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ERV vs HRV in Helena, MT: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide (and How Amp One Installs Them Right)

The Helena Homeowner’s Guide to ERVs & HRVs Energy Recovery Ventilators & Heat Recovery Ventilators: benefits, differences, and how to choose the right one—plus how Amp One installs them the right way Breathe cleaner air in Helena, MT. Learn the differences between ERVs and HRVs, the benefits for wildfire smoke and cold winters, and how Amp One installs, sizes, and maintains the right system for your home. Quick summary  A tight, energy-efficient Helena home needs controlled fresh air. HRVs and ERVs bring in filtered outdoor air while recovering heat (HRV) or both heat and moisture (ERV). In our cold, dry climate, HRVs are often the default—but ERVs can be fantastic for reducing winter over-drying and keeping summer humidity in check. The “right” choice depends on your home’s tightness, occupants, indoor humidity goals, lifestyle, and whether you’re battling wildfire smoke. Amp One designs, installs, and balances ERV/HRV systems that are quiet, efficient, and easy to m...

Subtle Fixes, Big Shifts: How to Make Your Investment Property More Appealing Without Overdoing It

Whether you're renting short-term or holding for long-term equity, an underperforming investment property often just needs the right refresh—not a gut job. But don’t fall for cosmetic gimmicks or HGTV illusions. The real value boosters lie in how the property lives, breathes, and photographs. What changes actually shape perception? What details move renters or buyers from maybe to yes? If you're looking to add appeal  and  raise value without overcapitalizing, here are seven strategic updates worth every dollar—and in some cases, not even a dollar. Replace the garage door wisely Skip the big headline remodel and look at the workhorse details. For example, garage doors aren’t sexy, but they drive the highest ROI among all home projects in 2025. One report found that when you   replace your garage door wisely , you can recoup nearly double the cost—about 194%. That’s not a typo. A modern, insulated garage door signals care, reduces outside noise, and boosts curb appeal on t...

Prepare Your Furnace for Winter in Helena, MT: A Complete Guide

Prepare Your Furnace for Winter in Helena, MT: A Complete Guide As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop in Helena, MT, keeping your home warm and comfortable becomes a top priority. Your furnace is the heart of your home’s heating system, and making sure it’s ready for the winter is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Proper furnace maintenance not only helps you avoid surprise breakdowns during a cold snap, but it can also lower your heating bills and extend the life of your HVAC system. At Amp One HVAC , we’ve put together this complete guide to preparing your furnace for the winter season. 1. Change the Air Filter One of the simplest yet most important furnace maintenance tasks is changing the air filter . A clogged filter reduces airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder. This leads to higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on the system. Replace your filter at the start of the heating season. C...

Why Now Is the Time to Install Air Conditioning in Helena, MT

Stay Cool, Breathe Easy, and Boost Your Home’s Value   Summer in Helena, is heating up—and with wildfires affecting air quality, it’s becoming more important than ever to maintain a cool, safe home environment**. If you’ve been putting off installing an air conditioner or ductless mini-split, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Here’s why:   1. Increase Your Home’s Value Adding central air or a mini-split system isn’t just about comfort—it’s a smart investment. Homes with energy-efficient cooling are more attractive to buyers and can sell for a higher price. Recent studies show that homes with AC can increase in value by up to $20,000 making this an upgrade worth considering.   2. Avoid Smoke and Poor Air Quality Montana summers can bring wildfire smoke, which makes opening windows **unsafe**. Smoke particles can worsen allergies and asthma, affecting your family’s health. A **high-quality AC system with air filtration** keeps indoor air clean while cooling your home. ...

HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Helena Homeowners: Year-Round Guide from Amp One Heating & Cooling

HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Helena Homeowners: Year-Round Guide from Amp One Heating & Cooling HVAC Maintenace Living in Helena, Montana, means dealing with hot, dry summers and frigid, snowy winters. Your HVAC system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for comfort and safety. But here’s the truth: without regular maintenance, even the best furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner won’t perform at its peak. That’s why the team at Amp One Heating & Cooling LLC put together this comprehensive HVAC maintenance checklist tailored for Helena homeowners . Whether you’re preparing for wildfire season, summer heat, or subzero winter nights, this guide walks you through what to check, when to check it, and when to call in the pros. Why HVAC Maintenance Matters in Helena, MT Helena’s climate brings unique challenges: Wildfire smoke in late summer → puts extra stress on filters and indoor air quality. Dry, dusty air → clogs up ducts and makes filters dirty faster. Harsh winters ...

