HVAC Archives - Woodward Heating Air Plumbing

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

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

7 Ways to Transition Your HVAC From Summer to Fall

September 10, 2024

Your HVAC system is an important appliance that keeps you comfortable throughout the year. However, for your HVAC system to operate effectively, you need to properly maintain it and ensure it is ready for a change in seasons. While you are using your air conditioner in the summer, the components that operate your furnace sit unused and can run into issues when you go to turn on the heat for the first time. Here are seven ways you can help your HVAC system transition from summer to fall and be ready for the upcoming demand you will place on your

How Humidity Affects Your HVAC Efficiency

August 19, 2024

Humidity is a natural and needed part of the air, helping keep things moist, and weighing down airborne contaminants so they drop from the air. However, uncontrolled humidity is problematic for your HVAC system, comfort, and health. Use this guide to understand the ideal indoor humidity, four ways poorly controlled humidity affects your HVAC efficiency, signs of high or low humidity and how to better control your home’s humidity throughout the year. What Is Humidity and What Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity? Humidity is the moisture that’s naturally part of the air. It’s typically measured in

How Your HVAC System Can Help With Wildfire Season

July 10, 2024

Wildfires are becoming increasingly common and creating serious issues for people in many different parts of the country. It isn’t just wildfires near your home that you need to worry about. The smoky air from wildfires can travel hundreds or thousands of miles. The concern is that wildfire smoke creates serious air quality issues since it contains fine particles that are unhealthy to breathe in. These particles can lead to your eyes and nose running and even cause bronchitis. Smoky air is especially a concern to people with chronic lung or heart disease since it can exacerbate these illnesses and

14 Ways to Reduce Your AC Bill This Summer

June 3, 2024

Summertime in Salem, OR, is the time of year that most people look forward to scheduling vacation time and spending more time outdoors. However, one part of summer you’re likely not looking forward to is the rise in your energy bill. Fortunately, by implementing some of the tips that we’re going to go over below, you can help reduce your AC usage and lower your energy bills this summer. Block Out the Sunlight Direct sunlight can cause a tremendous increase in temperature. If you’re letting direct sunlight pour into the rooms of your home, your air