Mini Split Musings: Alpine Ductless Blog

Why DIY is Not the Way to Go for Ductless Heating and Cooling Installation

Before you start installing a new ductless heating and cooling system, make sure that you’re aware of the risks involved with major DIY projects and installations. A professional has the tools, knowledge, and expertise needed to make the ductless heating and cooling installation smooth and successful.

Questions To Ask When Interviewing A Ductless Heating Installer

Installing a new heating system in your home can be a tough task. Between choosing the most energy-efficient or cost-effective option and hiring the right contractor, there is a lot to think about before starting the job. One of the most critical choices is deciding who will do the work. This isn’t a matter of going online and choosing the company with the flashiest website or the lowest prices, there are questions you need to ask any ductless heating installer before hiring them.

3 Ways To Save Money On Heating Without Sacrificing Comfort

One thing homeowners can always expect in the winter is a higher heating bill. However, that does not mean you’re stuck paying as much as possible. We’ve got some tips to help you keep your costs under control that don’t involve having to spend a lot of money, to begin with.

How to Navigate the Energy Rebate Maze

Most Washington utility companies offer significant cash rebates for switching to ductless heating and cooling. The biggest issue, however, is that if you go into the rebate process blindly, it can seem rather overwhelming. To help you take the stress out of it, we’ve put together a short guide to help explain everything in a more digestible manner.

Why Ductless Is The Answer To Olympia’s Spring Temperature Changes

Spring is a transitional time, so while things will warm up, and lead to hot, pleasant, summer days, there can be a lot of back and forth between seasonal extremes before summer comes to stay. The unpredictable spring temperatures are a great reason for Olympia homeowners to invest in a ductless heating and cooling system.

Red Flags You’re Working With The Wrong Ductless Heating Installer

A ductless heating system can be a great, energy efficient addition to a home that can provide years of reliable comfort, and even increase your property value, but only if it’s done right. Doing it right hinges entirely on the team you hire to install it. So how do make sure you avoid a bad team that does a poor job, or worse yet, a scammer just out to part you from your money?

What To Look For In A Ductless Heating Installer In Olympia, WA

If you’re thinking of going with a ductless heating system, that’s a great choice! However, there’s one crucial step you need to take seriously, and that’s picking the right installer to do the job for you. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when making this selection.

Ductless Pays for Itself

Ductless Heat Pumps have been shown time and again to be energy efficient. They use much less energy to maintain comfortable year-round temperatures in your home, saving you money on your utility bills and keeping cash in your wallet. Studies show most homeowners using electric heat can expect to save 25% to 50% off of their heating bills.

A Failing Heating and Cooling System...Know the Signs

Many of us are practitioners of procrastination. We delay the boring or expensive homeowner tasks or purchases until we are absolutely forced to deal with them. For instance, replacing an old furnace system verses going to Europe...a no brainer. Europe, here we come. The furnace may survive another season, but we may not have another chance to see Rome!

Ductless...Great for Realtors

We recently received a call from someone who had scheduled a free, in-home estimate with us for a ductless heat pump. He contacted us because a home he was selling needed an updated heating system. But on the advice of his Realtor, he decided to cancel his appointment...She convinced him that a new, energy-efficient ductless system was not worth the investment. It occurred to me that there may be many Realtors who would benefit from learning about the advantages of Ductless for the Real Estate industry.

Is Your Home Leaking?

If your utility bills seem extraordinarily high, or you can’t seem to get warm (or cool) despite constantly adjusting the thermostat, consider having a home energy audit performed. A home energy audit will give you information about your home’s energy performance. This simple evaluation can help you make the decision to upgrade to a more efficient heating and air conditioning system, such as a ductless heat pump, or just manage the causes of energy loss. Professional home energy auditors may use a blower door test, thermography, or a combination of both to determine the sources of your home or building’s air leaks, thus energy loss.

