. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, drain the condensate line

Why You Shouldn’t Replace Your AC Motor Without Professional Help

September 13, 2022

If your air conditioner’s motor has gone out, you may be tempted to try replacing it yourself. However, this is a job that is best left to the professionals. Here’s why. It’s a Complex Job Replacing an AC motor is not a simple task. There are a lot of intricate parts involved, and if you’re not familiar with how they all work together, you could end up doing more harm than good. You Could Void Your Warranty If you try to replace your AC motor yourself, you could void the warranty on

4 Major Benefits of Having New Ductwork Installed

August 15, 2022

While many people tend to use the same HVAC ductwork for many years, it is important to have this equipment replaced after about 15 to 25 years. Its cleanliness and overall condition degrade significantly during this time. Technicians at General Sheet Metal, Inc. have many years of experience installing HVAC ductwork and understand the following benefits that new ducts can provide. 1. Greater Efficiency New ductwork will efficiently move air from the HVAC system to different rooms in your home. An old or aging unit, on the other hand, will wear out and develop cracks or holes that

When Is the Best Time of Year for an HVAC Installation?

July 20, 2022

Have you been mulling over the idea of getting a new HVAC unit? Well, you probably shouldn’t rush to call a technician just yet. You first need to decide if this is the best time of year to schedule your installation. Peak Season Vs. Off-season Most people choose to replace their HVAC systems during either the summer or winter seasons because these seasons are when many systems break down. These are the two seasons that most HVAC companies are the busiest. If you choose to schedule an installation during the peak season, you could find

Is Your HVAC Static Pressure Causing an Issue?

June 16, 2022

If you’ve noticed an issue with your air conditioning or heating system, you might be experiencing a problem with static pressure. The static pressure in the system must remain balanced. If it increases, it can be a sign that your system requires maintenance. Static Pressure in HVAC Systems The static pressure in a heating or air conditioning unit is the pressure caused by the resistance to airflow through the system and the ductwork. Dust or debris can sometimes cause a blockage, increasing the static pressure. Faulty or worn-out components can also increase the static pressure

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