Home Services HVAC
What Is A Gas Meter Lock (And How to Remove It)
When you’re reading about gas meter issues, chances are that you’ve heard mention of a gas meter lock. However, you might not have actually seen a lock on your meter. If you’re like many people who are new to HVAC work, you’re probably wondering what the meter lock is, and how you should remove it. The scoop on this part of your meter reading might surprise you.
Hot Surface Igniter Glows But No Flame? (We Have A Fix)
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have a hot surface igniter (HSI) that can occasionally stop functioning. One of the more common issues you may run into with this is having the HSI glow, but no flame appears. So what do you do when this happens?
4 Types of Whole House Humidifiers (Plus Buying Tips)
A common problem many homeowners deal with during the onset of winter is the prevalence of dry air. Similar to excessively humid air, dry air can cause significant discomfort and trigger certain health conditions. To combat the onset of dry air, homeowners have enlisted the help of whole house humidifiers.
My House Is Hot Upstairs And Cold Downstairs (We Have a Fix!)
Is there a drastic difference between the temperatures in the upstairs and downstairs of your house? If this is something new, you must be confused about why it is happening. After all, we all want to be able to expect what the temperature of a room will be before stepping into it. There’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’ll have a peaceful sleep in an air-conditioned room only to find it’s more like a sauna instead.
Where To Buy An Air Conditioner Capacitor (Locally & Online)
When it’s summer, there are few parts of your home that will be as cherished as your AC unit. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common times when you’ll face a blown air conditioner capacitor. While it’s a quick fix (all you have to do is replace the capacitor), you still need to find the supplies to make it happen. But where on earth do you find an air conditioner capacitor?
Are Air Purifiers A Waste Of Money?
With airborne viruses and hidden chemicals on the rise in modern times, purified air has never felt more important. Home HVAC systems with quality filters can help increase a home’s value, and certain areas with better air quality have even become more desirable. Air purifiers have also become quite popular in recent years. But with an average price tag between $200 and $500, you might wonder if air purifiers work or if they are a waste of money.
Furnace Keeps Shutting Off And Needs To Be Reset? (Do This!)
The reset button on your furnace is a quick method to solve any short-term issues. But if your furnace keeps shutting off and requiring resets, this is a sign of deeper problems. Given that this is a fairly common problem in oil furnaces, we will be focusing primarily on solutions for those.
Is Your AC Liquid Line Very Hot? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
The liquid line on your air conditioner is a big part of its proper operation. It is common for the line to become hot, and it is often due to it being dirty or underpowered. Follow along as we explore how you can cool down the liquid line on your AC.
Furnace Turns On Then Off After A Few Minutes? (Fix It Now!)
The weather outside is frightful, but your furnace fire ain’t feeling so delightful. If your furnace won’t stay lit, trying to deal with winter weather can become a serious problem. Furnaces that don’t stay lit are more than just a pet peeve. This is a major problem that can harm your wellbeing. So, what’s the deal with this issue, anyway?
Condensing Vs. Non-Condensing Boilers: Which One Is Better?
Your plumbing contractor tells you it is time to replace your old boiler. Now you face several decisions. The first decision that faces you is replacing your old boiler with a new high-efficiency condensing boiler or sticking with a more traditional non-condensing boiler. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Goodman Vs. Bryant: Which Central AC Brand Is Better?
Tempstar Vs. Carrier Air Conditioners: Which One Is Better?
Air conditioners play a vital role in the home, especially during the hotter summer months. Depending on where in Canada you live, temperatures can get balmy and stretch throughout the summer. Without air conditioning, it can make for an awfully sweaty experience.
Honeywell Thermostat Blinking A Snowflake? (Here's Why)
Honeywell makes some of the most dependable and popular options for thermostats on the market. Ranging from basic models to smart thermostats, Honeywell has a plethora of offerings that their customers have been using for years.
What Size Furnace Blower Motor Do I Need? (Find Out Now!)
If you’ve heard much talk about furnaces and their specific components, you’ve likely come across the term “blower.” The blower, or blower motor, is one of the most essential components of your furnace.
How Much Does A R22 To R410a A/C Conversion Cost?
