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.
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.
When Kimberly Sevilla, founder of Shelter Air, took a job as an HVAC apprentice to evaluate a potential acquisition, she didn’t expect to get electrocuted within the first hour. This gritty, behind-the-scenes look at a real-world HVAC install reveals the cultural pitfalls, safety red flags, and leadership lessons that inspired her mission to transform the industry—from the attic up.
A frosty morning, a vintage percolator, and a lesson learned the hard way—frozen pipes! Discover simple tips to keep your pipes flowing during freezing weather, inspired by a cherished family memory.
Mold in your mini split can compromise indoor air quality and health. Discover essential cleaning steps and IAQ upgrades, like UV lights and advanced filtration, to keep your mini split mold-free and ensure clean, healthy air.
