Serving the Twin Cities For Over 50 Years

October 21 2025

The Future of Commercial HVAC: What Business Owners Should Know

Marsh Blog Contributor Commercial HVAC, Info Articles Commercial HVAC, Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, Serving the Twin Cities For Over 50 Years

As technology advances and energy efficiency becomes a greater priority, the commercial HVAC industry is evolving to meet new demands. Business owners looking to optimize costs, improve indoor air quality, and reduce their environmental footprint must stay ahead of these innovations. Here’s what you need to know about the future of commercial HVAC and how it can impact your business.

Smart HVAC Systems & Automation

Modern commercial HVAC systems are increasingly integrated with smart building technology. These systems use sensors, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and air quality in real time. Benefits include:

Increased efficiency by only using energy when and where it’s needed.
Lower operational costs through automated adjustments based on occupancy.
Remote access via mobile apps or cloud-based platforms.

The Shift to Energy-Efficient and Sustainable HVAC

With rising energy costs and stricter environmental regulations, businesses are moving toward energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Key advancements include:

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems: These allow precise temperature control in different zones, reducing waste.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling: Utilizes underground energy for a sustainable heating and cooling source.
ENERGY STAR-Certified Equipment: Designed to maximize energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

Advanced Air Purification & Filtration

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a growing concern for businesses, particularly in office buildings, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces. New filtration technologies are emerging to improve IAQ:

UV Light Air Purifiers: Reduce airborne pathogens, mold, and bacteria.
HEPA & MERV 13+ Filters: Capture more fine particles and allergens.
Bipolar Ionization: Neutralizes airborne contaminants and reduces odors.

Refrigerant Innovations & Regulatory Changes

The HVAC industry is transitioning to eco-friendly refrigerants due to regulations phasing out traditional options like R-22 and R-410A. Businesses will soon see:

Low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) Refrigerants: New options such as R-32 and R-454B are more environmentally friendly.
Higher Efficiency Cooling Systems: Future commercial HVAC systems will require fewer emissions while maintaining performance.

Demand for Electrification & Decarbonization

As governments push for reduced carbon emissions, electrification of HVAC systems is becoming a trend. More businesses are opting for:

Electric Heat Pumps: Providing both heating and cooling with lower energy consumption.
Hybrid HVAC Systems: Combining traditional furnaces with electric options to reduce overall fuel use.
Renewable Energy Integration: Some systems now pair with solar panels for added efficiency.

Predictive Maintenance & AI-Driven Diagnostics

Instead of waiting for HVAC failures, businesses can now use predictive maintenance powered by AI. These systems:

Analyze system data to detect early signs of malfunction.
Provide automated alerts for required maintenance before costly breakdowns occur.
Reduce downtime and extend the life of HVAC equipment.

Custom HVAC Solutions for Industry-Specific Needs

Different industries require specialized HVAC solutions. The future of commercial HVAC will focus on:

Retail & Hospitality: Zoned climate control for customer comfort.
Healthcare Facilities: Enhanced filtration to prevent airborne infections.
Data Centers: Precise cooling to protect sensitive equipment.
Manufacturing & Warehouses: Large-scale ventilation for safety compliance.

Future-Proof Your Business with an HVAC Upgrade

Staying ahead of these HVAC advancements can improve your business’s efficiency, air quality, and cost savings. If you’re considering upgrading your commercial HVAC system, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. With over 50 years of experience serving Minnesota businesses, we provide the latest technology and energy-efficient solutions tailored to your needs.

September 30 2025

Easy Home Upgrades to Improve Energy Efficiency

Marsh Blog Contributor HVAC Products, Thermostats, Tips and Advice Lennox Products, Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, Serving the Twin Cities For Over 50 Years

Lowering your home’s energy bills doesn’t have to mean a full renovation or investing thousands of dollars. In fact, some of the most effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency are also the easiest—and many will pay for themselves in just a few months through reduced utility costs.

Whether you’re trying to make your home more sustainable, improve comfort, or simply save money, these simple upgrades can make a big difference. From smart technology to HVAC improvements, here are five easy ways to upgrade your home and enjoy better efficiency every season.

1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system—and upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the quickest ways to reduce energy waste. Modern models, like the Lennox iComfort® smart thermostat, offer much more than basic temperature control.

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat:

✔ Control your home’s temperature remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
✔ Automatically adjusts based on your schedule, weather patterns, or when you leave the house.
✔ Offers real-time energy usage insights to help you make smarter choices.
✔ Reduces heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.

With zoning capabilities and integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, smart thermostats make efficiency easy and convenient.

2. Replace Old Light Bulbs

Still using incandescent or CFL bulbs around the house? Upgrading to LED lighting is a small change that delivers big savings.

Why LEDs Make Sense:

✔ Use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.
✔ Last up to 25 times longer, meaning fewer replacements and less waste.
✔ Available in multiple brightness levels and color temperatures for every room.
✔ Emit less heat, which helps keep rooms cooler in the summer.

