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Plumbing, Cooling, Heating, HVAC Equipment in Central Pennsylvania

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Home Ventilation: What You Should Be Concerned About as a Homeowner

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Homeowner testing airflow from air ducts

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ventilation is the “exchange of indoor and outdoor air.” Homeowners should be greatly concerned about the efficiency of this exchange in their homes.

Improper ventilation can lead to a myriad of health problems and other issues, as it has the potential to smother residents with harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, as well as create a moisture-rich environment that can lead to mold and mildew. Keep reading for what you should be considering when it comes to your home’s healthy ventilation!

Ventilation Options

Your home’s ventilation system is a lot like a set of lungs. It should move freely, have unrestricted inward and outward flow, and needs to be free of anything that might block proper movement.

Homeowners should be concerned about ensuring their ventilation method is a best-fit and is running properly. The three most-popular and efficient ventilation options are:

  • Uncontrolled ventilation: Uncontrolled, technology-free movement of indoor and outdoor air by way of windows, doors, and cracks, etc. This isn’t much of a method at all, though some older homes still rely on it.
  • Spot ventilation: Utilizes exhaust fans to remove pollutants and moisture from a specific space (stove range hoods, bathroom exhaust fans, etc). This method can be used alongside natural ventilation as a more effective means of localized redistribution of air.
  • Whole-house ventilation: This system is more uniformed and structured in nature, utilizing exhaust ventilation, duct systems, fans, and ideally include exhaust and fresh air circulation.

Avoid Moisture Problems

Without a proper ventilation system, homeowners should be concerned about moisture accumulation. Humidity (moisture found in the air) can quickly manifest as harmful mold or mildew growth. Additionally, unchecked moisture can be detrimental to furniture, flooring, and other elements of the home.

To best avoid moisture accumulation, here are three tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:

  • Stop air leaks: Often, home moisture is correlated to uncontrolled airflow, where moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces and results in condensation. Ensure all holes, gaps, and airflow leaks in your home’s fixtures are sealed. Check windows, attics, basements, etc.
  • Control water: One of the most effective ways to ensure unwanted water isn’t leaking into the home is to inspect your roof. If your roof is not equipped to keep moisture out, it will find its way in.
  • Ventilate indoor moisture: Whether or not you realize it, your family creates and accumulates moisture in your home simply by living in it. Cooking, showering, and doing the laundry are all culprits of adding water to the air. Ensure kitchen and bathroom vents lead directly outside, and implement a ventilation system in the attic if necessary.

Carbon Monoxide and Other Pollutants

It has been suggested that if not mitigated properly, the air we breathe inside our homes could be more dangerous and harmful to human health than the pollution found in major cities. Let’s think about the toxins that could be making their home in the very air you breathe: nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, radon, sulfur dioxide, asbestos, and many that fly under the radar in the form of basic household chemicals (hairspray, paint, pesticides, polishes, cleaning agents, etc).

Unfortunately, many of these pollutants are nearly unavoidable. This is why homeowners should be greatly concerned about implementing a quality, efficient air ventilation system in their homes. The negative health effects from toxic fumes will last far longer than the annoyance you may feel at the sound of the exhaust fan.

Your Local Home Air Experts

Our team here at WM Buffington is proud to be Central Pennsylvania’s go-to source on all things air, heating and cooling since 1952. We are committed to going above and beyond to ensure your family is safe and comfortable at home!

Our goal is to provide all of our customers with the best home efficiency at an affordable cost. With high energy efficiency and affordability in mind, WM Buffington Company Inc. provides a wide variety of products and services for our residential and commercial customers in need.

We pride ourselves in hiring NATE-certified technicians who offer the best home solutions for your HVAC troubles. With extensive and continuous training, our team can get the job done right the first time. For a comfortable and efficient home, choose WM Buffington Company Inc. as your HVAC problem solver.


For 66 years, our team of experts have dedicated themselves to providing fast, professional work with superior customer service. Contact us today!

7 Benefits of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

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Bryant ductless mini-split system on wall

Things are starting to heat up outside, and your wallet may begin to feel the effects of what it takes to cool things down inside. For this reason (and many others), ductless heating and cooling systems are increasing in popularity, as more and more homeowners are realizing the multifaceted benefits of ductless heating and cooling systems, or also known as mini-splits.

So, what is a ductless mini-split system? We’re so glad you asked!

These temperature regulation systems typically include a mounted indoor unit connected to a compressor located outdoors. Keep reading for the top benefits you can enjoy after installation!