Alpine Ductless: Ductless Heat Pumps Are The Environmentally Responsible Choice

Ductless heat pumps are environmentally responsible heating and air conditioning systems. That’s why we chose to sell and install them. Here are some of the ways that ductless systems are considered ‘green’.

Alpine Ductless: Hire a Professional Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor

When hiring a Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor, remember four things: Ask for a recommendation from sources you trust; choose one who is experienced, licensed, bonded and insured; and choose a contractor who is trained and specializes in Ductless Technology. Be sure to refer to manufacturer's and preferred contractor lists, and lists from utilities and other organizations who know ductless.

Heating and Air Conditioning Rebate Change for Thurston County!

Thurston Energy, with Alpine Ductless, is still offering their "Cold Cash for Power" energy rebates but only until June, 2017. Don't miss out on these generous rebates...Our schedule fills up fast!

A Ductless Heat Pump is a Beautiful Thing

Although we find Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning systems to be, well, beautiful, we know that there are still some objections out there that may just be based on some incorrect information. Let's talk about those objections. Before long, you may just see what we see...that a ductless system, with its quiet operation, cool technology and energy-efficiency features is a work of art!

Utility Bills Lowered with Ductless

At the beginning of March, we launched our big project in Kent updating 18 duplex units with Fujitsu ductless WiFi-enabled single-zone units. Soon, some lucky tenants will be getting much needed relief on their monthly utility bills.

Renewable Energy Dreams

When Cory, and his partner, Mike, created Alpine Ductless, it was because they wanted to have a business that reflected their values and did something good for the planet, therefore, something good for people. Alpine was started because ductless heat pumps are clean and energy-efficient; and when compared to traditional forms of heating and air conditioning, are better for our planet, because they use less energy to heat the same space.

Thurston Energy's Cold Cash for Power

Thurston Energy Is still offering their Cold Cash for Power energy rebates. Don't miss out on these generous rebates. Get 30% off the cost of energy efficiency upgrades up to $1500 PLUS rebates on Ductless Heat Pumps of up to $1000. Designed specifically for homes that are heated with propane, oil or wood, and/or are rental homes, this rebate will help property owners save on the cost of weatherization projects, and the purchase and installation of Ductless Heat Pump Systems. In order to be eligible for this rebate, the home must be located in Thurston County and be primarily heated by Propane, Oil, or Wood, and/or be a Rental. Other restrictions apply. See website for more details.

Surviving a Cold Snap!

The Northwest cold snap is about to end! It was a bit harsh...The lake near our house stayed frozen for about two weeks lessening the available open water for the ducks and geese who live on it, driving was a bit more treacherous than usual, and I’m sure that a few of my plants will not be around come Spring. Such is the Nature of Life.

Being Grateful in 2017

This New Year’s, we celebrated by being thankful for all the good things that we've enjoyed this year. Today, we honored the day by having a traditional family meal with all of the trimmings. It was peaceful, pleasant and in no time, we needed a walk. We ended up going for a walk around a local lake. The North wind was really kicking up and it was frigid. Despite bundling up and walking fast, we were quite frozen by the time we were done.

Happy Holidays!

Stay Warm All Through the House...with Ductless

Northwest winters are not as harsh as in other regions. But when the temperature dips and the humidity climbs, the weather can chill your bones. And that's when people with traditional heating system turn those thermostats up and huddle up in the warm zone. But with a ductless heat system, you don't have to stay rooted to one room...just use your remote or thermostat to adjust your comfort and you're done. "Set it, and forget it"!

Stylish and Sleek Indoor Unit

The indoor head of a Ductless Heat Pump is the unit that is mounted on the wall and distributes heat or air conditioning. Inside the indoor head, or unit, air moves through coils that heat (or cool) air from outside. That air is circulated throughout the room to keep the temperature consistent and comfortable. The appearance of the indoor wall-mounted unit has stayed pretty much the same. But now, we’re happy to be able to offer a sleek and stylish indoor unit head option for multi-zone systems: The Daikin Emura Indoor Unit.