Whether you’re swapping out bulbs one room at a time or upgrading your entire home, this is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency improvements you can make.

3. Seal and Insulate Ductwork

Many homeowners don’t realize that leaky ductwork is one of the biggest sources of energy waste. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that up to 30% of heated or cooled air is lost through holes, gaps, or poorly connected ducts.

Fixing Ductwork Can:

✔ Improve airflow throughout your home.
✔ Reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
✔ Help maintain consistent temperatures from room to room.
✔ Lower your monthly energy bills.

Professional duct sealing from a trusted provider like Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning ensures your HVAC system delivers air where it’s needed—without energy waste.

4. Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier or Humidifier

Indoor humidity plays a major role in your comfort—and in your HVAC system’s performance. When humidity is too high or too low, your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to compensate.

Benefits of Humidity Control:

✔ Dehumidifiers reduce sticky air and prevent mold growth in the summer.
✔ Humidifiers add moisture to dry winter air, reducing respiratory discomfort and protecting wood floors and furniture.
✔ Balanced humidity means you can run your system less often while staying comfortable.
✔ Helps protect your indoor air quality by reducing allergens and airborne irritants.

At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer whole-home humidity solutions that integrate with your existing HVAC system for precise, energy-saving results.

5. Schedule a Home Energy Audit

Sometimes, the best upgrade you can make is knowledge. A home energy audit evaluates how your home uses energy and pinpoints areas of loss or inefficiency.

A Professional Audit Can Reveal:

✔ Areas with poor insulation or drafts
✔ HVAC performance issues or inefficiencies
✔ Opportunities to upgrade appliances or systems
✔ Tips to improve air quality and comfort

Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning can conduct a thorough HVAC inspection as part of your energy audit, identifying inefficiencies like dirty coils, leaky ducts, or aging components that affect both performance and costs.

Take the Next Step Toward a More Efficient Home

At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe energy efficiency should be accessible and affordable. Whether you’re ready to install a smart thermostat, upgrade your air quality systems, or simply want to explore your home’s current performance, our team is here to help.

With over 50 years of experience serving homeowners in the Twin Cities, we provide:

Smart home system installations
Energy-efficient Lennox heating and cooling systems
Duct sealing and indoor air quality solutions
Honest recommendations tailored to your home and budget

📞 Call Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today at 763.536.0667 or visit MarshHeating.com to schedule a consultation and start saving energy—one simple upgrade at a time.

August 26 2025

Heat Pumps vs. Traditional HVAC Systems: Which Is Right for You?

Marsh Blog Contributor Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Info Articles New Furnace, New Furnace Installation, Serving the Twin Cities For Over 50 Years

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, choosing the right system can have a big impact on your comfort, energy efficiency, and utility costs. Heat pumps and traditional HVAC systems each have their own advantages, and the best choice depends on your climate, budget, and specific needs. Since Minnesota experiences bitterly cold winters, selecting the most effective heating system is crucial. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which system is right for you.

How They Work

Heat Pumps: Transfer heat rather than generating it. They extract heat from the air or ground and move it inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
Traditional HVAC Systems: Typically consist of a furnace for heating and an air conditioner for cooling. Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel, while AC units remove heat from indoor air.

Energy Efficiency

Heat Pumps: More energy-efficient in moderate climates, but in extreme cold temperatures, their efficiency drops, requiring supplemental heating.
Traditional HVAC Systems: Furnaces, especially high-efficiency gas models, provide consistent and reliable heat even during Minnesota’s harsh winters.

Climate Considerations

Heat Pumps: Best suited for milder climates, though cold-climate models have improved, they may still struggle in subzero temperatures without backup heating.
Traditional HVAC Systems: The best option for extreme cold climates like Minnesota, where a powerful furnace ensures dependable heat throughout winter.

Installation and Upfront Costs

Heat Pumps: Generally have a higher initial cost but offer lower operating expenses over time in moderate climates. However, in extremely cold regions, supplemental heating costs may negate those savings.
Traditional HVAC Systems: Furnaces and air conditioners have a lower upfront cost and are the more practical choice for Minnesota’s long, frigid winters.

Lifespan and Maintenance

Heat Pumps: Typically last around 15 years with proper maintenance. Since they run year-round for both heating and cooling, they may require more frequent servicing.
Traditional HVAC Systems: Furnaces can last 20 years or more, while air conditioners usually last around 15 years. Given the extreme winters in Minnesota, a reliable furnace is a long-term investment.

Environmental Impact

Heat Pumps: More eco-friendly as they don’t rely on burning fossil fuels and can be powered by renewable energy sources, but in extremely cold weather, they may need supplemental electric or gas heating.
Traditional HVAC Systems: Gas furnaces produce emissions but are a necessity in extremely cold regions where heat pumps may not perform efficiently.

Comfort and Performance

Heat Pumps: Provide even and consistent heating in moderate temperatures, but may struggle in extreme cold.
Traditional HVAC Systems: Furnaces generate powerful, high-temperature heat, which is essential for Minnesota’s freezing winters.

Financial Incentives

Heat Pumps: Qualify for various rebates and tax incentives due to their energy efficiency, though their savings in extremely cold climates may be limited.
Traditional HVAC Systems: May qualify for some rebates, and the cost savings of a furnace in extreme winters often outweigh the benefits of a heat pump.

Which System Is Right for You?

For Minnesota homeowners, a traditional furnace and air conditioner system is generally the best choice due to the state’s harsh winter conditions. While heat pumps can be efficient in milder climates, they may struggle to provide sufficient warmth when temperatures drop well below freezing. If energy efficiency is a priority, hybrid systems that combine a heat pump with a furnace can offer a good balance.

Consult the Experts Still unsure which HVAC system is right for your home? Contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today! With over 50 years of experience serving Minnesota homeowners, we can help you choose the best solution for your comfort and efficiency needs.

July 1 2025

Best HVAC Filters for Commercial Spaces: What You Need to Know

Marsh Blog Contributor Commercial HVAC, Construction, HVAC Products, Info Articles Commercial HVAC, Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, Serving the Twin Cities For Over 50 Years

Choosing the right HVAC filter for a commercial space is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ), energy efficiency, and system longevity. With various options available, selecting the best filter depends on the specific needs of your facility. Here’s what you need to know about commercial HVAC filters and how to choose the right one for your business.

Understanding MERV Ratings

HVAC filters are rated using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system, which measures their ability to capture airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter:

MERV 1-4: Basic filtration for large particles like dust and lint; suitable for warehouses and industrial settings with minimal air quality concerns.
MERV 5-8: Captures smaller particles such as mold spores and pet dander; commonly used in commercial offices and retail spaces.
MERV 9-12: Provides better filtration for finer particles, including bacteria and dust mites; ideal for schools, office buildings, and hospitals.
MERV 13-16: High-efficiency filters that capture smoke, viruses, and allergens; recommended for medical facilities and clean environments.

Types of Commercial HVAC Filters

Fiberglass Filters: Inexpensive and disposable but offer low filtration efficiency.
Pleated Filters: Made from polyester or cotton folds, providing improved filtration while maintaining airflow.
Electrostatic Filters: Use static charge to attract particles, improving air quality in high-traffic areas.
HEPA Filters: Capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles, making them ideal for hospitals, labs, and high-sensitivity environments.
Activated Carbon Filters: Excellent for removing odors, smoke, and chemical pollutants, commonly used in restaurants and industrial facilities.

Choosing the Right Filter for Your Business

Consider the following factors when selecting an HVAC filter:

Industry Requirements: Healthcare and manufacturing industries may require HEPA or high-MERV filters to meet regulatory standards.
Building Occupancy: Spaces with high foot traffic benefit from filters with better pollutant control (MERV 9+).
Allergen Control: Offices and schools may require filters that reduce airborne allergens for improved occupant health.
Energy Efficiency: Higher MERV filters may reduce airflow if not compatible with your system; consult an HVAC professional to balance filtration and efficiency.

Maintaining Commercial HVAC Filters

Regular Replacement: Filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality needs.
Scheduled Maintenance: Professional HVAC inspections ensure filters and ductwork are clean and functioning efficiently.
Monitor Air Quality: Using IAQ sensors can help determine when filters need replacement and if additional filtration is needed.

Improve Air Quality with the Right HVAC Filter

Selecting the best HVAC filter for your commercial space is essential for employee health, energy efficiency, and HVAC system longevity. If you need expert advice on choosing and maintaining commercial air filters, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Contact us today for tailored solutions to keep your business’s air clean and safe.

June 19 2025

How to Get Your Home Ready for Every Season—With the Help of a Smart HVAC System

Marsh Blog Contributor HVAC Products, Info Articles Brooklyn Park HVAC Experts, Serving the Twin Cities For Over 50 Years

Every season brings different challenges for your home’s comfort and energy use. Preparing your home year-round doesn’t just protect your property—it also keeps energy costs low and comfort levels high. A smart HVAC system makes this easier than ever.

Season-by-Season Home Prep

✔ Spring: Check AC unit, change filters, schedule maintenance.

✔ Summer: Seal windows and doors, use ceiling fans to boost cooling.

✔ Fall: Inspect heating systems, clean gutters, check insulation.

✔ Winter: Protect pipes, schedule a furnace tune-up, monitor indoor humidity.

The Role of a Smart HVAC System

✔ Automatically adjusts temperature settings based on your schedule.

✔ Improves energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

✔ Alerts you to maintenance needs before small issues become big repairs.

Upgrade with a Lennox iComfort® Smart Thermostat

✔ Remote control from your smartphone.

✔ Learns your habits to optimize efficiency.

✔ Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Stay Comfortable Year-Round with Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning

We specialize in smart thermostat installations, seasonal maintenance, and Lennox system upgrades designed to keep your home ready for anything.

📞 Schedule your smart upgrade with Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today! 763.536.0667

(763)-536-0667

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