Spring HVAC Maintenance

Spring HVAC Maintenance: Why It’s Essential and the Benefits It Brings As the weather warms up and we shake off the chill of winter, it’s easy to forget about your HVAC system—until you need that cool air to kick in on the first hot day. That’s why spring HVAC maintenance is one of the smartest things homeowners can do to stay comfortable, save money, and extend the life of their system. Call Amp One 406-440-6383 Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Is Necessary Your HVAC system has likely been working overtime during the winter months to keep your home warm. That constant use means components get dirty, filters get clogged, and wear and tear can start to build up. If left unchecked, these small issues can turn into major problems—usually right when you need your system the most. Here’s why spring is the ideal time for a tune-up: Transition Season : It's the perfect time to switch from heating to cooling, making sure everything is running efficiently before peak summer. Avoid Em...

HVAC Replace vrs Repair

Deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace  can indeed be a challenging decision. As an HVAC service technician, I’ve encountered countless customers facing this dilemma. Let’s break down the factors that can help you make an informed choice: Cost of Repair vs. Replacement : When considering repairs, weigh the cost of fixing your current system against the expense of a replacement. Minor furnace repairs are less intensive and typically cost less. These include issues like replacing specific parts. Major furnace repairs, on the other hand, can be more expensive and time-consuming. As a general rule of thumb, if the repair cost exceeds  50% of the price of a new furnace , it’s often wiser to opt for a replacement 1 . Remember, your HVAC service technician can provide recommendations based on your specific situation. Age of Your System : Modern furnaces, when properly installed and maintained, can last  15-20 years or longer . If your furnace is nearing the end of it...

Amp One Heating & Cooling LLC: Your Trusted HVAC Partner

When it comes to creating a comfortable and efficient indoor environment, Amp One Heating & Cooling LLC stands out as a reliable partner. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we specialize in providing a full spectrum of HVAC services. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, we’ve got you covered. Why Choose Amp One Heating & Cooling? 1. Expertise and Services At Amp One, we take pride in our team of skilled professionals. Our technicians are well-versed in all aspects of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Here’s what sets us apart: Installation: From central air systems to ductless mini-splits, we handle installations with precision and care. Maintenance: Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. Repairs: When your system needs attention, we’re here to diagnose and fix any issues promptly. 2. Customer Satisfaction Our success lies in happy customers. Here’s how we prioritize your satisf...

Restaurant Equipment Repair

The service of your refrigeration, cooking, and baking equipment is important to us at Amp One Tech; we will work for you seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We service all types of restaurant equipment, such as steamers, ovens, fryers, ranges, walk-in coolers, freezers, ice machines, soft-serve equipment, and microwaves. Our courteous technicians stock a large number of parts on their trucks. They are factory trained and certified, enabling us to get your equipment back online faster. Our goal is the first-call fix. We use only OEM parts to ensure a long-lasting repair. In addition, we are providing the proven quality that you originally purchased with the equipment you have selected. We are factory authorized for many manufacturers' warranties, parts, and service for all your food equipment repair needs. Providing quality service, OEM parts, trained technicians, and preventive maintenance programs to fit your needs make Amp One Tech your number one choice for Commercial Kitchen Eq...

Are You Thinking About Buying a Fixer-Upper?

  If you’re thinking of buying your first home, it’s an exciting time. You’ve probably scoured real estate sites looking at available properties. If desirable homes are out of your budget, you may consider buying a fixer-upper. Although these homes will need work, their purchase prices are usually significantly lower than homes in good repair.   Are You Looking to Buy a Fixer-Upper? One of the first steps in buying a home should be  preapproval  for a mortgage. That way, you’ll know how much a lender will let you borrow to purchase it. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll also have to pay for renovations if you buy a fixer-upper.   Some financial institutions offer  rehabilitation mortgages  that provide  extra money  for these repairs. Be prepared for additional inspections and appraisals if you buy a fixer-upper.   A home inspection is vital if you’re looking at a distressed home. This tells you everything the inspector finds that needs t...