Alpine Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning in the Spotlight!

In October, Alpine Ductless was featured in the "Contractor Spotlight" section of the Halcyon Herald, a publication of Fujitsu General. Fujitsu is a major manufacturer of Ductless Heat Pumps in the United States, and offers products that Alpine Ductless is proud to offer. Here are some of the highlights from that article.

Tax Credits on DHPs Mean Greater Savings

When you choose a Ductless Heat Pump, it’s important to choose a system with an Energy Star certification. When you choose an Energy Star system certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency, you may qualify for a federal tax credit.

Ductless Heat Pumps are Permanent

We have been enjoying meeting people at the Washington State Fair for the last two weeks. Last Saturday was a particularly hot day and attendance was at a maximum.

Remote Reminder

So, the rain's back. I have to turn on the lights in the morning because it's getting dark again. I'm hauling out the sweaters and jackets. And, I've had to change my Ductless Heat Pump from air conditioning to heat. It seems as if Summer is taking a bow.

Size and Design Matter!

This weekend, we experienced the sad result of a ductless heating and air conditioning system that was improperly sized and designed. The system, quite simply was undersized for the load it was expected to service. That’s why I’ve decided to write this blog as a reminder to everyone that it is so important to hire specialists when installing a ductless system. Size of the system really matters!

Meet Us at the Fair!

Who can resist a fair? The smells, the sounds, the rides, the food; and the displays celebrating the accomplishments of our residents...

Summer Heat Advisory... Local Utility Rebates to the Rescue!

It’s here...That unrelenting summer sun of August. This year, we’ve had a gradual and pleasant build-up to the 90 degree temperatures that are predicted. Even so, nothing really prepares you for those days that feel almost dangerously hot! If you’ve planned ahead, and had a ductless heat pump installed, you’re in great shape! You’ll be ready for the winter winds in our future.

Real Savings

The above chart is a comparison of the Kilowatts per hour used by an Alpine Ductless client from January 2011 to December of 2012. Over the course of the two years, no changes were made to the occupants of the house and/or to the house itself, with the exception of the Ductless Heat Pump, which was installed on March 12, 2012, and a new refrigerator, which was installed in August of 2012.

Could You, Should You, DIY?

In this age of do-it-yourself-ing, the more industrious of us might be tempted to think that installing a ductless heat pump without benefit of an installer is do-it-yourself-able. While it’s possible to do most of the work yourself with the purchase of a small chest of special tools, and way more trips to the hardware store than a do-it-yourself plumbing job takes, there are parts of the operation that you simply cannot do without specialized tools and knowledge.

Ductless in a Nutshell

Ductless Heat Pump commercials are now showing up on TV. And if you have watched the Home and Garden channel lately, you will see they are dotting all the walls of the international homes. I counted them in every home profiled last night.

What's This Button For?

The weather this month has been interesting here in the Puget Sound area. Every morning for the past three weeks, we’ve awakened to a low cloud cover that burns off toward the end of the day. Those clouds are thick and full of moisture. In the winter, we would get a lot of rain as a result, but during the summer months, the trapped moisture and the relatively warm temperatures is serving to make everything just damp and muggy.

Can a Tiny House Be Your Dream House?

I’ve been thinking lately about Tiny Houses. They appeal to me. Maybe they remind me of when I was a little girl playing with the miniatures in my neighbor’s doll house. The definition of a tiny house is one that is between 100 and 400 square feet. Considering that the average square footage of the American home is around 2,600 square feet, that’s quite a significant difference!

Not on MY Wall... Well, Okay

As homeowners, we are usually very particular about how we decorate our homes. They are, after all, our nests and therefore, extensions of ourselves. We fuss over decorating styles, furniture and paint colors. We pour over magazines and surf the web to try to find a 'look' we want to achieve. There’s modern, mid-century, country, urban, etc. And, for those who follow such things, the trends seem to change every three months!

