Posts by Marie Solpico
HVAC for New Construction: Get the Spec Right Before the Build
The heating and cooling system is one of the few decisions in a new home that is expensive to fix once the drywall goes up. Crews bury the ducts in the walls, size and order the equipment, and fix the thermostat location. Getting HVAC for new construction right is a design-phase decision, not an install-day…
Read MoreAC Stopped Working? 2026 Repair Delays and R-410A Costs
Your AC stopped working. It’s the oldest summer story there is. But if it happens to you this year, you’re walking into a version of it that no homeowner has faced before. Record-breaking heat. A nationwide shortage of HVAC technicians. And a once-in-a-generation refrigerant transition that is quietly rewriting the price tag on both repairs…
Read MoreCommercial HVAC Case Study: A Tenant Fit-Out Project
The job most commercial tenants don’t see coming A pet grooming spa signs a lease on a 1,716 square foot retail space in Utah, a typical commercial tenant fit-out HVAC project. The shell is built. The landlord is providing a packaged rooftop unit. The build-out drawings are nearly complete. Permit submission is days away. Then…
Read MoreResidential Renovation HVAC Design: What to Know First
Residential renovation season brings a familiar rhythm: blueprints on the table, contractors lining up trades, homeowners picking finishes. What often gets scheduled last — sometimes not at all — is HVAC design. That is a problem. And it tends to show up right after drywall goes up. Kitchen remodels, additions, garage conversions, window replacements, insulation…
Read MoreCommercial HVAC Case Study: Fixing an Installed System Without Redesign
Based on a real commercial project HVAC systems are sometimes installed before final design calculations are completed. When that happens, projects can face permit issues, delays, or costly redesigns. This is a common issue in commercial HVAC projects where installation moves ahead of finalized design. In this case study, we walk through how we…
Read MoreManual J Permit Requirements Explained
When planning a new HVAC installation or system replacement, questions about Manual J permit requirements often come up. Contractors want to know what documentation is needed for approval. Homeowners want to know whether a load calculation is necessary. Builders want paperwork that won’t delay inspections. Below are the most common Manual J questions we hear…
Read MoreIs My HVAC Quote Fair? 5 Ways to Know Before You Sign
You’re standing in your kitchen, AC on the fritz, staring at an HVAC quote that makes your stomach drop. The technician seemed confident. The number on the invoice? Not so much. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re about to get a fair deal or taken for a ride, you’re not alone. HVAC repair costs are…
Read MoreOversized HVAC System? 3 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Bottom line: Over 60% of residential HVAC systems are incorrectly sized according to DOE data, with studies showing 70-90% have installation faults that compromise performance. Oversizing wastes 20-30% more energy, cuts equipment lifespan in half, and leaves homes humid and uncomfortable—especially in climates like Florida. 3 Signs of an Oversized HVAC System Red Flag #1:…
Read MoreWhy Your HVAC Contractor’s Load Calc Might Be Wrong
When builders and contractors search for an “HVAC load calculation near me“, what they really want is peace of mind. A perfectly sized system. Code-compliant designs. Fewer callbacks. But too often, the load calculations they receive are way off base. It is not always because someone meant to cut corners. Sometimes it comes down to…
Read MoreThe Most Energy-Efficient HVAC System For Maximum Savings
Reducing energy costs without sacrificing comfort is a priority for many homeowners and contractors. Choosing the most energy-efficient HVAC system can significantly lower energy waste while keeping indoor temperatures stable, resulting in long-term savings. A well-planned system allows a building to work with its climate rather than against it. Understanding how equipment, duct sizing, and…
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