Why Your HVAC System Might Be Three Times Too Big
(And Why That’s a Problem You’re Living With Every Day) I recently visited a 1962 home in Croton on Hudson
(And Why That’s a Problem You’re Living With Every Day) I recently visited a 1962 home in Croton on Hudson
During an Arctic blast, many heat pump owners discover that old thermostat habits no longer work. In extreme cold, deep temperature setbacks can trigger expensive backup heat, reduce comfort, and drive up energy bills. Understanding how modern cold-climate heat pumps operate—and how to adjust your thermostat strategy—can make the difference between steady comfort and winter frustration.
I enjoy an adult cigarette from time to time. What I DON’T enjoy? My teenager telling me the house smells like skunk. So I did what any HVAC nerd would do: I installed an ERV—what I call a “Fresh Air Machine.” It pulls fresh air from outside, filters it, and pushes stale air OUT. Like having a window open 24/7, but without freezing in December.
As a building performance professional working in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, I see the same pattern every winter: homes get tighter, heating systems run longer, and indoor air dries out fast. A whole home steam humidifier is the most reliable way to restore healthy humidity because it delivers true vapor, distributes evenly, and doesn’t depend on constant furnace runtime. When humidity is controlled correctly, homes feel warmer, respiratory symptoms ease, and winter comfort improves dramatically.
Dry winter air can quietly make your home uncomfortable—causing dry skin, nosebleeds, and lingering illness. In this post, I break down how different humidifiers actually work, why steam humidifiers are my preferred choice, and how proper humidity control can make homes in the Hudson Valley and Westchester healthier, warmer, and easier to live in all winter long.
Fall in the Hudson Valley is gorgeous—but it’s also peak mushroom season, and that means more mold spores in the air. Add in wood stoves firing up in seasonal homes, and indoor air quality can take a real hit this time of year. I want to talk about the hidden risks of mold and allergens, and why keeping the air clean inside your home matters more than you might think.
That post-Thanksgiving drowsiness isn’t the turkey—it’s your indoor air quality. Learn why gas stoves, CO₂ buildup, and poor ventilation are the real culprits.
Think ghosts are scary? Try breathing in what’s hiding inside your mini split. Mold, bacteria, cobwebs — and a sludge so vile we had to invent OctoClean™ just to fight it.
After a surprise barnacle-to-the-eye incident while winterizing her boat, Kimberly Sevilla reflects on the importance of PPE—and why your HVAC system deserves the same seasonal care. From sailboats to split units, Shelter Air’s got your winter prep covered.
In the trades, we call a dirty outdoor unit a “Fur Coat.” It may look fuzzy, but it’s suffocating your heat pump. During the pandemic, I got hooked on rug-cleaning videos—the same thrill I get when stripping away years of dirt from a clogged system. So I implore you—nay, beg you—don’t wait until the first frost to find out your heat pump is struggling under a fur coat.