Vacationing Without Our DHP

We finally treated ourselves recently to a hard-earned vacation in a very hot place, and as we eagerly climbed the steps to our new condo, dripping with sweat from 90-degree weather and 90 percent humidity (well, it felt like that), we knew that as soon as we opened the door to that unit, we’d be welcomed by a nice frigid blast of cold air from the air conditioner. But, not so!

Clean Those Filters!

Ductless heat pumps are great little machines. They not only heat and cool your home or business, but they also clean the air and dehumidify. They are the kind of system that you can just set and forget, trusting that they will keep you comfy, so it can be easy to just take them for granted and forget to clean the filters on the indoor head.

What's Your Sign (or Microbial Cloud)?

It turns out that we all have a unique ‘fingerprint.' It’s called our microbial cloud. Our unique microbial cloud (think Pigpen) is made up of bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses. It’s like an aura.

Rentals, Rebates, and Cost-Reductions

Most rental property owners are always on the lookout for cost-effective upgrades to make their property more attractive to prospective renters and keep existing renters, well renting.

Got Garbage? We Recycle!

At Alpine Ductless, we believe in helping to protect our planet and its natural resources. That is why we sell and install ductless heat pumps, an incredibly energy efficient way of heating and cooling your home. Ductless heat pumps save energy by using significantly less electricity than more traditional furnaces or heat pumps while keeping you very comfortable in your home or business. We are proud to be able to offer such a “green” product that not only saves energy but also saves you money and keeps you comfortable.

Filters 101: Spring Cleaning

A Ductless Heat Pump System can be so quiet and comfortable, that after the initial purchase and install, it can be easy to forget you even have one! Once you determine how you want your system set, your DHP will consistently keep the temperature of your space exactly how you like it. Ductless Heat Pumps are really one of those "set it and forget it" type of systems. This is a real bonus, because really, who needs one more thing to think about daily?

Ducted vs. Ductless... What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between a ducted system, and a ductless system? It may seem like an obvious question, but the answer could help you make a more informed choice for your heating and air-conditioning needs.

Ductless Heat Pumps Offer Design Flexibility!

While a ductless system is perfect for heating and cooling an entire house, it is custom-made for homeowners who want to add on to their home, but extending the existing duct work is not feasible. It can be challenging to meld an existing footprint of a home with the design of a new addition. Sometimes, heating and cooling design issues trump aesthetics. Ductless systems offer design flexibility because they require no duct work.

It's Great to be Green!

Alpine Ductless was among many of the local businesses showcased at the recent Green Forum, sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. The Green Forum was designed to recognize the efforts of businesses who are actively reducing, in some fashion, their impact on our planet. These businesses, large and small, save energy and water and reduce waste. As a result of their conservation efforts, they also save money.

Alpine Ductless is Always Learning

At Alpine Ductless, we are committed to training and keeping up on current product and vendor information. Recently, Cory, and one of our installers, Chad Axtman, attended an important training event at the Fujitsu Headquarters, in Fairfield, New Jersey. They spent two days learning about product updates, and installation techniques. They met their counterparts in other ductless heating companies, from around the country.

Ductless Heat Pumps Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution has become an issue of growing concern and safety, especially for those suffering from chronic health conditions. There can be both short and long term effects from exposure to indoor air pollutants, and young children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.

Alpine Ductless Celebrates its Fourth Birthday!

Four years ago, Mike Meisenheimer and Cory Eckert, friends who met while training for the White Pass ski patrol, began to discuss starting a business selling and installing ductless heat pumps, which were a relatively new idea for the Pacific Northwest. Cory had just started using them in his home building business, and after discussing the possibilities, Mike was intrigued.

So, What is a Mini-Split???

A “Mini-Split” might sound like something that happens when you try to squeeze yourself into a pair of too-small skinny jeans. Or maybe it calls to mind a gymnastic move performed by the not-so-flexible. But in the world of HVAC, a Mini-Split is nothing to be embarrassed about, and definitely not sub-par. In fact it is something to aspire to!