If these reasons don’t give you the urge to get a ductless min-split system right away, we don’t know what will.

1. Save Money

Ductless heating and cooling systems save homeowners an average of 40% on energy bills. This is substantial, especially during seasons of the year which require extra temperature regulation. If you live in a climate that reaches extremely cold or exceptionally hot temperatures throughout the year, this system may be the best option for you and your family.

Traditional home air duct systems are most likely costing you hundreds of dollars in loss of energy efficiency. It is estimated that traditional temperature regulation systems lose up to 40% of energy – meaning, the air coming out of your ducts isn’t reaching the rooms you need it in.

2. Highly Flexible Solution

One of the most convenience-adding benefits of a mini-split system is the flexibility it offers in regards to location. The wall chosen for the unit must be an exterior wall, in order to enjoy the results of the system, but that is its only limitation. It can be placed in any type of room throughout the house!

3. Improved Indoor Air Quality

Poor air quality can greatly affect your family’s health. What you choose to implement for your home’s air and filtration system is an important decision. Traditional air duct systems have a propensity to build up and circulate allergens. In order to mitigate this, regular cleaning and maintenance are required. Ductless mini-splits boast an excellent filtration component, and are much easier to keep clean.

4. Easy Installation

Installing a ductless air system in your home is so easy, you’ll be shocked. Step-by-step instructions can be found in a myriad of locations online, but here are the basics:

  • Install the mounting bracket
  • Drill hole through the outside wall for drainage and the system’s pipe component
  • Mount the “evaporator” unit (the inside portion of the system) to the brackets
  • Install the “condenser,” the outdoor-located portion of the system
  • Ensure electrical connections are viable

And that’s it! Ductless mini-split units give you predictable and consistent air without resorting to costly and time-consuming renovations. If you are looking to install a new ductless mini-split system in your home, it may be time to enlist professional services to ensure proper installation.

5. Efficient, Silent Operation

Don’t be misled by your current air system’s noise level. Mini-split systems are silent and work around the clock. You can program the unit (most newer models come with a remote control), and walk away. You’ll probably forget it’s running, except for a noteworthy difference in your home’s comfortable temperature!

6. Environmentally-friendly

Because traditional air systems waste up to 40% of your home’s energy, not only are you paying for a service you’re not benefiting from, you’re also relying on an inconsistent energy source that is damaging to the environment. Thankfully, ductless heating and cooling systems utilize energy-saving technologies that result in a lesser carbon footprint.

7. Make Everyone Happy

You may be familiar with the battle of “too hot” and “too cold” in your home. It often sounds like frustration, dissatisfaction, and complaints about the temperature. One of the most convenient aspects of this product is the ability to control the temperature of each installment.

For instance, your bedroom can be maintained at a unique temperature that is multiple degrees warmer/cooler than the living room or nursery. With ductless mini-split systems, everyone is happy. We like to call that a win-win.

Your Central Pennsylvania Heating and Cooling Experts

WM Buffington is committed to offering your family the heating and cooling systems that are most beneficial to your budget and your lifestyle. Our NATE certified technicians continuously undergo training to perfect their extensive skill set, in turn, offering our residential customers the most up-to-date services.

Central Pennsylvania residents experience all seasons and weather conditions: subzero winters and humid, hot summers. Because of these harsh temperature changes, there can be situations where rooms are not getting enough airflow. Instead of relying on a central system to maintain your home’s temperature, our customers should consider ductless mini-split systems.

These modern and compact units allow rooms to be cooled or heated individually, giving you total control of your family’s comfort. Instead of worrying about a noisy window unit, our technicians at WM Buffington Company Inc. can help you manage each room based on your specific needs with more advanced HVAC technology. With ductless mini-split systems, you can now have quiet, efficient, and comfortable rooms in your home.


For more information regarding ductless mini-split systems, call us today at (717) 657-2451. Our team is standing by, ready to help you take control of your home’s comfort!

What is a Heat Pump?

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Heat pumps outside of a residential home

A heat pump works as both a heater and an air conditioner when needed.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, versatile, excellent choice for heating and cooling your home, look no further than a heat pump! A heat pump is one of the most economical options for mitigating your home’s climate. But how does it work? How much does it cost? Stay tuned.

How Does a Heat Pump Work

The most important distinction between a heat pump and other heating/cooling systems is that a heat pump does not generate its own temperature or air pressure, but rather moves heat from one location (outside) to another (inside). During seasons that require heat, a heat pump extracts warmth from the atmosphere and funnels it indoors. In the summer, it does the opposite: removing heat from the home and releasing it outside.

