Whether you’re trying to stay cool in summer or fix a broken AC unit, this section covers everything related to air conditioning in residential homes. From basic maintenance tips to common repair issues and energy-saving advice, you’ll find practical help and real-world guidance. If you’re dealing with noisy units, uneven cooling, or high energy bills, these articles are here to help you troubleshoot and take action.
My customers repeatedly ask me: “Why do I need to replace the line set for a new AC system?” The short answer is that the new system will last longer. Are you ready for the long answer? Older systems, primarily those that contained R-22 refrigerant, had mineral oil in the compressors that migrated through the…
How can I tell the airflow direction in my furnace and ductwork? Your filter has an arrow, but which way does the arrow point? I can’t tell you how often I’ve encountered a filter installed backward when servicing my customer’s equipment. Because it is difficult for the layperson to determine the correct direction of the…
Yes, you can splice a communication wire on your mini-split, but it’s not recommended. Splices in this wire become a weak link in the system’s communication. This site contains affiliate links. I make a small commission, but you don’t pay more. But it may not be worth the savings between splicing the wire and creating…
It’s a big temptation to push the reset button on a Carrier, especially if you’re sweating or freezing. But what if your unit doesn’t even have a reset button? I may not be able to show you where the reset button on a Carrier is because there are so many models that don’t have reset…
Service ports are where technicians attach their gauges that measure the pressures in an air conditioner or heat pump. Schrader core valves that are inside these service ports can leak, even with a schrader valve cap. A simple way how to tell if a schrader is leaking is to spray it with diluted dish soap….
Freon is a brand name, the generic name for Freon is refrigerant. Several companies manufacture refrigerant such as DuPont (Freon), Mil-Spec Industries, MexiChem, and others. Your home’s AC system is built to contain or hold a certain amount of refrigerant that varies with size and model. Unlike the rumors that you hear about car air…
Your home AC reset button is easier to find than most heat pumps or air conditioners. Most often it will be a small button protruding the outside of the unit. But in some cases, it will be inside the unit. It may take some searching. If your AC unit has a reset button, I hope…
Polishing or waxing an air conditioning unit can have an appealing effect on anyone who happens to see it, including yourself. Others probably won’t say a single word but you can grin as you walk by the thing. Just a small bit of pride, right? Years ago when I had employees, my maintenance technicians used…
Can a home AC compressor explode? Yes—it’s rare, but it can happen. Learn what causes it, how to spot warning signs, and what to do to stay safe. I’ve had it happen twice since 1977. Figure those odds when thinking if it could happen to you. The first was in about 1980 at the Portland…