Home Services HVAC
2-Stage Furnace Disadvantages? (Ultimate Furnace Guide)
During certain times of the year, relying on your furnace is a must if you want to remain comfortable. If your old furnace breaks down, replacing it is a priority. While looking for a replacement, you may eventually stumble upon 2-stage furnaces.
HVAC Duct Sizing Rule of Thumb (Ultimate Guide)
While going through the process of building your home, you’ll eventually have to consider how the ducts will be designed. You cannot overlook the ductwork because doing so will affect the type of comfort you’re able to experience at home. However, when it comes to determining an HVAC duct sizing rule of thumb, you need to avoid generalizations.
How To Bypass A Flame Sensor On A Furnace (Do This!)
If the flame sensor on your furnace is broken or faulty, you may be looking for a temporary solution. Those who live in especially cold areas of the country rely on their furnace to keep them warm during winter months. Since your flame sensor is a safety device, when it’s not working properly, your furnace will not operate.
Can You Run A Furnace Without A Filter Temporarily? (Find Out Now!)
The air filter plays an important role in your furnace. Aside from the fact that it is meant to catch the dirt and debris in the air, it can play an important role in the overall air quality of your home. Moreover, a dirty filter can cause a number of issues with your furnace.
HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist
If you live in a house with an HVAC system, you can enjoy all sorts of benefits. From its centralized heating and air conditioning system to its clean filtered air, the bonuses are plentiful. But HVAC systems are quite pricey to repair, and even most costly to replace. So, you want to make sure your HVAC system lasts as long as possible, and stays in top condition. The best way to ensure this is to stick to an HVAC preventative maintenance schedule.
Furnace Pressure Switch is Stuck Open? (We Have A Fix)
Your furnace is a complicated piece of machinery. There are so many components involved to ensure that your home stays nice and toasty without so much as a second thought. But those various components can mean that things will go wrong from time to time.
Furnace Makes Banging Noise When It Shuts Off? (What It Means)
It is normal for a furnace or air conditioner to make noises, but it can be disconcerting. Banging sounds that come from your furnace are common, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a good thing. So, why is it that your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off?
How To Tell If An AC Fuse Is Blown (Find Out Now!)
Air conditioners are incredibly complex machines, which is why most people will immediately throw their hands up in the air and give up when they suddenly stop working. However, it’s not a smart thing to do. In many cases, your AC unit probably has a fairly fixable cause. If it’s a blown fuse, you can fix it in minutes. But, how can you tell if it’s actually a blown fuse?
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.
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.
Does Air Duct Cleaning Really Work?
Cleaning your air ducts can improve your home’s air quality and airflow. Air ducts are constantly exposed to dust, debris, dirt, pet hair, and dead skin cells that make them dirty. Dirty air ducts can lead to health problems, especially if you have a respiratory issue like asthma.
Should I Replace My 30-Year-Old Furnace?
When homeowners have a furnace that works well, they’re not going to complain. Furnaces that are well-maintained can easily last 20 years or more. However, after a certain point, even the most reliable furnace will need to be replaced or repaired. If you’re like many homeowners, you probably are wondering when it makes more sense to replace rather than repair.
Why Is My House Cold Even With The Heat On?
It’s natural to reach for the thermostat during the fall and winter. Of course, you expect your home to heat up, but that doesn’t always happen. So, why is my house cold even with the heat on?
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Hydro Air Heating?
In the winter months, your heating system is one of your home’s main energy users. Since your home’s heating system has such a huge impact on you and your family’s comfort, it’s important that you consider all of your options. While you may already be familiar with forced air or hydronic heating systems, hydro-air heating is a less common choice. However, they are slowly gaining popularity largely because of their flexibility and reliability.
Blower Works With A/C But Not Heat? (We Have A Fix)
A blower motor that works in A/C mode and not heat mode is a perplexing problem. Diagnosing these kinds of problems can be a challenge for a homeowner. Before you call an expensive repair technician, there are some things you should check yourself.
Furnace Keeps Turning On And Off? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
You’ve spent a lot of money on your home’s HVAC system and smart thermostat. That makes it even more frustrating when for some reason, the furnace keeps turning on and off. One minute hot air is blasting from the vents, and the next it feels like you’re in a cryochamber. What is the explanation for this annoying situation, and what can you do to fix it?
Your furnace probably keeps turning on and off because of a dirty air filter or flame sensor. You may also have an electrical issue or a faulty thermostat. Check the air filter and clean or replace it as needed. Check and replace any blown fuses in the electrical panel. And if these don’t work, you may need to replace your thermostat.
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.
How To Clean The Flame Sensor On A Furnace (Do This!)
With so many components in your furnace, it only makes sense that one may stop working from time to time. More often than not, a dirty or clogged filter will be the cause of a furnace that isn’t working properly.
Symptoms Of A Bad AC Capacitor (Here Are 7 Telltale Signs)
If you’re a fan of Back to the Future like I am, the first capacitor you probably heard of is a Flux Capacitor. Though that item is fictional, there are real capacitors, and most major appliances have at least one they require to run. Your air conditioner unit isn’t much different. So, how can you tell if your unit’s capacitor went bad?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 To Turn Off The Auxiliary Heat On A Honeywell Thermostat
Honeywell thermostats are recognized as some of the best heat control devices a home can have. They also happen to have a tendency for using auxiliary heat pretty heavily. The problem is that excess auxiliary heat use can be a drain on your heating bill and may even contribute to higher energy bills. So, how do you turn this feature off?
Should You Replace A Compressor Or The Whole AC Unit?
You are currently dealing with one of the worst problems an air conditioning unit can have: a bad compressor. It’s been diagnosed, your repairman confirmed it, and you are upset. You should be. It’s a pricey repair, no matter what type of AC unit you own! Right now, you have to figure out the answer to a pressing finance question. Should you replace your compressor, or just buy a new unit altogether?