Tacoma Remodeling Expo!!

Spring is (almost) in the air and it is a great time to think about those home remodeling projects you have been meaning to get around to. This weekend, March 4 through 6th, is the Tacoma Remodeling Expo held at the Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center. This event is a great opportunity to connect with knowledgeable and experienced contractors, designers and building experts to help make your remodeling dreams become reality.

Do I Need One of Those in Every Room?

It is a common misconception about Ductless Heat Pumps that you need an air handler, or "head" in every room, but this is almost never the case. A single head system, if properly sized, can heat and cool up to 1500 square feet or even more depending upon your home’s building envelope and air flow.

But Isn't Electric Heat a Bad Idea?

Some people think choosing to heat a space with electric heat is inherently bad. They may have heard that electric heat is inefficient and wasteful, not to mention expensive. And this certainly might be the case with heat types such as electric baseboard, wall heaters, or even electric furnaces, but certainly is not the case with the Ductless Heat Pump.

The Data Does Not Lie!! DHPs Proven More Efficient!!

Alpine Ductless is proud and honored to be a part of this project by supplying the systems for these homes. We are thrilled that the home owners are staying comfortable and saving money!

Get a Free Daikin Indoor Unit!!

Tacoma Power Study Evaluates Ductless Heat Pump Efficiency

Big Savings from Going Ductless!!

Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air?

Recently, when we were in the thick of some freezing temperatures here in the Pacific Northwest, we heard from a new customer who said that although his house felt comfortable, his new Ductless Heat Pump seemed to be blowing "cold" air.

Thanks, Fujitsu!!

Just a short and sweet post today to give a shout out to Fujitsu. Thanks for keeping us covered during our typical winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest!! These little shelters sure do make a wet job that much easier and we are grateful to our supplier, Fujitsu America, for providing us with these handy little tents.

What's That Noise??

Ductless heat pumps are remarkably quiet during operation. In fact, most manufacturers refer to their systems as “whisper quiet.” And many of our customers tell us they are surprised how quiet their new system is – sometimes even checking to make sure the unit is turned on! But a Ductless Heat Pump can make some noises, and most are a part of normal operation. In addition to the low-level fan sound of both indoor and outdoor units, you may hear “whirring,” “clicking,” or “rushing fluid.”

Christmas Lights: Should I Go LED?

Most of us are aware that the energy savings from LED light bulbs can make them a good deal over time even if they do cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs up front, but it can be hard to determine if the savings is the same for holiday lights that most of us only use a few weeks a year.

Don't Neglet to Clean Those Filters!

Thurston Energy Cold Cash!!

Thurston Energy has re-launched their popular heating and weatherization rebate known as ColdCa$h for POW&R for the 2015-2016 heating season and Alpine Ductless is an approved vendor!

Fujitsu RLS3 Ductless Heat Pump Commercial

Here's a great overview of Fujitsu's RLS3 single zone DHPs; significant improvements in comfort and efficiency. Alpine Ductless is proud to be an Elite Dealer with Fujitsu.

Save Money and Stay Warm This Winter With a Ductless Heat Pump

Of course by now, we all know the statistics. Ductless Heat Pumps have been shown time and again to be energy efficient. They use much less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, saving you money on your utility bills and keeping cash in your wallet. Studies show most using electric heat can expect to save 25% to 50% off of their heating bills.

Do Ductless Heat Pumps Provide Uneven Heating and Cooling?

This is another question we get here at Alpine, and an easy assumption to make really, given the history of single system heating and/or cooling units in our country.

I Need One of Those in Every Room, Right?

The above is a common question we get here at Alpine Ductless. People take one look at the air handler component of the Ductless Heat Pump system, probably think about furnace vents or even those air conditioner units often seen in hotel rooms, and assume they need an indoor head in each and every room of their house or business. Please allow us to set the record straight! This is almost never the case.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Fall has arrived in the Pacific Northwest!! The nights are getting cooler and the skies are turning gray. Fall means time to pull out the sweaters and think about preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Here are some good tips that we could all benefit from this time of year.

