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My Thermostat Clicks but AC Does Not Turn On

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thermostat

Nothing is more comforting than the clicking sound of the thermostat when it’s hot out. This should mean that cool air is on its way out to relieve you of the heat. But it can be alarming when nothing follows after the click. It might be a sign that there’s something wrong with your air conditioner.

Reasons Your Thermostat Clicks but the AC Does Not Turn On

You don’t have to worry if your AC isn’t switching on despite the thermostat clicking. Most of the time, there is a simple problem behind it that you can solve yourself. However, some issues are more complicated and require the expertise of HVAC professionals. They can have your AC up and running as soon as possible.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter is the most common culprit behind this issue. Filters purify the air before it travels around your home. Over time, dust, dirt and pollen … Read Full Post »

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What To Do if Water Is Leaking From Your Ceiling

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
water leaking from the ceiling

A ceiling leak is a problem that no homeowner should ignore. If you see water dripping, brown stains forming or paint bubbling, these are signs of a ceiling leak, and you should address it as soon as you can.

Here’s everything you need to know about the issue, including the causes of leaks and what you should do. Contact a professional plumber to get to the root of the problem and find a solution before the damage gets worse.

There are two common reasons why water is leaking from the ceiling. It can be a plumbing issue, such as a leaking shower or damaged piping. Or, there is an issue with your roof, causing water to come in. Here’s how these problems can lead to a ceiling leak.

Damaged Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of ceiling leaks in the winter. When temperatures get extremely low, the water inside the … Read Full Post »

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Identifying Zoysia Grass Versus Bermuda Grass

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
zoysia grass

Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass may seem similar in appearance but have different characteristics and needs. They are popular options for warm climates such as Texas and Florida, as they thrive in the heat.

Zoysia Grass Appearance, Care and Maintenance

Zoysia grass, pictured above, is a vibrant green grass that is relatively low maintenance. Since it thrives in warm weather, it can handle drought-like conditions and maintain its bright color. It can also survive bouts of cold weather and has a higher shade tolerance than Bermuda grass. However, zoysia grass takes longer to recover from damage than Bermuda grass.

Another benefit of zoysia grass is that it is an invasive species that can overtake weeds, especially when planted as sod. Homeowners can save time on weed pulling with zoysia grass. It only requires a little water or mowing.

A key difference between zoysia grass and Bermuda grass is blade width. Zoysia grass can range … Read Full Post »

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My AC Is Not Cooling Enough

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
An AC vent

Is your AC not cooling enough? It can be frustrating when your air conditioner has been on for hours, but the room is still not cold enough. There are many reasons why your AC isn’t working as it should. It could be a simple issue like a clogged air filter or dirty evaporator coils. But, it could also be a more complicated problem, like a faulty compressor or damaged wiring.

Here are some ways to troubleshoot the situation. But, keep in mind, the best way to have your AC running smoothly is to get help from an HVAC specialist. You can avoid AC nightmares and enjoy cool air all year round with routine maintenance.

Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling

When your AC isn’t blowing out cold air, the first thing to do is check your thermostat’s controls. If it is in the heat setting, switch it to cool. But, if it is already … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Bed Bug Bites Last?

. Posted by in , • Austin
bed bug bites

Bed bugs may be tiny, but they can ingest up to six times their body weight in one feeding, which takes only around 12 minutes. If you’ve discovered a suspicious-looking bite mark on your skin, you’re probably wondering, “How long do bed bug bites last?”

How Long Does It Take for a Bed Bug Bite to Appear?

Bed bug bites don’t appear immediately. When a bed bug bites, it injects an anticoagulant and anesthetic into the skin layer, preventing you from feeling the bite. It can take up to 14 days for bed bug bite marks to show up. The average time it takes for bite marks to appear is three days. Bites usually clear up within a week without treatment but may last up to 14 days.

Bed bug bites are often mistaken for mosquito bites, so you might not know that you have a bed bug problem until you see infestation … Read Full Post »

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Where Do Bees Go in the Winter?

