Mechanical systems

These guide pages are intended to help you find the most efficient and affordable options for pretty much anything that runs on power, and the best ways to generate power yourself. There are a lot of options to consider when shopping for appliances, designing home lighting, and heating your home. These pages outline…

Discover how building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) turn your roof into a power plant. We analyze solar shingle reliability, maintenance, lifespan, and real-world return on investment for homeowners and builders. Building integrated photovoltaics: a homeowner's and pro's guide Building-integrated photovoltaics…

Compare the best selling mechanical ventilation systems of 2026. Review performance ratings for Zehnder, Panasonic, and other top HRV and ERV brands. Top HRV and ERV ventilation units: a homeowner's and pro's guide We're at the point where most building codes now mandate mechanical ventilation systems in homes…

A comprehensive guide to the best home battery systems of 2026, covering LFP chemistry, whole-home sizing, and maximizing savings with TOU arbitrage. The residential energy storage market has reached a critical maturity point in 2026, shifting from simple capacity stacking to integrated energy ecosystems that manage…

Discover how next-generation perovskite and tandem solar cells smash traditional efficiency limits to deliver more clean power for sustainable homes and commercial builds. Next-gen solar perovskite and tandem cells: a homeowner's and pro's guide Next-generation perovskite and tandem solar cells represent the most…

A comprehensive guide to 2026 heat pump technology, top-performing models like Mitsubishi and LG, new refrigerant rules, and finding federal tax credits. 2026 heat pump buyers guide: a homeowner's and pro's guide The landscape of home heating and cooling has shifted dramatically as we enter 2026, with heat pump…

A definitive guide to 2026 hybrid water heater technology, top models from Rheem and A.O. Smith, new refrigerant rules, and federal tax credits. 2026 heat pump water heater buyers guide: a homeowner's and pro's guide Heat pumps for home heating has become a very common choice, and hot on their heels are heat pump…

Explore the top plug and play batteries of 2026. Compare Pila, BioLite, and EcoFlow for easy, no-permit emergency power backup for refrigerators and critical home loads. Best plug and play home battery backup: A guide for homeowners and pros Impressive advances in smart home technologies are making it easier to…

Sodium-ion vs. lithium iron phosphate: do salt batteries work. Sodium-Ion vs. LFP: Which Home Battery is Best in 2026? The global shift toward home energy storage has been dominated by Lithium Ion and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), but a new challenger is emerging to disrupt the market. For homeowners and contractors…

Reduce water heating costs by up to 40% with drain water heat recovery. This guide covers vertical installations and horizontal units for slab on grade homes. Drain water heat recovery: a homeowner's & pro's guide Drain water heat recovery (DWHR) is a passive energy-saving technology that captures heat from gray…

Learn why a 60-gallon tank is often overkill. This guide explores recovery rates, standby loss, and how downsizing your water heater can accelerate home decarbonization while saving money. When it comes to hot water tanks, size isn't everything! Determining the ideal capacity for a hot water tank is a critical step…