Carbon monoxide is an incredibly dangerous gas. Since it’s colorless, odorless and otherwise undetectable, you or your loved ones could succumb to carbon-monoxide poisoning before you even know it. That’s why carbon-monoxide detectors are a must in your home. You should install one on every floor for maximum safety, and at the very least, you should install one within earshot of all sleeping areas so if a carbon monoxide leak occurs at night, you can escape the dangers.

Although winter has been unseasonably mild in the Twin Cities this year, your heating bills may still be substantial. When you’re looking for ways to save energy dollars, lowering your heating and cooling load by improving the efficiency of your HVAC equipment makes sense. Here are some steps to consider:

Improving your home’s energy efficiency begins with accurately appraising its condition in the here and now. While a comprehensive evaluation is a job for a professional energy auditor, a do-it-yourself home energy audit can point you in the general direction of issues that need closer examination. This process is something that most homeowners can do, and after you finish, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to prioritize repairs and where investments can produce the greatest benefit in energy savings.

As a homeowner, one of your main responsibilities should be to ensure that your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system is working efficiently and correctly. This can help you avoid a breakdown when you need the system most, and prevent little issues that a professional HVAC technician could fix quickly and easily from escalating into serious and potentially costly problems.

Are you tired of having to change thermostat settings manually before you leave for work or when you go to bed at night, so that you can conserve energy and decrease your energy costs? If so, installing and using a programmable thermostat might be the solution you’re looking for.

Spring is a good time to take steps that will keep your home more comfortable during the upcoming cooling season. Choosing a high efficiency air conditioning system keeps you cooler and more comfortable, and saves your energy dollars. It’s no secret that summer heat waves are as uncomfortable as the coldest days of winter, but with high efficiency air conditioning, you can enjoy indoor comfort without sacrificing your budget.

Ensuring that you’re using the proper thermostat settings and that your ductwork is sealed tight are two of the most important variables for determining heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency. If these two factors are not up to par, even the most efficient heating and cooling systems are going to underperform.

In a forced air system, some furnace noise is normal and to be expected. But when they hear unusual bangs, pops, squeals or clicks, homeowners get worried—and with good reason! 

During cold Minnesota winters, homeowners keep their windows and doors closed. While this keeps a house warm, it can also trap pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says indoor air pollution is a considerable health risk. It can cause an array of serious health problems, including:

Asthma, nasal congestion, fatigue, dry eyes and headaches, are just a few of the symptoms you may have if the indoor-air quality in your home is not up to par. Because dust contributes to pollutants in the air, take a big step toward improving air quality with these seven tips to bust the dust.