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.

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.

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.

As the Hudson Valley bursts into vibrant autumn colors, it also heralds the arrival of peak mushroom season, offering beauty and a few challenges for our air quality. From the delightful scent of truffles nestled in the woods to the cozy glow of wood stoves in our seasonal homes, this time of year is both magical and a little tricky. It's important to keep in mind the potential air quality changes. Let’s uncover the hidden risks of mold and allergens, and talk about why clean air in our spaces matters. Join me on a journey to enjoy all the seasonal comforts while keeping our health and happiness a top priority this fall!

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.

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.

During the pandemic, I was just trying to hold it together—for my kids, for myself. We started hatching eggs in a homemade incubator. When that failed, we brought home day-old chicks and built a coop from scratch. One chicken, Chipmunk, survived every disaster. Until she didn’t.

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.

Spring is beautiful—but also full of pollen, humidity swings, and cranky HVAC systems. If you’ve been feeling off, your air might be too. Here’s why now’s the perfect time for a system tune-up—and how to save 10% with Shelter Air’s Wellness Plans.