Recent Articles
How to Check HVAC Airflow and Comfort After Installation in Durham Homes
To check hvac airflow, run it for 15–30 minutes with all vents open and a clean filter. Make sure airflow feels strong and consistent at each register, listen for any unusual sounds, and confirm that every room reaches the set temperature evenly. Post-HVAC installation testing is a must, especially airflow testing. Because Durham’s mostly hot, […]
Why AC Tonnage Isn’t Enough: Understanding Sensible vs. Latent Heat?
Replacing an HVAC system based solely on “like-for-like” tonnage often falls short in humid climates. This approach focuses on cooling the air but ignores moisture removal, which can cause short-cycling, sticky indoor humidity, and a cold, clammy feeling. In humid areas, an air conditioner needs to use about 30–40% of its capacity just to remove […]
Duct Corrections and Returns for Proper Airflow & Static Pressure
Duct corrections address uneven room temperatures and noisy vents by reducing internal resistance and restoring proper airflow. These modifications ensure your HVAC system moves the exact Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) required to cool your home efficiently. Without correct airflow, even the most expensive air conditioner will struggle to maintain comfort. I have worked with […]
Manual J and Duct Corrections: Key to Quiet Cooling
Manual J determines the load, Manual D designs the airflow, and Duct Corrections executes the plan. Together, these elements form the mathematical and physical foundation of a comfortable home. Without them, even the most expensive air conditioner is just a guess. True comfort means three things: quiet operation, even temperatures, and proper humidity. At Alternative […]
The Best Air Conditioner Temperature Settings for Summer
Summer in the Triangle feels like wearing a warm, wet blanket. At Alternative Aire, we know comfort requires more than just cold air. In my 10+ years serving the area, I’ve seen humidity make 75°F feel like 80°F, so temperature alone is not the full story For the best balance of comfort and savings, the […]
What Is a SEER Rating and How Does It Impact HVAC Performance?
A SEER rating measures how efficiently an HVAC system cools your home, and a higher SEER means lower energy use, reduced utility bills, better humidity control, and more consistent indoor comfort. I remember a hot July day in Raleigh, North Carolina. I was inspecting a client’s 20-year-old AC that was literally eating money. Their monthly […]
Understanding SEER Ratings: The Homeowner’s 2026 Guide
A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating measures how much cooling your air conditioner provides for every dollar of electricity it uses. In 2026, the industry standard will have fully transitioned to SEER2. It’s a more accurate measurement that reflects real-world home conditions rather than ideal laboratory settings. While the federal minimum in North Carolina […]
Control Indoor Humidity with Thermostat Settings During Summer in Durham, NC
Staying comfortable indoors is about more than just cooling. Especially in hot and humid summers in Durham, NC. Many homes feel sticky, even with the AC running constantly in the background. It’s because of overlooked humidity. That’s where the thermostat plays a crucial role. Maintaining separate day and night temperatures, with an additional fan setting, […]
How Filtration and Dehumidification Improve Indoor Air Quality for Durham Homes
Filtration and dehumidification improve indoor air quality by removing allergens and controlling indoor moisture, creating healthier, fresher air while reducing mold, dust mites, and stuffiness. The ideal humidity range is 30–50%; filters capture dust, pollen, and particles, while dehumidifiers eliminate excess moisture. It prevents that sticky feeling and protects your home from water-related damage. Durham […]
Two-Stage vs Variable-Speed AC: Which Wins?
If you have ever sat in your living room and felt like the air was heavy or hard to breathe. Even though the thermostat says it’s 72 degrees, you aren’t alone. Many homeowners in high-humidity climates, such as Dallas and Atlanta, experience a sweat-chill cycle. One minute you’re sweating because the AC is off. And […]
