Blog & HVAC Articles | Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning

Understanding HVAC Sizing: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

October 10, 2025

An air conditioner or furnace that’s too large can short-cycle, leaving rooms musty and wasting energy. A unit that’s too small may run nonstop without ever hitting your target temperature. Finding the right balance requires more than selecting the largest model on the lot. Why Proper Load Calculation Matters Sizing an HVAC system starts with a Manual J load calculation. Technicians measure your home’s square footage, ceiling heights, window types, insulation levels, and orientation to the sun. They factor in local climate, occupancy patterns, and even the heat from appliances. This data plugs into specialized

How Does Properly Sealing Your Home Affect Your HVAC Performance

September 8, 2025

Because heating and cooling bills are some of the most expensive bills that homeowners have, it’s no surprise that you may be looking to optimize the performance of your HVAC system. While suggestions like upgrading your equipment may be great for reducing your energy bills, not everyone has the budget for that. Fortunately, all you need is a little weatherstripping to enhance HVAC system performance. Understanding Air Leakage Over time, air leaks can develop on your exterior walls due to the expansion and contraction of the building materials used to construct your home and natural shifting

Smart Thermostats vs. Programmable Thermostats: Which is Best for You?

August 10, 2025

Bellevue, NE residents want to feel more comfortable in their homes without spending a fortune on energy bills. Programmable and smart thermostats can help you manage your home’s climate and energy consumption better, but how do you know which thermostat option is best for your home? The more you know about the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the two different thermostat types, the better decision you can make to fit your lifestyle and your budget. Understanding Programmable Thermostats A programmable thermostat lets you set temperature schedules for different days and times. You manually input your household’s

Smart Thermostats vs. Programmable Thermostats: Which is Best for You?

July 10, 2025

Bellevue, NE residents want to feel more comfortable in their homes without spending a fortune on energy bills. Programmable and smart thermostats can help you manage your home’s climate and energy consumption better, but how do you know which thermostat option is best for your home? The more you know about the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the two different thermostat types, the better decision you can make to fit your lifestyle and your budget. Understanding Programmable Thermostats A programmable thermostat lets you set temperature schedules for different days and times. You manually input your household’s

Why Preventing Refrigerant Leaks Is Essential for an AC

June 5, 2025

Refrigerant is the key material inside an air conditioner that enables it to remove heat from your home and transfer it outdoors. Without refrigerant, your system can’t cool effectively. Even a small refrigerant leak can reduce efficiency, sometimes causing your energy bills to climb by 15–20% or more. And it’s not just a comfort or cost issue — older refrigerants, like R-22, are classified as potent greenhouse gases, with global warming potentials thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. That’s why spotting and preventing refrigerant leaks isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s

The Impact of Landscaping on Your HVAC System

May 9, 2025

Most of us groom our yards for curb appeal, but your landscape can significantly impact more than just your curb appeal; it can also affect your HVAC system. What you plant, where you plant it, and how you maintain your landscape can have a positive or negative impact on your HVAC system. Your HVAC System Needs Breathing Room Outdoor HVAC units require ample space to operate effectively. Your condenser can’t work correctly without sufficient airflow. Without adequate ventilation, your unit may struggle to transfer heat, requiring it to work harder to maintain its temperature. Over

The Pros and Cons of Dual-Fuel HVAC Systems

April 7, 2025

Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) are among the hottest trends in home HVAC. These systems are similar to air conditioners but also provide highly efficient heating. The potential downside to some ASHPs is that they have a cold-weather point at which they’re no longer as efficient. Hybrid heating (dual-fuel heat pump) is the solution, as it combines an ASHP with a mid-efficiency, typically fuel-burning, furnace. When it’s too cold for the ASHP to be efficient, the furnace provides the heating instead. Con: There May Be Higher Equipment and Installation Costs If you have an existing furnace that’s

Prepping Your HVAC System for Spring Allergies

March 7, 2025

Spring is often associated with vibrant blooming flowers, warm temperatures, and buzzing bumblebees. Even with the pleasant weather and picturesque scenery, your springtime fun can be easily thwarted by the presence of pesky allergens. Luckily, there are ways to prepare your HVAC system and help keep harmful pollutants at bay. Change Your Air Filter Your air filter is one of the most important components in your HVAC unit. It is responsible for preventing contaminants and pollutants from circulating throughout your home. These particles can include everything from mold and pet dander to dust and pollen.

Understanding the Role of Insulation in HVAC Efficiency

February 6, 2025

The purpose of a reliable HVAC system is to keep your home comfortable year-round. However, as the system ages, its performance often declines, leading to inconsistent comfort levels. Other factors, such as the quality of your home’s insulation, also play a significant role in your HVAC system’s efficiency. Proper insulation can be the difference between a system that operates smoothly and one that struggles to maintain your desired temperatures. What Is Home Insulation? Home insulation refers to materials builders use to insulate your home against exterior temperatures. These materials prevent heat transfer in specific areas, such

The Top Reasons to Schedule a Mid-winter Furnace Tune-up in Bellevue

January 10, 2025

Continuous use can put stress and strain on your home’s heating system. Learn about some of the top reasons to schedule a mid-winter tune-up for your furnace. Improved Efficiency As much as you need to keep your home warm during the winter, you may not want it to come at the expense of your electric or gas bill. A tune-up helps ensure your heater operates at peak efficiency and saves you money on your utility bills. Enhanced Safety A midseason checkup can also identify hazards like gas leaks. You can run your

Blog

Contact Our Apollo Specialists