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Understanding Variable-Speed HVAC Systems

May 14, 2025

If your Salem, OR home is like most, it likely depends on a single-speed HVAC system for year-round comfort. They are by far the most common type of HVAC unit found in American homes. However, they’re not the only option available. When the time comes for a new HVAC unit, you’ll likely encounter variable-speed HVAC systems during your search. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they can deliver significant benefits you’ll love. Courtesy of our AC and heating services experts, here’s everything you need to know about variable-speed HVAC systems to decide if one is right for you.

Cool Outside, Cool Inside: How To Landscape for Maximum HVAC Performance

May 5, 2025

When you think about saving energy in your home, you look indoors at things like sealing windows, adjusting thermostats, or upgrading insulation. Doing these things can improve energy efficiency, but you can also lower your energy bills and help your HVAC system last longer by taking specific steps outdoors. Your landscaping choices can have a direct impact on the workload your heating and cooling system has to endure and how much energy it uses along the way. Thoughtful landscaping involves more than curb appeal because you can create a yard that’s harmonious with your home HVAC

How to Keep Your HVAC System Safe During Spring Storms

April 9, 2025

Spring storms bring not just rain and thunder but also power surges that can seriously mess with your HVAC system. These quick bursts of electricity might not seem like a big deal, but they can damage sensitive components or knock out your cooling when needed. That’s why surge protection and storm prep matter this time of year. At Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem, OR, we help homeowners get ahead of the weather with smart steps that keep your equipment running and your home comfortable, no matter what’s happening outside. Why Spring Weather Creates a Risk for Your HVAC

HRV vs. ERV: Which Is the Right Ventilation for Your Home?

April 2, 2025

Modern home construction techniques achieve tight building envelopes. The upside is that highly efficient homes are more comfortable and cheaper to heat and cool. The downside is that there is little to no natural ventilation. A solution is to install a mechanical ventilation system. There are three core types: whole-house fans, heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). Let’s explore the key differences between them. Whole-House Fans Whole-house fans are ventilation systems that draw air from a home’s living spaces into its attic. Fresh air enters through natural ventilation, such as open windows and

Harnessing the Sun: How You Can Integrate Solar Panels With Your Home’s HVAC System

March 13, 2025

Between growing environmental concerns and rising energy costs, an increasing number of homeowners are open to ideas that let them reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption where they live. One potentially effective means of achieving this is integrating your home’s HVAC system with solar technology. Doing this can make your home more sustainable, increase your energy efficiency, and save you money on utility bills. Knowing the process, benefits, and pertinent factors helps you make an informed decision about making the switch. Integrating HVAC With Solar: A 5-Step Process Professionals from the HVAC and solar industries

Beyond Basic Filters: Innovative Approaches to Air Purification

March 6, 2025

Your furnace houses a standard filter that removes large particulate matter from the air circulating through your HVAC system. Unfortunately, this filter doesn’t do much for smaller contaminants, often leading to an increase in allergy symptoms, airway irritation, headaches, and fatigue. There are various advanced air filtration options available for use in your Salem, OR home. The Basics of Standard Filters The filter in your furnace likely features a fiberglass or pleated design. It can trap particles that are approximately 0.3 microns in size. Ultrafine particles are around 0.1 microns and account for more than 90%

What Are The Benefits To Smart Thermostats?

February 10, 2025

For more than a decade, smart thermostats have helped people maintain steady temperatures in their homes. Learn about the top benefits that a smart thermostat can offer your home in Salem, OR. Energy Savings Smart thermostats can reduce the amount of energy you use to cool and warm your home. Studies have shown that many homeowners use on average 10% less energy per year. These energy savings help you make your home more environmentally friendly and can significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Cost Savings Reducing your home’s energy use likewise can

Whole-Home Humidifiers vs. Portable Units: Finding Your Perfect Indoor Balance

February 3, 2025

Dry air can make your home feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, a humidifier is an easy and affordable way to remedy this problem. Once you start shopping for one, you’ll find that there are many options available. While this process may seem overwhelming at first, comparing the two main types of humidifiers will help you narrow down your choices. Portable Versus Whole-Home Humidifiers A portable humidifier is a small device that can easily move from one room to another to add humidity. They moisturize the air by turning water into vapor. Depending on the size, portable humidifiers usually

How To Decide if Geothermal HVAC Is a Practical Option

January 20, 2025

If your Salem, OR, home needs a new HVAC system, you have plenty of options. By far, the most efficient choice you can make is to install a geothermal HVAC model. However, those come with significant costs and represent a long-term investment in your home. Before you make that kind of commitment, it’s worth understanding more about how geothermal HVAC works. Here’s a complete explanation of geothermal HVAC so that you can decide if it’s a practical option for your home. What Is Geothermal HVAC? Geothermal HVAC systems aren’t very different from conventional air conditioners. Both

Radiant Floor Heating vs. Forced-Air: Pros and Cons for Oregon’s Winters

January 13, 2025

When the cold months roll in, finding the right heating system for your home becomes a top priority, especially in a climate like Oregon’s, where winters can be wet and chilly. Two popular options to consider are radiant floor heating and forced-air systems. Both have their advantages, but the choice between them depends on your specific needs, home layout, and how much you value comfort and efficiency. At Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem, OR, we help homeowners choose, install, and maintain the best heating systems for their homes, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

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