Our HVAC Guides are written to help homeowners troubleshoot and fix air conditioning issues in their home without having to spend money on an HVAC technician unless it’s necessary to call in a professional.
Check out our guides and learn the answers to frequently asked HVAC questions, how to troubleshoot common HVAC problems, and more.
When cleaning their homes, most homeowners dust, vacuum, sweep, and mop, but many neglect to regularly clean a vital part of their home comfort: the AC drain line. Although it may not seem like a problem, your AC drain line produces condensation, and when your AC drain line is not cleaned regularly, it can become …
Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself? If your air conditioner keeps turning on and off your AC system is most likely short cycling. An AC system may turn on and off repeatedly due to dirty, broken, or failing parts or for various other mechanical or electrical reasons. The term short cycling refers …
After a long day at work, you’re tired, hot, and just want to relax in the comfort of your own home. But what happens if when you open your door, you’re greeted with a house full of warm air? If your AC is blowing warm air, it’s a sign that something isn’t working as it …
As a homeowner, your air conditioner is probably one of the things you’re most thankful for in your home. While it may be easy to take it for granted, once it starts showing signs of damage, it’s enough to make you want to push a panic button. And, while some AC problems do require assistance …
One of the most common AC problems homeowners experience is an AC leaking water. After using your AC to cool your home on a hot summer day, you may see water damage on the floor. And upon close inspection, you notice the water is coming from the AC. Why does it leak? And most importantly, …
Looking to learn how to perform an air conditioner capacitor test? More importantly, are you looking to learn why you should perform such a test? Air conditioning systems are intricate appliances made up of lots of parts working harmoniously to keep your home comfortable year-round. As with any appliance, there will most likely come a …
Does your window AC unit sound like running water or like it has water in it? Like there is trickling water or water sloshing around inside? Is the bottom of the unit wet or is water leaking into your room? If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading to learn what to …
In addition to cooling the air inside your home, your air conditioner removes humidity from the air. This dehumidification process collects water vapor from the air inside your home and sends it outside through a drain line attached to your AC. Your AC drain line needs to be free of obstruction to allow your AC …
A black air filter can mean a variety of impurities are impacting your home’s indoor air quality. Not only can a debris-filled air filter lead to dirty air in an environment, but it can also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. 4 Reasons Your Air Filters Are Turning Black Here are a few possible …
While understanding how your air conditioning system works may not be at the top of your to-do list, knowing some basic HVAC functions, like the refrigeration cycle, can help you get the most out of your system. Even better, a little know-how can help to improve the lifespan of your AC and help you determine …
HVAC replacement is a big investment to make but replacing your HVAC system before a breakdown could save you quite a bit of time and money. Read ahead for a closer look at some of the signs that it’s time to replace your HVAC system. 5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System If …
Is your home’s thermostat screen blank? A blank thermostat display can be a major problem, especially during cold winters or hot summers, since you need your thermostat to operate your AC system. But don’t panic, there could be a quick and easy solution! If you recently noticed that your thermostat is blank and not working, …
Does your AC system smell like burning? When you crank on the heat, the last thing you want to experience is a burning smell coming from your system. A burning smell is typically an indication of a part overheating or catching on fire, so it’s important you do not ignore this sign and turn off …
If you start up your air conditioner and notice a musty odor similar to wet laundry that’s been left sitting, you’re most likely smelling mold or mildew. Unfortunately, this is a common problem with air conditioners. Mold and mildew develop in places with high moisture content, so your air conditioner is a prime candidate. This …
When choosing the air filter that is right for your home, you have a lot to consider. From costs, to MERV ratings, to size and shape, several factors affect which type of air filter is best for your air filtration needs. One of the simplest decisions you must make, however, is whether to use a …
If the air coming out of your AC smells, it’s likely that your entire home smells. Whether your vents are blowing the musty stench of a dirty sock through your nostrils or spreading the putrid odor of a decaying animal throughout your home, the situation is far from ideal. When your home begins smelling worse …
It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare: to be left in the dead heat of summer with no air conditioning and no clue how to fix it. Don’t panic! While the situation may seem dire, there are a few simple fixes to try that may solve your problem right away. Here are some troubleshooting tips that could …
The average human spends about 80% of their time indoors. Because we spend so much time inside, the quality of our indoor air needs to be clean! And while you may think your home’s air is cleaner than the air outside, think again. A recent study found that indoor air could actually be as much …
When the cold hits, it’s nice to be able to switch on our heaters and snuggle up inside. However, nothing really kills the cozying up indoors more than a nasty and moldy smell. Yuck! You’re probably left wondering what that smell is, and how to get rid of it. What Is Dirty Sock Syndrome? Dirty …