A heat pump capitalizes on a system of evaporation and condensation, utilizing fans, a compressor, coils, and an expansion valve. The medium circulating through these parts is called a refrigerant. Its job is to encourage the natural tendency of heat to migrate to areas with lower temperatures and less pressure.

Is a Heat Pump Efficient?

In short, yes! Believe it or not, even when the temperature outside is frigid (think, winter snowstorm), there is still heat in the air. Now, a heat pump might not be sufficient to warm your whole house on days like this, but it will supplement an internal heating system (i.e., a gas furnace) and save your utility bill wads of cash during winter months.

A heat pump can produce up to 3 times as much energy as it takes to run. Additionally, if you choose to implement a dual-fuel method (both gas furnace and heat pump), each system will only run when necessary, taking over when the other is insufficient. So, you don’t have to worry about double-dipping in your bank account if you have both systems to regulate your home’s climate.

Additionally, a heat pump works year-round; it doesn’t get much more efficient than that! Some sources estimate a 50% decrease in home heating costs.

How Much Do Heat Pumps Cost?

As with most home improvement installations, the answer is: it depends. You can expect to spend anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000, contingent upon the chosen brand, installation company, and hours of operation. The national average, however, is $5,096.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Me?

Unlike traditional air conditioning units and heating systems in most homes, a heat pump is a 2-for-1 deal. It functions in both warm and cold seasons, regulating temperature and climate inside your home. It becomes less efficient in drastic temperatures, as a backup source of air may be needed, but overall, saves money on utility bills and ends up paying for itself in a short amount of time.


If you have questions about installing a heat pump or would like an estimate from your local professional HVAC team, contact WM Buffington in Highspire, Pennsylvania for all your HVAC needs. We are dedicated to providing high-quality services for both residential and commercial spaces in all of Central Pennsylvania. Reach out today!

5 Troubleshooting Techniques for Furnace Failure

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Man repairing furnace

Is your furnace giving you a run for your money? Does it refuse to maintain a consistent climate or stay on? Is your home’s temperature getting lower but your utility bill is getting higher?

Before you call in the professionals and perhaps, unnecessarily cost yourself more hard-earned money, take a look at this list of troubleshooting techniques, compiled by the pros!

1. Check the Thermostat

Step one, as simple as it may seem, is to ensure your thermostat is on the correct setting and is set to at least 5 degrees above room temperature. This may sound self-explanatory, but plenty of calls have been made without first checking this important factor of thermostat functionality.

Depending on how your thermostat is powered, it may require new batteries. Is there a low-battery notification? Try inserting a new battery, increasing the temperature or setting, and listening for the system to ignite.

You may also need to open the thermostat face or door and blow on the inside, to loosen any debris or dust that may have clogged it. There is also the possibility that the thermostat’s wiring has loosened with time. Be very careful when adjusting or moving the wires as they are running with electricity. If the wires are loose, just turn the power off to that part of the room or turn off the breaker entirely to appropriately move them without injuring yourself.

2. Check the Furnace Filter

It is best practice to check and replace your furnace filter regularly because normal use results in a build-up of dirt and dust, which impedes proper airflow and can release unhealthy pathogens into the air during use. A clogged furnace filter can even become a fire hazard. If maintenance and/or replacement has been neglected, your furnace filter should be one of the first things you check.

To begin this essential process, turn off your thermostat or locate your furnace switch (see below) and ensure power flow is cut off. Hold your furnace filter up to a light. If you are unable to see light through it, the time has come for a replacement. When installing a new furnace filter, ensure the arrows are in the correct direction (lined up with airflow). Set a reminder to check your furnace filter every 30 days.

3. Check Electrical Panel or Furnace Switch

Does your furnace have an on/off switch nearby? It’s possible it was accidentally bumped and therefore turned off.

Additionally, if your thermostat is not battery-run, but rather is connected to your home’s electrical system, it is a beneficial idea to check the electric panel or breaker box for a power source problem.

First, ensure that power is flowing to the breaker or fuse box. Then, if your system is properly labeled, check to see that the HVAC breaker is on. If so, it is advisable to turn it off and on again (you should hear a “click”) as this may reset the power flow. If you are not able to locate proper labels in the fuse box, look for the breaker switch that is facing the opposite direction as the remaining switches. This is most likely the source of the issue. Flip this switch in the same direction as the others, and refer back to your thermostat for any change in activity.

4. Check Furnace Flame

The color of your furnace’s flame is an important indicator of your furnace’s proper functioning. The flame should be bright blue, with a tip of yellow on the top of the flame.