Your old A/C system is on the fritz, so naturally, you’d call the repairman to come to fix it, right? Unfortunately, depending on how old your system is, the solution may not be that simple. If you have an air conditioning unit manufactured before 2010, you may be required to rebuild or replace it.
Why Is My Central Air Conditioning Line Freezing Up?
Central air conditioning is a modern commodity and it’s hard to get comfortable when it isn’t working properly. HVAC system problems can be overwhelming and even expensive, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. So, why is your central air conditioning line freezing up?
Is Furnace Short Cycling Dangerous? (We Have The Answer)
When the weather begins to cool off furnaces start to warm up. Most of the time, the sound of furnaces waking from hibernation reminds as above spending the cold nights of winter in the warmth and security of our homes. Sometimes, however, the sounds were here are a bit less comforting.
Why Is My Gas Bill So High?
Whether it be your stove, furnace, or boiler, old appliances simply cannot work at full capacity. Old HVAC systems must work much harder than they used to, but the results aren’t as good. For example, the typical furnace lasts 15 to 20 years.
How To Reset A Carrier Infinity Thermostat (Quickly & Easily!)
Resetting a Carrier Infinity Thermostat to its factory settings is easy, and can be done through the Service menu.
What Are The Pros And Cons of a Furnace In The Attic?
It wasn’t until I owned my own home that I realized how coveted storage space is. Having an entire closet dedicated to a furnace seems like a giant waste of storage space. So, what about the attic? Could that be a practical place to install a furnace to save storage space on living floors?
Does A Condensate Line Need A Vent?
Your new HVAC system is installed and running smoothly. However, you notice when the AC runs, there is a trickle of water from a pipe into a floor drain in the HVAC closet. Your HVAC technician explained the drain collects the condensate from the coils when the AC runs. Shouldn’t the drain have a vent like the other drains in the house?
My Furnace Smells Funny: What To Do
It’s hard to go through life without smelling a dusty furnace. This common smell is nearly unavoidable because of how much dust comes into contact with a furnace. Air filters and ducts get filled with dust and debris, and that’s unavoidable.
Furnace Exhaust Pipe Dripping Water? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
During your regular monthly maintenance on your HVAC system, you notice something strange. Water seems to be dripping from your furnace exhaust pipe. You immediately wonder what is happening, why it is happening, and what you should do if you notice your furnace exhaust pipe dripping water.
Blinking Red Light On Furnace? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Your house seems a little chilly, so you go out to your garage to check on the furnace. You notice it has a blinking red light- what does this imply?
Why Are My Air Ducts Dripping Water?
Condensate pumps remove water from your HVAC system, unless they aren’t working properly. This key component temporarily holds water and then pumps it out when it reaches a certain level. Excess moisture can accumulate within air ducts when the condensate pump fails.
What Causes A Furnace Blower Motor To Go Bad? (Find Out Now!)
With the winter months coming fast, ensuring that your furnace motor stays in good condition is paramount. Because of this, it is good to be aware of what causes a furnace blower motor to go bad. Having this knowledge will prepare you for quick action should a repair be required.
Furnace Not Igniting Burners? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
With the cold winter months coming up, it can be frustrating to find that your heater is not working. Whether you are alerted by unusual noise or abnormal cold, having your furnace fail to ignite your burners is not a great experience. So what causes this issue, and what do you do about it?
Pros And Cons Of A Heat Recovery Ventilation System
When it comes to your home, there are few things that are as important as having a good HVAC system. It’s what will keep your home warm and also regulate your home’s temperature. In recent years, heat recovery ventilation systems have become very popular. As one of the newest “hot features” of homes, it’s worth taking a look at what they can and cannot do for your home.
How To Keep Furnace Condensate Line From Freezing (Do This!)
Your HVAC system is a complicated piece of equipment. When it is functioning properly, delivering warm or cold air throughout your home, you likely won’t even recognize it. But when issues creep up, it is hard to notice anything but.
How To Tell If A Furnace Igniter Is Bad (Here Are Some Telltale Signs)
Of all the components within your furnace, there are a couple that are vastly more important than the others. When one of those components gets worn down or stops working, it can mean the difference between a comfortable home and having to be huddled up in blankets in your own home.