What is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is installed outside, just like an AC outdoor condenser unit. It works by using a small amount of energy to transfer heat from one location to another. The heat is pulled from the outside and brought inside to warm your home. The really great thing about heat …
If you have an older home, it might be big on charm, but small in space. This can make central air conditioning seem like an unachievable dream. However, you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort. Even in a small house with no current duct system, you can have a great working AC. Thanks to SDHV …
When you understand the importance of your air filter in the operation of your air conditioning equipment, you realize that selecting a replacement filter isn’t a casual decision. Although it isn’t complicated, the variety of choices at your home improvement store may be confusing. The Role of Air Filters in HVAC Performance An air filter …
When talking about your air conditioner, you may hear people refer to it as an HVAC system. While the two are similar, they are slightly different terms. What Does HVAC Stand For? HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. AC stands for air conditioning. Your HVAC system is responsible for both heating and cooling …
Improving indoor air quality concerns isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. The air inside your home can be affected by various structural and environmental factors in your home and community. Since the conditions might be unique to your residence, it’s best to seek out expert advice. 7 Easy Ways to Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality An …
It’s not the heat, but the humidity that’s unbearable. But what can we do to deal with it? Do we have to suffer in silence while we try to deal with the oppressive humidity? Check out our guide and learn everything you need to know about dehumidifiers and humidity. Will a Dehumidifier Cool a Room? …
Are you are concerned that your AC system has a refrigerant leak? Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common AC problems and can be one of the most frustrating when not fixed properly. Every year people call in for service on their air conditioner and the diagnosis is usually refrigerant loss. Loss of refrigerant, …
A properly functioning AC system is essential to a comfortable home. While many people know how to operate their AC system, few people know how it actually works. You probably know that your home has a network of ducts behind its walls, but what exactly do they do? These ducts are connected to every room …
It’s that time of the year again: warm summer weather is back! That means it’s also the time when most homeowners crank on their air conditioning systems. But what do you do when you turn on your AC to find out it’s not cooling your home as it should? If your AC is struggling to …
Air conditioners can last up to 20 years if they are properly cared for and receive routine maintenance. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with homes having various owners over the years and air conditioners reaping the effects of different caretakers. There comes a point when calling a service technician for yet another problem …
It’s that time of the year again: warm and humid summer weather is back! That means it’s also the time when most homeowners are cranking on their ACs. But what do you do when you turn on your AC to find out it won’t blow cold air as it should? 5 Reasons Your AC Is …
The average life expectancy of an HVAC system will depend on quite a few different variables. Read ahead to learn how long you can expect your heating and cooling systems to last and what you can do to keep them running for as long as possible. HVAC Unit Life Expectancy According to the Environmental Protection …
Did you know that UV lights were used to treat tuberculosis in the early 1900s? Since then, ultraviolet lights have been widely adopted for a variety of uses, from sterilizing water to setting nail polish faster. Want to know of another place where you can find UV light technology? In your air conditioner. Utilizing UV …
Is your air conditioner suddenly making strange noises? Do not ignore changes in the sounds coming from your AC system. These new sounds often indicate a problem with your AC system. When working efficiently, your air conditioning system should make minimal noise. If your air conditioning system is making an unusual sound, it may be …
If your home or business is cool and comfortable, you can partially thank the refrigerant. Refrigerant, sometimes referred to as Freon, is a liquid cooling agent that is located within the coil of an AC system. It functions to chill air and dehumidify it. Although uncommon, refrigerant leaks can occur within your air conditioning system. …
Air conditioning systems are complex appliances, so now and then something is bound to go wrong. While some issues are minor and you can fix them yourself with a little DIY know how, significant issues can require an experienced technician to fix. 8 of the Most Common AC Problems While there are many problems your …
When the temperature goes up, it’s nice to escape the heat in your air conditioned home. What’s not so nice are those expensive electricity bills. If you’re sick of spending a fortune just to stay comfortable in the summer, it might be because of your AC’s SEER. What is SEER? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy …
One of the most neglected parts of an HVAC system is the air filter, but it is an integral part of your system’s overall well-being. Changing your air conditioner’s filter is one of the simplest ways you can maintain your air conditioner yourself and ensure it will run efficiently for years to come. So ask …
The temperature outside is rising, and the air inside is feeling just as bad. But when you go the check on your air handler it’s… frozen? How can that be? It’s so warm outside! Many homeowners are left scratching their heads when dealing with a frozen air handler. How can it be boiling outside, but …
