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HVAC Systems Guides
91 guidesHow heating, cooling, ductwork and ventilation work in Central Texas homes: sizing, efficiency, maintenance and the problems that show up when a long summer or a hard freeze pushes equipment to its limit.
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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…
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 & 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…
HeatingHow Long Should a Furnace or Heat Pump Run Per Cycle in Winter?There's no single right number. Many thermostats aim for about three heating cycles an hour, so each run lasts longer as it gets colder:…
MaintenancePre-Winter HVAC Checklist for Central Texas HomesIn Austin, get your heater ready in early to mid October: change the filter, test-run the heat, clear the outdoor unit, test smoke and…
Tips & TricksWhy Does the Thermostat Say Heat Is On but Nothing Happens?When the thermostat says Heat is on but nothing happens, the system is often just waiting: many thermostats pause a few minutes before starting,…
HeatingWhy Does My Furnace Turn On and Then Shut Off After a Few Seconds?A gas furnace that lights and shuts off within seconds usually can't confirm its flame, and the most common cause is a dirty flame…
HeatingWhy Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?A furnace that blows cold air usually has a simple cause: the thermostat fan is set to ON, the furnace is in its first…
