You’ve settled in for the evening, but something feels off. You’re outside the Goldilocks zone — too hot or cold. You adjust the thermostat, but the temperature won’t budge. What gives? Your thermostat might be trying to tell you something. In this blog, we’ll explore the common signs your thermostat needs TLC. Symptoms of a Failing Thermostat A thermostat is the nerve center of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). If it senses the temperature is higher or lower than what you’ve set, it triggers your HVAC system to turn on or off to maintain the desired temperature. L ..read more

How can you distinguish AC condensation from a leak? Some water condensation is typical for air conditioners, especially on hot and humid days when they work overtime. This moisture usually collects in a drip pan or is expelled through a condensate drain line. But if you see an unusual amount of water, or if the water pools in places where it shouldn’t, you may have an air conditioner leak that requires immediate attention. Let’s dig into the details and discuss ways to troubleshoot air conditioner leaks and fix them DIY (when possible). Signs of a Leaking Air Conditioner Excessive Water Accu ..read more

Bigger is better when it comes to air conditioning, right? No, not at all. Correct sizing is crucial for efficient operation — too large, and your AC will constantly cycle on and off, wasting energy. Too small and will run non-stop without ever effectively cooling your home. But what about the AC SEER rating? Should that have anything to do with your purchase decision? Absolutely. And in this blog, we’ll explain why. What is SEER? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how much cool air you get compared to the energy to produce that cool air. The higher the SEER rating ..read more

Modern non-agrarian humans spend most of their time indoors. But unlike mushrooms, which also thrive in the dark, they need clean, fresh air to be at their best. According to the EPA, “indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.” Yikes! It’s enough to make you stop breathing altogether and turn into a mushroom. Indoor pollutants are especially harmful to allergy sufferers, people with respiratory problems, senior citizens, and children who spend significant time in school. So, what can you do about it? Probably more ..read more

Looking to save a little scratch this winter? Or this summer in toasty Los Angeles? Have you thought about the air ducts? Yes — the air ducts, those hidden heroes of your HVAC system. Sealing your air ducts can improve energy efficiency by as much as 20 percent, according to the US government’s Energy Star program. Leaky ducts contribute to significant energy losses, and by sealing and insulating them, you can boost the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems while enhancing the comfort of your home. What Duct Sealing Does Duct sealing is more than slapping on a few patches here and the ..read more

We’re used to noises in the kitchen. The whoosh of the dishwasher. The whistle of the teapot. The buzz of the timer. The noshing of the midnight snacker. A little noise from the refrigerator is normal and healthy, but when it starts to bang, bump, and grind, you’ve got a problem on your hands. In this blog, we’ll examine what those sounds might mean, how to troubleshoot them, and how to fix them DIY before you call the pros for repair. Understanding Common Refrigerator Sounds 1. Humming That low hum is your refrigerator saying, “All systems go!” That’s the fridge’s compressor running, a key pa ..read more

Have you ever found yourself in the maze of furnace efficiency ratings and wondered what those numbers mean? Should you even care? Understanding furnace efficiency ratings helps you save hard-earned cash on energy bills. It also keeps Mama Earth happier! So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of furnace efficiency — we’re about to heat up the jargon! The ABCs of Furnace Efficiency Ratings Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) This is the big kahuna of furnace efficiency ratings. Written as a percentage, the AFUE tells you how much of your fuel goes to heat your home and how much is wast ..read more

If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re dealing with a furnace that sounds like a truck about to drop its transmission. The good news? The problem may not be as serious as it sounds. In fact, there may not be a problem at all. The bad news? — Well, there’s plenty of time for bad news later in this blog. So, let’s break it down. The odd hum, whoosh, or whirr is usual for a furnace. But when your furnace goes bump in the night, and you’ve already ruled out poltergeists, it’s time for a closer look. Understanding & Troubleshooting Furnace Noises 1. Banging & Popping Sounds Dirty igni ..read more

Cool air from the vents is a blessing in August. Not so much in January. It will have you scratching your head in confusion, muttering in frustration, turning the garage inside out for the space heater you haphazardly stored last spring, and ultimately rushing to the store for a new space heater to warm just a tiny portion of your frigid home. Do you have a serious problem on your hands? Maybe, and maybe not. We’ll offer the weasley answer of “it depends,” and review some of the reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air. Rejoice — there could be a DIY fix! 10 Reasons Why Your Furnace ..read more

Hey there, DIY enthusiast! We’ve lined up a honey-do list for you, and vent cleaning is the numero uno chore this weekend. Are we excited, or what? We know you call in the pros now and then to scrub your ducts (if you don’t, you should), but between professional cleanings, you can keep areas near the vents spic and span with these easy tips. Why Clean Your Furnace Vents? Clean vents aren’t just for show.Sure, you want your home to look its best, but there are practical reasons for keeping your furnace vents clean. Here are just a few: Reduced Energy Bills: When air flows freely through clean ..read more