To check the flame’s color, begin by removing the furnace cover panel to expose the burner assembly and pilot. You may need to relight the pilot. Refer to your furnace’s manual before attempting to do this, and make sure to turn off gas flow for 10-15 minutes before proceeding.

Caution: if you smell gas, do not continue. This could be a sign of a gas leak, for which you will need to evacuate all persons from the home.

If the flame is any other color than described above, contact a professional right away. This is beyond a simple DIY fix.

5. Check Vents and Registers

It is possible that your furnace is running properly, but the airflow in your home has been restricted or cut off to some rooms in particular. Inspect each room of the house to ensure that the supply and return grills are open, unobstructed, and unclogged.

It is not a good idea to intentionally close vents in certain rooms or have any furniture, rugs, or belongings close to the grills. Not only will these practices not save money, but they can also be extremely unsafe and eventually cause problems for your heating system.

Call the Professionals

If your furnace continues to cause trouble, is leaving you out in the cold, or is responsible for high utility bills, it may be time to get the professionals involved. Contact WM Buffington in Highspire, Pennsylvania for all your HVAC needs. We are dedicated to providing high-quality services for both residential and commercial spaces in Central Pennsylvania. You can trust our extensively trained technicians to take care of your furnace and other projects that come up.

How to Minimize Energy Loss in Air Ducts

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Man inspecting air duct system in home

Everyone wants to save money on energy bills, and your air ducts could be the cause of large invoices from your energy company.

How is this possible? My air ducts could be causing an energy loss? Aren’t they mean to direct airflow to the appropriate rooms?

Yes, your air ducts are made to navigate airflow from your central HVAC system to various rooms in your home. But, your current air duct system may not be optimal for energy saving. You could be losing anywhere from 25 to 40 percent of energy in your current air duct system, averaging a 30 percent loss.

By having a loss of airflow, you might crank up your HVAC system to kick out more air. Doing so will raise your energy cost.

If only 70 percent of your airflow is reaching the appropriate rooms in your home, where is the remaining airflow going? It could be exiting the air duct system through leaks or the lost air just might not be making it to any of the rooms.

Here are some tips from a professional HVAC company to help you save money on your energy bills.

Seal Leaks

Your air duct system might have leaks. Over time, the seal can become loose or expand, which can lead to holes or patches where your air duct meets the wall. This obviously isn’t ideal and should be sealed up right away.

You can perform a visual inspection of your air ducts to source these leaks and seal them up yourself.

The best way to seal up your air duct leaks is with duct sealants like mastic, butyl tape, aluminum foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes. If you do use a sealant like mastic, it’s a very messy project so be sure to cover the ground and use old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Insulate Air Ducts

Parts of your air duct system might not be properly insulated or insulated at all. If your air ducts run through uncooled or unheated parts of your home, your HVAC could work overtime to bring the wanted temperature to your rooms.

This happens when the ambient temperature (the temperature of the surrounding environment where equipment is stored) of these parts of your home doesn’t match the rest of the home, affecting those areas with air ducts.

You can insulate the entire air duct system or those parts where the temperature differs. This requires entering the unseen area for the air ducts and insulating the ducts with metal framed foil-faced fiberglass insulation. You can try DIY or call a professional HVAC service like WM Buffington to install this insulation in the proper areas.

Reroute Air Ducts

It’s entirely possible that you might want to consider rerouting your air ducts. Air resistance is prominent in ductworks. This is known as drag; when air is opposed to friction, causing the resistance. Drag can be reduced by:

  • Smoothing out the inner surfaces of the air ducts.
  • Rounding sharp corners for easy passage.
  • Expanding the diameter of the air ducts.
  • Reduce the number of bends in the duct system to improve air velocity.

Reconstruct Air Ducts

The most expensive option would be to reconstruct the air duct system entirely, or just certain parts of it. If it’s actually your air duct system that is causing the high energy bills, a reconstruct could be necessary. Most modern homes have optimal ductworks, but older homes may not have been constructed with the most energy-efficient ductwork navigation.

If your energy bills are still high after making any of these updates to your air ducts, there may be an issue with your HVAC system. Before you start on an air duct project, consult a local HVAC company to perform an inspection of your equipment and the structure of your air duct system.


WM Buffington serves Central Pennsylvania homeowners and businesses with the most trustworthy HVAC services. We are very knowledgeable in air duct structure and inspections to discover and fix the real issue that’s driving up your monthly costs. Give us a call today to help save you money on your energy bills.

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