Facts You Must Know About Heat Pumps & Emergency Heat
Heat pumps are amazingly efficient for heating your home under most normal conditions. However, when conditions aren’t right, your heat pump depends on its emergency heating capability to keep the temperature in your house comfortable and stable. If you own a heat pump, there are some facts about emergency heating you should know.
How Do I Stop My Air Ducts From Popping?
Air ducts produce popping sounds because of several problems, such as poor insulation. That said, popping sounds don’t always necessarily mean that something is wrong with your air ducts. For example, popping and banging sounds are more common in rectangular ducts than in circular ducts.
What Is A Thermocouple & How Does It Work? (Find Out Now!)
In order to heat your home properly, your furnace has several components that work in tandem with one another. When those components do their jobs, the air that gets sucked into your furnace is heated and then blown back out into the home.
8 Heat Pump Brands To Avoid (Based on Actual Recall Data)
A great heat pump can boost your home’s HVAC system. However, some brands such as Nordyne and Rheem are worth avoiding. Whether it be Ameristar or Lennox International, let’s take a look at the 6 worst heat pump brands.
Why Is My Furnace Rattling?
It can leave you feeling uneasy when you hear unusual sounds coming from your furnace. Some furnace sounds are normal, but they can also point to serious problems. So, you may ask, why is my furnace rattling?
How To Clean A Gas Furnace Burner (Quickly & Easily!)
Whether you are experiencing issues with your gas furnace or are simply performing routine maintenance, keeping your furnace clean is imperative. When components get dirty or clogged, it can lead to components working improperly or not at all.
Why Does My Furnace Keep Tripping The Breaker
Air ducts carry warm and cool air throughout your home when you run your furnace and air conditioner. Over time, air ducts get caked with dust, debris, dirt, and pet hair. This can significantly reduce the airflow throughout your home and strain your furnace.Â
Does A Furnace Need A Fresh Air Intake? (Find Out Now!)
Heating makes up almost 30% of utility costs, so wanting to close vents that bring in cold air is normal. These vents are fresh air intakes for your furnace. Before you decide to block them, learn more about furnace fresh air intakes and how to fix common problems.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Furnace Blower Motor?
Your furnace blower motor is an essential part of your HVAC. It is the reason your furnace or AC is able to blow the air throughout your home. Many reasons can cause the blower motor to fail, such as old age or a high amperage draw. If you have an issue, how much would it cost to replace your HVAC blower motor?
Can I Pour Hot Water On A Frozen Heat Pump? (Find Out Now!)
Back when I used to have to get up early for school, I’d pour hot water on my car’s glass to get the ice off. It didn’t take too long for a crack to develop. I still occasionally use hot water on frozen items as a way to speed-defrost, even if it’s not a good idea. I’ve even done it with heat pumps. But, should anyone really try this on something as delicate as a heat pump?
Is There White Powder Coming Out Of Your Vents?
It is alarming when you discover that your HVAC system sends some unknown white dust into your home through the vents. With no clear understanding of the material and whether it is hazardous or just annoying can lead to panic in some cases. If your HVAC system is new, the dust problem can be even more upsetting.
My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air When The Heat Is On (Here's Why)
When you live in a cold-weather climate, your furnace becomes one of the most important tools at your disposal during those cold months. Your insulation can only keep so much of that cold out before your furnace needs to intervene and warm things up.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise While Running? (Ways to Fix It)
Your central heating system, when working properly, keeps your home nice and warm even during the most frigid of temperatures. When something goes wrong and that heater stops working, it can cause major inconveniences for you and your family.
Furnace Leaking Water? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
As you’re used to your furnace doing its job without any issues, it can come as a shock to see water pooling around its base and realizing that something is wrong. It’s essential to take immediate action as, left uncorrected, even a small leak can result in extensive and costly damage.
Can I Install Central Air Myself? (Find Out Now!)
Central air is one of the most essential components of a clean and comfortable home. While it’s still viewed as a commodity, installing a central air conditioning system in new homes is pretty standard. However, if you have an older home and want to install one, this can prove to be difficult on your own.