. Posted by in • Houston
a group of honey bees

When the days get shorter and nights get colder in the fall, you’ll see honey bees out, checking the flowers for some pollen. Then one day, they’re gone, and you really don’t notice until one of those warmer winter days, and you spot a few buzzing around trash. They’ll vanish again until the earliest days of spring when they’re suddenly everywhere. So where are the bees when you don’t see them around in winter?

The answer depends on what kind of bees you’re talking about. There are about 4,000 native bee species in the United States and 20,000 species worldwide. We rarely (if ever) see most of them, of course.

Lots of folks have trouble distinguishing between bees and other stinging insects. The simplest way to tell them apart is to remember that bees tend to be hairy, while wasps and hornets do not. That’s because bees collect pollen from flowers. Bees … Read Full Post »

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How To Deter Mosquitoes

. Posted by in , • Orlando
a mosquito on skin

Warm and sunny days are perfect for beach trips, hikes, picnics and barbeques. Unfortunately, mosquitoes can ruin all the fun. These common, flying insects prefer to breed in hot and humid weather, feasting on human blood to create healthy eggs.

Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying, but that’s the least of your concerns. They transmit various diseases, some of which can be fatal to humans. That’s why you should protect yourself and your family from these pests.

To help you, here’s a guide on how to deter mosquitoes. If they’ve already taken over your property, you should contact a pest control professional to safeguard you and your family.

How to Prevent Indoor Mosquitoes

Your home should be a stress-free zone, but mosquitoes can destroy your peace. They are especially bothersome at night, buzzing around and biting when you’re trying to get some sleep. Here are steps to prevent indoor mosquitoes.

Fly Screens

Equip all your windows … Read Full Post »

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Do Bed Bugs Hibernate?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
two bed bugs

Did your bed bug infestation seem to go away in the winter months? It can be confusing to know whether the cold weather killed off the unwelcome pests or if they are simply hibernating.

The truth is that bed bugs do not hibernate, but they may enter a dormant state when it’s cold to conserve their energy. Homeowners should not take their momentary disappearance as a sign that the infestation is gone forever.

Next, it’s normal to see dead bed bugs around your home before and after professional treatments. Seeing them before a treatment indicates that there are more nearby, and seeing them after treatment means that the treatment is working, but follow-up treatments may be needed.

Lastly, it’s important to understand the life cycle of bed bugs. They go through five stages before maturing into adulthood. Keep reading for everything you need to know about bed bugs.

Do Bed Bugs Hibernate?

While bed bugs … Read Full Post »

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Low Maintenance Side Yard Ideas

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a low maintenance side yard

Are you stumped on how to utilize your side yard? You aren’t alone. Most homeowners don’t know what to do with this space, and they often go unused and overlooked. However, there are several beautiful and functional ways to incorporate your side yard into the rest of your property.

Whether your side yard is big or small, it provides opportunities to get creative and set up the outdoor space you’ve always wanted. For example, you can beautify the side yard with a vertical garden or create a functional pathway with paver landscaping.

Low Maintenance Side Yard Ideas

Homeowners spend a lot of time and money perfecting their front yard and turning it into a beautiful entrance to their home. The backyard also becomes a hub for family activity and gets a lot of love. However, side yards often go overlooked.

Most homeowners don’t know how to utilize their side yard since it is often … Read Full Post »

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Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Identification & Control

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
an aedes aegypti mosquito

It’s not hard to know when you have mosquitoes around. They definitely have a way of announcing themselves. But, what kind of mosquito are you dealing with? There are several common species. Some bite during the day, some at night and some will bite whenever they can. Knowing what kind you’re dealing with can help you fight back. What’s more, different species carry different diseases. Knowing what kind of mosquito is biting you might also help your doctor diagnose the cause if you come down with symptoms after a mosquito bite.

Why You Should Know the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito

Yellow fever isn’t commonly known in the U.S. The few cases seen each year in the US are typically travelers from Africa or South America. That might lead you to think the yellow fever mosquito isn’t a major concern here. The reality is that while Aedes aegypti is the most common vector for … Read Full Post »

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