How to Tell if Your Air Conditioner Needs More Refrigerant (Freon)
We get this question from Minneapolis homeowners a lot—especially right before summer: “How do I know if my air conditioner needs refrigerant?” First of all, in a perfect world, your air conditioner should never need more refrigerant. Refrigerant isn’t used up like gas in a car. So you only need more refrigerant if there is a leak somewhere. And […]
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need for My House?
Air conditioners are measured in tons. The bigger the size (1-ton, 2-ton, etc.), the more heat it can remove from your home. And the size you need depends on many different factors. To ensure that you’re getting the perfect size for your home, you need to hire a professional technician to perform a “heat-load calculation”. […]
Cleaning Hack: How to Remove Dust from Your Home Using Your Air Conditioner
Does it seem like no matter how much you dust, sweep and vacuum the dust is all back in no time? The possible cause: You’re moving around the same dust. You see, when you dust and vacuum your home, dirt and dust are released into your home’s air where it can take awhile (a few […]
When Should I Replace My Water Heater?
At some point, your water heater needs to go. But, of course, replacing it means busting out the big bucks. So you don’t want to replace your water heater if you don’t have to. Well, we can empathize. But we strongly recommend that you replace your water heater soon if you notice any of these 4 things: […]
3 Real‑Life Water Heater Disasters and the Mistakes that Caused Them
Your water heater is out of sight and that usually means it’s out of mind. But neglecting it can lead to some serious disasters. Here’s the proof. Ripped out of news headlines, we found 3 types of disasters caused by water heaters. We’ll start with the most common… 1) Home-size floods Usually when tank water heaters die, […]
Why Is Water Backing Up in My Bathtub When I Flush My Toilet?
The scenario: When you try to flush the toilet, it doesn’t flush and water comes up in the tub. The water in both places goes down after few minutes. The most likely cause: A partial sewer line clog in your bathroom’s drain. Let’s look at how a sewer clog causes this problem and what you […]
“When Should I Use My Thermostat’s ‘Emergency Heat’ Setting?” [FAQ]
You’ve seen the “Emergency Heat” or “Em Heat” setting on your heat pump’s thermostat for awhile now. But you have no idea what it means or when to use it. Some people think they should use it when it’s really cold outside (nope). So when SHOULD you use it? In short, you should only use it when your […]
The #1 Thing Homeowners Do That Can Break Their Furnace
As cooler temperature make their way to the Twin Cities, families are beginning to fire up their furnaces. And the last thing you want is a broken down furnace, right? Well, then you need to ensure that the heat exchanger does not crack. The heat exchanger is an expensive and vitally important part and if it cracks, […]
A Beginner Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing the Perfect Furnace for Your Home
Your furnace is your companion that keeps you cozy through the frigid Minneapolis winters. So it’s crucial you find the one that will keep you comfy while not costing you an arm and a leg to use. To find the perfect furnace for your family, keep in mind these 4 important factors: Furnace size (measured […]
The #1 Killer of a Hot Water Heater
Do you want your hot water heater to last 10+ years? If so, you need to prevent the tank from rusting and forming leaks. (Once you have a leak, you might as well replace the tank.) Do you know what causes rust and water leaks that lead to your water heater’s downfall? Neglect. Most homeowners just don’t […]