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.
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.
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.
House Smell Like Nail Polish Remover? (Here's Why & What to Do)
If you get manicures and pedicures often, you’re probably familiar with the smell of nail polish remover. It’s certainly a unique smell, and when it emanates throughout a home it’s impossible to miss. So, what causes a house to smell like nail polish remover?
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.
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.
AC Unit Fan Is Not Spinning And Is Hot? (Fix It Now!)
A properly functioning AC unit is a must in sweltering hot summers. It’s easy to panic if you notice your air conditioner isn’t working correctly. One common problem is an AC unit with a fan that is not spinning and that is hot.
Do You Need A Permit To Install Central Air? (Find Out Now!)
Ever since the 1970s, central air conditioning has been a popular choice for cooling homes. But the installation of a central air conditioning system can be labor-intensive and costly. Is it possible to do it yourself, or do you need a professional with a permit to install air conditioning?
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.
Why Are AC Units On The Roof In Arizona?
If you’ve never been to Arizona before, you may be surprised to see air conditioning units on top of houses. This is a common practice in hotter climates, and you’ll also notice rooftop AC systems in New Mexico and Florida. But what’s the point in putting an air conditioning unit on the roof?
Why Is HVAC So Expensive?
Installing HVAC is essential, especially if you live in an area where it gets extremely hot or cold. You need to be able to regulate the indoor temperature to live comfortably. However, it’s no secret that installing HVAC can be very expensive. But why is that?
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.
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.
Symptoms Of A Bad Wall Thermostat (Here Are 7 Telltale Signs)
When the seasons shift, you remember just how critical your home’s heating and cooling systems are. Whether you’re entering a cold winter or a sweltering summer, make sure your thermostat is in good working order. The thermostat tells the HVAC system when it’s at the right temperature– but there are many ways miscommunications can happen.
Thermostat Goes Blank Then Comes Back On? (Fix It Now!)
Thermostats act as the heart of every home’s AC system, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get glitchy. A common issue that you might have with a digital thermostat happens when your thermostat’s face suddenly goes blank, then turns back on. It’s almost like a reboot…except it’s not supposed to happen. If this happens to you, you might be wondering what this means for your HVAC system.
High Velocity Air Conditioning Vs. Mini Split: What Are The Differences?
Depending on where you live, air conditioning may be a necessity rather than a luxury. Oppressive temperatures year-round could be impossible to bear with no air conditioner helping you out.
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.
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 Flame Goes Out When The Blower Comes On? (We Have A Fix)
When it is working properly, your furnace is capable of making your home comfortable in even the coldest of temperatures. The process requires several components coming together at once to produce warm air that blows throughout your home.
Heat Pump Continues To Run After Reaching Set Temperature?
A heat pump is a multi-functioning system for homes. It can create a cool space in the summer months and a warm and cozy space when it’s cold outside. Whether in winter, spring, summer, or fall, you want your heat pump working correctly.
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.
Can A Window AC Unit Get Wet?
In the summertime, when it can get quite hot both indoors and outdoors, having an air conditioning system is critical. But not all homes and businesses can accommodate massive HVAC systems, and those that can’t tend to rely on the classic window AC units.
Pilot Light Is Lit, But Furnace Won't Kick On
Nothing is more annoying in the HVAC world than when your furnace won’t kick on. It can also be intimidating at first because we all know that furnace problems sometimes lead to expensive repairs. So, what should you do when the pilot light is lit, but the furnace won’t kick on?
Furnace High Limit Switch Keeps Tripping? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Your furnace is a complicated piece of equipment. There are various components working in unison at all times and when one of them goes bad, it is imperative to identify the problem in short order. The last thing that you want is for your furnace to continue failing, leading to bigger and more expensive repairs.
How To Tell If Your Furnace Heat Exchanger Is Cracked
Don’t ignore your instincts if you suspect your gas furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. Not repairing a damaged heat exchanger in a timely manner can cause serious health issues for your family. Among the toxic gases released into the air is carbon monoxide. It’s important to check to see if it’s cracked and then stop all use. But, how do you tell if it’s broken?
How Does A Heat Pump Work In Winter?
Most people are familiar with heat pumps when it comes to using them as air conditioners. A unique feature about a heat pump is that it can be used during the winter to heat your home and not just during the summer to cool it. But how can a split system like a heat pump perform both of these functions?
How To Tell If An HVAC Contractor Is Legitimate
Experienced HVAC technicians and contractors have less to prove than others. That’s not to say that a new company can’t be equally trustworthy. However, it’s a good sign if an HVAC contractor has been around for 5 to 20 years or longer.
Flexible Ductwork Vs. Rigid Ductwork: What Are the Major Differences?
The HVAC system in your home is one of the most crucial components of the entire structure. No matter where you live, you will have need of heating, cooling, or both more than likely. When your HVAC system is working optimally, you don’t even notice other than the fact that you live in comfort.
Rheem vs. Trane: What Are The Major Differences?
If you’re in the market for new HVAC appliances in your home, the sheer number of products can be overwhelming. There are a wide variety of reputable brands as well as products with varying efficiencies and styles. Rheem and Trane are two of the country’s leading HVAC manufacturers.
Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
When adjusting your thermostat, you occasionally run into a situation where the numbers on the screen don’t match what you feel. At this point, it is only normal to wonder why your thermostat is not reaching the set temperature. With this guide, we will answer that question.
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?
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.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Variable-Speed Air Handler?
Are you considering upgrading your air conditioner? A variable-speed air handler can make a huge difference in the comfort of your home. But before you choose a model with a variable-speed air handler, let’s go over all of its pros and cons.
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.