Tiny House Revolution

Tiny houses seem to be all the rage these days. Whether you are downsizing from a larger home or purchasing your first starter home, a “tiny” house can help you save money and cut back on the expenses of maintaining a larger space.

Fall Is In The Air!

The nights are turning cool in the Pacific Northwest and the leaves are turning lovely shades of orange, yellow and red. Temperatures are starting to trend downward and some of us are firing up the old heaters for the season. Hello Fall!!

Washington State Fair!

It is that time of year again, time for Washington State’s largest fair, formerly known as “The Puyallup” but now called the Washington State Fair!

Ductless Heat Pumps Supplement Existing HVAC Systems

Ductless Heat Pumps are often installed to replace an existing zonal heating/cooling system such as electric baseboard/wall units, wood stoves and other space heaters such as propane and kerosene. But, they can also be used zonally in an area of your space to supplement existing heating or cooling and increase overall comfort.

Maintaining Your DHP (Ductless Heat Pump)

Some customers ask us what they can do to keep their new Ductless Heat Pump System running like new. We love this question because the steps involved are short and sweet, not to mention really easy!

Fujitsu Elite Dealer

Alpine Ductless is excited and proud to announce we have been named a Fujitsu Elite Contractor! As a Fujitsu Elite Contractor, we are distinguished from other contractors because of the premier level of training we have earned, and the support and service we provide to our customers.

Cleaning the Coil in Your Ductless Heat Pump

Check out the latest video from our youtube channel! In this one, Cory shows you how to clean your Ductless System.

Four Hours to a New Ductless Heat Pump!

Throwback Thursday!! We decided to resurrect this post from the Summer of 2012 because of the great video footage showing the installation of a Ductless Heat Pump System.

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. is Feeling the Cool!

We recently installed a new Ductless Heat Pump at Olympia Coffee Roaster’s on Olympia’s west side and they are now keeping comfy and cool during the current heat wave this summer!

Ductless Heat Pumps Keep Your Indoor Air Clean!

Do you like clean air in your indoor space? Well, you are in luck because Ductless Heat Pumps are not only great for heating and cooling, but they can also filter your home’s air.

Congratulations, Alpine!

Alpine Ductless, a specialty HVAC contracting business with its headquarters in Olympia WA, achieved a significant milestone recently, with the installation of its 1,000th ductless heat pump. Alpine is unique in that they focus exclusively on Ductless Heat Pumps (DHPs). The company was founded by Cory Eckert and Mike Meisenheimer in March, 2012.

Dehumidification: Say That Three Times Fast!

Did you know Ductless Heat Pumps not only heat and cool, but can also dehumidify the air in your home? This operation can influence the comfort level of your home environment and help save you money which is always a good thing.

Duck Daze

Come join us at Duck Daze this weekend in University Place! The festival will be held on Saturday June 7th, with the parade kicking off things at 10 am. Although the car show starts even earlier than that, at 9 am. After the parade, there is going to be a full day of entertainment in Market Square featuring local vendors selling food, arts and crafts and of course, Ductless Heat Pumps! 6/5/2014

Summer Heat Can Be Beat with a Ductless System!

Are you worried that you can’t beat the summer heat? A Ductless Heat Pump is not just for heating, it provides air conditioning too! And now is a great time to take advantage of Tacoma Power’s great Ductless Heat Pump rebate/loan program so you can enjoy that cool air this summer.

Go Ductless This Summer!

If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for any length of time, you already know that it can get pretty warm here in the summer months. So warm that it could have a person wishing for some A/C on those hot days. Have you ever stood in front of your refrigerator on a summer day, trying to cool off but telling yourself you really weren’t wasting energy, you were just looking for those leftovers from last night’s dinner?

