☀️ --°
Straight answers about heating, cooling and hiring a contractor, written by people who work in the trades, plus a reality check on the advice going around social media.
Heating & CoolingHow often should you change your AC filter?How often to change your HVAC filter, how to pick the right size and MERV rating, and the warning signs that a clogged filter is costing you money.Heating & CoolingRefrigerant phaseouts explained: from Freon to R-410A to today’s new refrigerantsA homeowner’s history of AC refrigerants: why R-12 and R-22 were phased out, what the R-410A phasedown means, and what to know about R-454B and R-32.Heating & CoolingPreventive HVAC maintenance: what a tune-up should include and why it pays offWhy yearly HVAC tune-ups matter, what a technician should check on your AC and furnace, and the easy maintenance homeowners can do themselves.Heating & CoolingRepair or replace? How to know when it’s time for a new AC or heat pumpThe signs it may be time to replace your air conditioner, heat pump or furnace, what to check before deciding, and how to compare replacement quotes.
PlumbingWhen should you have your plumbing checked?How often to have a plumber look over your home’s plumbing, the times it matters most, and the signs that something needs attention now.PlumbingWater heater maintenance: flushing, anode rods and safety valvesHow often to flush a tank water heater, when to check and replace the anode rod, and the signs your water heater needs a plumber.PlumbingHow to find hidden water leaks and prevent water damageSimple ways to check your home for leaks, including the water meter and toilet dye tests, plus the most common leak sources and how to prevent water damage.PlumbingDrain and sewer line care: what not to flush and when to call a plumberHow to keep drains and sewer lines flowing: what to keep out of sinks and toilets, the difference between a simple clog and a main line problem, and when to call a plumber.
ElectricalHow often should your home’s electrical system and breaker panel be inspected?When to have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s wiring and breaker panel, what they check, and the signs your panel needs attention.ElectricalHome electrical safety checklistA practical electrical safety checklist for homeowners: outlet and cord habits, monthly GFCI and AFCI tests, smoke and CO alarms, and warning signs to watch for.ElectricalGFCI and AFCI protection explainedWhat GFCI and AFCI devices do, where they’re typically required in a home, how to test them, and what it means when they trip.ElectricalAdding an EV charger, generator or other big appliance: what to know firstWhat to plan for before adding an EV charger, home generator, hot tub or other major electrical load: panel capacity, dedicated circuits, permits and generator safety.No articles match that search yet.
Social Media Myths vs. Reality
Popular home-repair advice from social media, checked against how the equipment actually works.
A bigger AC unit cools your home faster and better.
An oversized unit cools in short bursts, wears out faster and leaves the air clammy because it doesn’t run long enough to remove humidity. Correct sizing beats bigger.
Turning the thermostat way down makes the house cool faster.
Most systems cool at the same speed no matter the setting. Setting it lower just makes it run longer and overshoot, which costs more.
Closing vents in unused rooms saves money.
Most systems are designed for all vents open. Closing several can raise pressure in the ducts, increase leaks and strain the blower without saving much.
Your AC needs a refrigerant top-off every year.
Refrigerant runs in a sealed loop and isn’t used up. If it’s low, there’s a leak that should be found and fixed.
The highest-MERV filter is always the best choice.
Higher MERV catches finer particles, but some systems can’t move enough air through a dense filter. Use the highest rating your system handles well.
A small pipe leak can wait until it gets worse.
Small leaks lead to water damage and mold quickly. The repair rarely stays small the longer it waits.
If the lights turn back on, the wiring fix is fine.
Working doesn’t mean safe. Loose connections and undersized wire are common causes of electrical fires. Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician.