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Every Gold Eagle homeowner guide, newest first. Pick a category to narrow it down.

HeatingWhat Is a Heat Pump’s Balance Point, and Why Does It Matter in Central Texas?A heat pump's balance point is the outdoor temperature where its heat output just matches the heat your house loses. Above it, the heat…
HeatingWhy Does My Heat Pump Run Nonstop When It’s Below Freezing?A heat pump runs nonstop in freezing weather because the colder it gets, the less heat it can pull from outdoor air, while your…
Make HVAC Sexy AgainWhy Are Some AC Units So Quiet? Variable-Speed Condensers ExplainedMost of the noise comes from the compressor and the outdoor fan running at full speed. A variable-speed (inverter) system ramps both down and…
Make HVAC Sexy AgainWhat Does a Low-Humidity House Feel Like on a Sticky Austin Day?It feels crisp instead of clammy. At the same thermostat setting, a house held near 50% relative humidity feels cooler and fresher than one…
Make HVAC Sexy AgainCan a Mini-Split Look Good? Line-Set Covers vs Exposed LinesYes. A clean ductless install hides the copper lines, drain and wire inside a paintable line-set cover that runs straight and tight to the…
Tips & TricksShould You Run Ceiling Fans in Winter, and Which Direction?Yes. In winter, run a ceiling fan on low, turning clockwise as you look up at it. That gentle updraft pushes warm air from…
MaintenanceWhy Is There Water Around My Furnace in Winter?Water around a furnace in winter usually comes from a high-efficiency furnace, which makes water (condensate) and drains it through a trap and line…
MaintenanceWhy Do Your Ducts Pop or Bang When the Heat Comes On?Ducts that pop or tick when the heat comes on are usually metal parts warming up: the furnace cabinet and heat exchanger, the metal…
Remediation & RestorationWhat Should a Texas Mold Assessor Check on Your HVAC System?A Texas mold assessment consultant should check the HVAC parts that hold water or move air: drain pan, drain line, coil cabinet, filter, duct…
Health & SafetyWhy Is Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Beeping or Chirping?Four loud beeps and a pause, repeating, usually means the alarm has detected carbon monoxide: get everyone outside and call 911. A single chirp…
Health & SafetyWhat Should You Do If You Smell Rotten Eggs Near Your Furnace or Water Heater?A rotten egg or sulfur smell near a furnace or water heater can mean a gas leak. Get everyone out right away, and don't…
Health & SafetyAre Space Heaters Safe to Use Alongside Central Heat?Yes, if you follow the CPSC's basics: keep an electric space heater at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, plug it straight…