Signs of an HVAC Duct Leak

October 21st, 2024
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One of the things homeowners rarely think about is their ductwork. It’s out of sight and, all too often, out of mind. But it has a bigger impact than you might realize! If you haven’t been paying attention to your ducts, it’s always a good idea to have them professionally inspected to see what’s going on in there. And sometimes, there are signs you can spot which indicate that there’s definitely a problem.

HVAC duct leaks are all too common, caused by anything from nibbling rodents to stray home improvement nails and screws to simple deterioration with age. What happens if your ducts are leaking? And what are the signs of an HVAC duct leak? We’ll explain everything.

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Short Cycling AC: Why It Happens & What to Do

October 7th, 2024
air-conditioner-outdoor-unit

Your air conditioner runs in cycles. When the thermostat gives the signal that your home has gotten too warm, the compressor kicks on and the refrigerant starts circulating, carrying the heat out of your house. Once it gets cool enough, the thermostat signals for the compressor to shut off again. The air conditioner then enters a resting state, waiting for the next signal to turn on.

These cycles should only happen a handful of times per hour. But what if your air conditioner is coming on and shutting off over and over, every few minutes? It’s called short cycling. It’s a sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner. It can also cause more problems to occur! Here’s what’s going on.

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All About Ductless System Maintenance

September 23rd, 2024
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All air conditioners require maintenance!

All heat pumps require maintenance!

This is true whether they are central systems which lead to ductwork or mini splits, also known as ductless systems. But these systems are not the same.

Do ductless systems have different maintenance needs from central air conditioners? What does ductless maintenance involve? Here’s the lowdown.

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Amazing Advances in AC Efficiency

September 9th, 2024
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As you look around today, you see hybrid cars that get more than fifty miles per gallon of gasoline. There are electric school buses. Light bulbs now use a fraction of the energy of the incandescent bulbs of days gone by. Technology keeps improving, and it is helping us to cut our energy use and thus our bills. This is also true in HVAC technology.

Today, air conditioners are required to be more efficient than ever before. And this is possible because manufacturers can make them more efficient now! What amazing advances in AC efficiency have made it possible for air conditioners to use less energy while working better than ever? Check this out!

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Iced-Up AC? We Can Help!

August 26th, 2024
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Air conditioners should not be covered in ice! It’s a common misconception that ice on an air conditioner is nothing to worry about. After all, it’s supposed to be extremely cold, right? But air conditioners with ice on their coils are actually in pretty serious trouble. The ice is a sign that there’s already a problem—and beyond that, the ice itself is causing problems!

Don’t ignore an icy air conditioner. There are some steps you can take to try to resolve the issue on your own. If those don’t work, you’ll need AC repair to address the root of the problem.

What should you do about an iced-up air conditioner? Here’s a straightforward checklist for you to follow.

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Could Your Kids Be Causing Your Plumbing Problems?

August 12th, 2024
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Slow drains. Clogged drains. Frequent attempts to clear them with plungers and drain snakes. Kids complaining that the sink is blocked again. Does this sound like your house? If so, we’ve got some helpful pointers for you. Those kids could be causing the problems with your plumbing! Here’s how to get those drains cleared up and keep them that way.

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Don’t Forget About Your AC Air Filter

July 15th, 2024
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We’re in the thick of summer now! Your air conditioner is working hard and it will continue to for quite a bit longer before things start to cool down out there again. Have you had your maintenance done? Good. Are you remembering to change your AC air filter? Do you know how to do it, or how often it needs to be done? If you have any questions, we’ve got you covered.

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How to Get Ready for Your AC Installation Appointment

July 1st, 2024
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What a great choice, getting a new air conditioner! The rest of the summer you’ll be living a life of luxury, reveling in the cool comfort of your home.

But wait! Before you can do that, you have to get that new air conditioner installed. Have you made the appointment? Good. But do you know what to expect?

Because getting a new air conditioner and having it installed isn’t an everyday occurrence, it can be reassuring to get some more info about what will be happening. Then you can take some steps to be extra-prepared, which will help your AC installation appointment to go as smoothly as possible.

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Big News: One of Our Employees Has Backflow Certification

June 17th, 2024

Hello to all our family of customers (and future customers)! We’ve got some exciting news to share with our Picture Rocks family! Our very own Frank Lundin has just become backflow certified! 

What does this mean for you? Well, Frank can now test residential and commercial backflow assembly units, ensuring that your water supply remains clean and safe. It’s a big deal, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this important service to our community.

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What’s That Smell? Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

June 17th, 2024
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Sometimes, an indication that your air conditioner needs repair will be obvious. For example, if it’s simply not turning on, or if it turns on but shuts off almost immediately, you’ll be overheated and desperate for a qualified technician to figure out what’s wrong. And if you hear a terrible grinding or clattering sound, you’ll be certain that something needs repair, even if you don’t know what.

One odd indicator of AC problems that’s often overlooked is odor. Your air conditioner should never make a noticeable smell. If you do smell something, it’s a sign of a problem. What’s wrong? Here are some clues.

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