Single Mitsubishi Minisplit Heats Entire Home in CT

Check out this really cool video about how a single zone Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump can heat and cool an entire home!

Keys to a Great Ductless Heat Pump Installation

What separates a typical Ductless Heat Pump installation from a really great one? Here are a few key elements to keep in mind:

Happy Anniversary, Alpine Ductless!!

Once upon a time, one of our owners, Cory Eckert, installed a system in his own house wondering if Ductless Heat Pumps were a potential business in their own right. Cory had heard about Ductless Systems in his custom home building business...

Tacoma Home and Remodeling Expo

Spring has arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and with it comes the opportunity to tackle some of those home renovation projects that you have been putting off. Whether you have been considering a whole house remodel, a bathroom upgrade, a media room conversion, or even a new heating system, you should check out the Tacoma Remodeling Expo this weekend, March 6-8 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.

Cozy Fire or Heat Loss?

A wood burning fireplace can be a wonderful nostalgic centerpiece to the home, especially during the cold and wet winter months. The warmth of a good fire might even make you think you are helping to heat your home, but the truth is that a fireplace, although lovely to look at, can be a really energy hog.

Is It Time to Replace Those Old Windows?

New windows can be expensive, a major investment for you home. However, they have a lot to offer also. Smooth operation, lower maintenance, easier cleaning, fewer drafts, UV protection and energy savings are some of the benefits new windows can offer. So how do you know when it is time to take the plunge and invest in those lovely new windows for your home?

Tax Credits for Home Improvements Made in 2014

It is almost that time of year again, tax time. Ok, so maybe you have a couple of months left to get on board, but it is not too early to start thinking about your taxes and to start getting all your ducks in a row for filing time. Did you make any home improvements in 2014? You may be eligible for certain residential energy tax credits.

Big Savings for Thurston County Homeowners!!

Thurston Energy just recently announced a great new $1500.00 rebate for homes heated with propane, wood or oil heat interested in converting over to a Ductless Heat Pump! Mobile homes using electric heat are also eligible and rental homes may even qualify.

Is Your Ductless System Sized Correctly for Your Home?

Buying a new heating and cooling system can be a daunting task. Most of us are not well versed in the ins and outs of various HVAC systems and have to rely at least somewhat on our contractor’s experience when choosing a new heating system for our home or business. Finding a company you can really trust can be a daunting task.

A Case of Significant Savings

Green Trends for the Home

You may already be aware that solar heating has been used to warm homes for literally thousands of years. Ancient peoples used everyday objects like glass and mirrors to harness the sun’s energy and light fires.

Merry Christmas

A short but sweet post today to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Dark Secret About Your Fireplace

Wood burning fireplaces can be a wonderful nostalgic centerpiece to the home, especially this time of year as we hang our stockings or cozy up to a good book. The warmth of a good fire may even lead one to think they are helping to heat their home, but the truth is that a fireplace can be a real energy hog.

Ductless Heat Pump “Running All the Time?”

Recently we have heard from a couple of concerned clients. Some say their new ductless heat pump systems are “running all the time” and are worried that that means high heating bills are soon to follow.

Christmas Lights and Energy Savings

Wondering if it is really worth it to change out your incandescent Christmas lights this year for energy saving LED’s? Regular Holiday lights can be purchased for as cheap as $2 for a string of 100. LEDs might cost up to $11 for the same sized strand. Should you shell out the extra cost up front for LED Christmas lights?

Go Ductless this Winter

Cut your heating costs in half with a ductless heat pump!

How Does a Heat Pump Get Heat from Cold Air?

We have had a few calls lately with folks asking how a heat pump can really keep their house warm in the cold winter weather. They want to know the science behind the mechanism and understand how it is really possible to extract heat from cold air.

Lighted Ships Parade

If you happen to be in the Olympia area this weekend, you have to check out the annual Lighted Ships Parade sponsored by the Olympia Yacht Club taking place on Saturday, December 6th at 6pm.

Mini-Split Musings