HVAC Expert Tips

Written by our professional HVAC experts at USHA, giving you valuable insights on maintaining optimal indoor comfort, improving air quality, and managing seasonal changes in your home’s HVAC system. Get expert advice on everything from humidity control to energy-efficient solutions and much more.

Thermostat Secrets for Winter: Set it once and stay cozy

Thermostat Secrets for Winter: Set it once and stay cozy

It’s a frosty morning, your floors feel like ice, and your first move is to jab the thermostat up a few degrees. An hour later, you’re too warm, so you nudge it back down. By dinner, you are right back to fiddling. That back and forth is a sneaky reason your heating bill climbs and your home never quite feels steady. As plumbers who work around heaters, boilers, and water lines all winter, we see a pattern. Homes that hold a stable indoor temperature not...

Cold Rooms Fix: Balancing ducts and solving drafts

Cold Rooms Fix: Balancing ducts and solving drafts

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, your thermostat says 70, but that back bedroom feels like the inside of your freezer. You tug the blanket a little higher and wonder what’s going on. As local plumbing and home-comfort pros, we hear this story every winter. The good news is that a “cold room in winter” usually has a simple cause, and with a little detective work, you can get even heating without cranking the thermostat.Why that one room stays...

Strange Noises from Your HVAC? Here’s When to Call a Pro in Delmarva

Strange Noises from Your HVAC? Here’s When to Call a Pro in Delmarva

It’s one thing to hear the gentle hum of your HVAC system. But if you start hearing strange noises from your air conditioner or furnace and it suddenly starts banging, screeching, or rattling, that’s a different story. For Delmarva homeowners, strange HVAC noises are more than just an annoyance — they can signal serious issues that lead to higher energy bills, costly repairs, or even system failure. In this guide, we’ll break down what each noise might...

Why Salt Air Can Affect Your HVAC System’s Air Quality

Why Salt Air Can Affect Your HVAC System’s Air Quality

Living along the Delmarva coast has its perks — fresh ocean breezes, stunning views, and mild weather. But those same salty breezes that feel great on your skin can wreak havoc on your HVAC system and impact the air you breathe indoors. In this guide, we’ll explain how salt air affects HVAC components, what that means for indoor air quality, and how to protect your home’s comfort and health. How Salt Air Interacts with Your HVAC System  Salt air contains...

Best Thermostat Settings for Comfort and Energy Savings on the Delmarva Peninsula

Best Thermostat Settings for Comfort and Energy Savings on the Delmarva Peninsula

Living on the Delmarva Peninsula means dealing with humid summers, chilly winters, and salty coastal air that keeps your HVAC system busy year-round. Your thermostat plays a huge role in how comfortable your home feels — and how much you pay in energy bills. The good news? With the right settings, you can enjoy consistent comfort and cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually (U.S. Department of Energy). This guide breaks down the best...

Do I Need to Replace Both My AC and  Furnace at the Same Time?

Do I Need to Replace Both My AC and Furnace at the Same Time?

Let me guess—you’re dealing with a broken air conditioner or an aging furnace, and your HVAC tech just asked you if you want to replace both units. You're probably thinking, “Wait... why would I replace something that still works?” As someone who’s been in this industry for over two decades here at U.S. Heating and Air (USHA), I’ve had this conversation with hundreds of homeowners across Delmarva. So, grab a cup of coffee and let me walk you through the...

How Often Should I Schedule HVAC  Maintenance?

How Often Should I Schedule HVAC Maintenance?

Hello! I’m a Carrier-certified HVAC technician at U.S. Heating & Air (USHA) serving the Delmarva region. Homeowners often ask me, “How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?” The best practice is twice a year: once in spring for your air conditioner and once in fall for your heating system. Here in Delmarva, with our hot, humid summers and chilly winters, this schedule ensures both systems are ready for peak use. Regular maintenance has big...

How To Make Your HVAC System More  Efficient

How To Make Your HVAC System More Efficient

Hey there! I’m an HVAC expert at USHA and a Carrier-certified technician. I’ve spent years helping homeowners optimize their heating and cooling systems for comfort and savings. Today, I’m sharing my proven strategies to make your HVAC more efficient, and run like a dream—and trim those energy bills in the process.Why HVAC Size Matters – The Goldilocks PrincipleFactors That Determine the Right Size HVAC UnitHVAC Size Calculators and the Manual...

What Size HVAC System Does My Home Need?

What Size HVAC System Does My Home Need?

Hi there! I’m an HVAC technician at US Heating & Air working across the Delmarva Peninsula (that’s the Maryland-Delaware coastal region). I love telling homeowners how choosing the right HVAC unit for their home is critical – just like picking the perfect pair of shoes. Get it too small and you’ll run out of “comfort” breath; get it too big and you’ll waste energy (and money). In this air conditioning sizing guide, we’ll dive deep into how to find...