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

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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,

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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

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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

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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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What Are Ductless ACs and How Do They Operate?

April 18, 2022

What Are Ductless ACs and How Do They Operate? Ductless air conditioners, or ductless mini-splits, are heat pumps that can cool individual rooms rather than a whole home. With their compact design, they can easily be attached to the wall of any room that needs cool air, and they can even go on the ceiling. Below, we want to explain how these systems work and how they will benefit you. How Heat Pumps Work To understand how mini-splits work, you need to know how heat pumps work. These systems generate cool air by drawing

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Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

April 12, 2021

As you leave the cold Montana winter behind, you might be just as glad to stop thinking about your furnace for a while. But if you have a gas furnace, you can probably save time and money by actively turning it off instead of letting the thermostat handle it. Doing this will depend on what sort of HVAC system you have! Turning Off Your Gas Furnace for the Summer Can Save You Money You might wonder whether this step is really needed. After all, you have a thermostat, don’t you? Won’t that keep the

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The Best Ways to Heat a Garage

March 9, 2021

Garages aren’t designed to stay warm when it’s cold out. They lack insulation and have a cold concrete floor. You can use yours throughout the year, though, if you keep it at a comfortable temperature. Insulate Your Garage If you’re going to heat your garage, first insulate it so that warm air stays inside. Put insulation on the walls, ceiling, and garage doors. This will reduce the cost of heating your garage. Radiant Floor Heat Radiant floor heat is a great way to heat your garage, especially if you enjoy working on

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Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

February 8, 2021

Without a furnace sending warm air throughout your home, the winters in Kalispell would be almost unbearable. That’s why it can be so frustrating when your furnace runs but blows cold air instead of hot air. At General Sheet Metal, Inc., this is a frequent problem that we encounter in customers’ homes. Here are a few of the common culprits behind this problem. Extinguished Pilot Light In a gas furnace, the pilot light is responsible for igniting the gas in the burner when the furnace turns on. Both electronic and standard pilot lights can go out, although standard pilot

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How Long Do Furnaces Usually Last?

January 5, 2021

A furnace is a major investment in your home, so you want it to last as long as possible. There are factors that affect just how much life you can expect out of one. While some furnaces last for 40 years, they typically die between 15 to 20 years old. How Can I Help My Furnace Last? You should buy a high-quality furnace as they last significantly longer than cheap ones. Buy one from a company known for producing quality products. Make sure you hire an HVAC company that knows how to install one correctly.

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