How To Tell If A Condensate Pump Is Working (Do This!)
If you recently noticed a strange pool of water near your HVAC unit, then you probably have been thinking about checking out the condensate pump. Condensate pumps are a vital part of most air conditioning units. This is doubly true if you live in a humid environment prone to lots of moisture. It’s normal to wonder if your pump’s actually working. So, how can you tell if it is?
Furnace Tries To Start But Then Shuts Down? (We Have A Fix)
A furnace that isn’t working problem is more than just an annoyance. Any problem with your furnace can indicate issues that are potentially dangerous to you and your family. A furnace that tries to start and then shuts down requires immediate attention.
How To Quiet A Noisy Furnace Blower (Do This!)
Adding some warmth to your home through the winter can keep your space cozy and comfortable. Many people opt for a furnace blower to help push the hot air through the house effectively. While this is a great solution to heat a home, sometimes the furnace blower can become quite loud. Fixing a furnace blower yourself is possible for the technical and savvy DIY homeowner.
SpacePak Vs. Unico: Which High Velocity HVAC System Is Best?
You’ve probably come across the names SpacePak and Unico in your search for heating and cooling solutions. They are the leaders in high-velocity HVAC systems. These systems have a lower profile and require less space than your average air conditioning unit. Their supply tubing is more compact than traditional ducts, and they are often used in older homes that have space limitations.
How To Fix Dry Air In A House
Dry air can be a real problem, especially inside your home during the coldest months of the year. Humidity already tends to be lower in the coldest weather, and as you raise heat in your home, you may actually continue to decrease the relative humidity. Before you start to get dry and itchy skin, or experience static cling every time you put on your clothes, you might want to address the humidity issue. But how do you fix the problem of dry air in a house?
How To Get Your House Ready For A Home Inspection
The cleanliness of most parts of your house has nothing to do with the results of your home inspection. However, it does affect how easy it is for an inspector to move through your house, which affects how long it takes. You can also set a good tone and make a great impression on the inspector if your home is clean.
How Do You Know If Your Furnace Heat Exchanger Is Bad?
The heat exchanger in your furnace is a group of tubes and coils. These tubes and coils heat the air that then shoots out into your home or workplace. There are many reasons why your furnace heat exchanger can go bad, and if this happens you need to act quickly.
York Vs. Trane: Which Air Conditioner Is Better?
Your air conditioning system is one of the most appliances in your home. Having central air is much more convenient than using a window-mounted unit, too. Instead of keeping a single room cool, it keeps the entirety of your home cool and comfortable.
Furnace Keeps Running After Temperature Is Reached? (Fix It Now!)
In most parts of life, being an overachiever is a great thing. This is true with academics, but when it comes to keeping your home toasty, overachieving isn’t that hot. A furnace that keeps running after your goal temperature is reached can be downright uncomfortable for both your body and your wallet. Rather than open up a window, it might be time to address the issue before your bills shoot through the roof.
Why Is My AC Evaporator Freezing Up?
Refrigerant is essential for an AC unit to absorb and release heat throughout the system. Without refrigerant, this exchange won’t happen, and it can explain why your AC evaporator is freezing up. Several signs indicate that your refrigerant level is low, such as high bills, and a long cool-down time.
Red Light Is Blinking On York Furnace? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
When your York furnace’s red light starts blinking, it’s time for a proper POA. The problem may be as easy to fix as a blown fuse or something more complex that requires professional help.
When To Turn On The Whole House Humidifier For Winter
Many homeowners use a whole-house humidifier to improve the air quality in their houses. They can help eliminate impurities in the air such as viruses and bacteria that would make you sick. Understandably, some homeowners are confused about when to turn on the whole-house humidifier.
How A Dirty Home Air Filter Affects Your House
The air quality in your home is just as important as any other necessity. Your HVAC system can determine your comfort at home, but it can also be a matter of safety. Even still, you may be unfamiliar with how a dirty home air filter can affect your home.
Rheem Vs. Goodman: Which Air Conditioner Is Better?
Air conditioners will no doubt play an important role in your home. When you live in hotter climates especially, going without air conditioning means a very sweaty experience. But choosing the right unit is key as well.