ABC Blog

Why Is My Refrigerator, Stove, or Dishwasher Not Working Properly?

Kitchen appliance is not working - ABC Home and Commercial Services

When a kitchen appliance is not working the way it should, it rarely means the same thing twice. A refrigerator that runs but won’t get cold, a dishwasher that finishes a cycle but leaves dishes dirty, and a gas stove igniter that clicks without ever lighting are three different mechanical problems with three different likely causes. The fastest way to figure out what’s actually wrong is to match the symptom you’re seeing to the part behind it, then decide whether it’s something worth checking yourself or a job for a technician.

Start With the Symptom, Not the Appliance

It’s tempting to think of a “broken fridge” or a “broken dishwasher” as one problem, but each appliance has several systems that can fail independently, and each failure looks a little different. A fridge that’s warm but silent points somewhere different than a fridge that’s running loudly but still warm. A dishwasher that won’t … Read Full Post »

What Type of Paint or Wall Finish Is Best for My Home?

Full Range of Paint Options - ABC Home and Commercial Services

The best paint finish depends on the room, not a single favorite sheen that works everywhere in a house. Bathrooms and kitchens need something that stands up to moisture and scrubbing, while a bedroom or living room can get away with a softer, lower-sheen look that hides wall imperfections better. Here’s how sheen, durability, and light exposure should actually drive the decision room by room.

Why Finish Matters More Than Color for Some Rooms

It’s easy to spend most of a paint decision on color and treat the finish as an afterthought, but sheen level affects how a room actually performs over time in ways color never will. A higher-sheen finish reflects more light and wipes clean more easily, which matters in a room that sees moisture, cooking splatter, or handprints near light switches. A lower-sheen finish absorbs more light and hides small wall imperfections, drywall seams, or texture better, which matters … Read Full Post »

How Do I Clean and Maintain the Everyday Parts of My Home Before They Become Bigger Problems?

Close up hand cleaning home - Everyday Home Maintenance Before Small Problems Grow - ABC Home and Commercial Services

The parts of a home that cause the biggest repair bills are usually the ones nobody’s looking at on a regular basis: gutters, weatherstripping, dryer vents, and the exterior surfaces that quietly take on wear all year. An everyday home maintenance checklist that covers these areas a few times a year catches small issues while they’re still small. Here’s what’s worth putting on that list and how often to actually look.

The Small Stuff That Turns Into Big Repairs

Most homeowners have a mental list of the obvious maintenance items: mowing, HVAC filters, maybe gutters if a storm just came through. What tends to fall off that list are the tasks that don’t have an obvious trigger: checking caulk around windows before it cracks, testing GFCI outlets that never get used, or noticing that a bathroom fan has been running quieter than it should for months.

None of these are urgent on any … Read Full Post »

Brothers Bike: Riding With Purpose from Alaska to Texas

The Brothers

We’re Raleigh and Bobby Jenkins—two brothers united by family, faith, and a shared drive to make a difference. Together, we created Brothers Bike to turn long-distance cycling into a vehicle for change.

This year, we’re taking on our biggest challenge yet: a 5,500-mile journey from Anchorage, Alaska to College Station, Texas. But for us, this isn’t just about pushing physical limits—it’s about giving back to causes that matter.

For me, Raleigh, this ride is deeply personal. I’ve been involved in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010, and the children there have stayed close to my heart. So much has gone wrong in Haiti over the years, and the ongoing chaos has made many people lose hope. But I haven’t. I ride to raise awareness, amplify Haitian voices, and remind the world that these children—the future leaders of Haiti—are resilient, worthy, and never forgotten.

Bobby brings that same passion for people and community. … Read Full Post »

Air Conditioning Vent Condensation: What’s Wrong?

The combination of heat and humidity makes for an uncomfortable experience at home. No homeowner wants to sweat inside their home. Fortunately, turning on the AC can bring some welcome relief.

On extra humid days, you might notice some air conditioning vent condensation. A small amount shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but excessive condensation could signify an underlying problem. You could have a damaged drain line or a leaking roof.

If you can’t figure out what’s causing the condensation, let HVAC professionals handle it. They will identify the root cause and perform the necessary repairs and replacements.

What Causes Excessive Air Conditioning Vent Condensation?

It’s not unusual to see condensation in the AC vent in the spring and summer. It happens when the excess moisture in the air interacts with the vent’s cold surface. The water vapor then cools down, forming water droplets in the vent. The same happens when you bring a … Read Full Post »

My AC Is Dripping Water: What’s Wrong?

Many of us can’t imagine a home without air conditioning. That’s especially true in the summer when the AC is the only thing keeping us from melting. While air conditioning is synonymous with comfort, it can also be a source of unnecessary stress. Imagine coming home, ready to relax, only to see a puddle of water under the AC.

It’s not fun to have a leaking AC. Not only is it messy, but it also means there’s something wrong with your unit. If your AC is dripping water, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue before it snowballs into a more costly problem.

Here are some troubleshooting methods that can help you solve the leak. If none of them work, it’s time to get professional help. An HVAC professional will have your AC running smoothly again without any pesky leaks.

Why Your AC Is Dripping Water and What You Can … Read Full Post »

Toilet Flapper Is Not Sealing: What’s Wrong?

If you notice that your toilet is making sounds like gurgling and whining, it can be annoying as well as wasteful. If your toilet makes all kinds of gurgling and whining noises, you probably have the flapper to blame for that. It’s a small piece of rubber or plastic hiding in the murky depths of the toilet tank. If it’s not sealing well, it can cause problems for your toilet.

Fortunately for homeowners, flapper issues are usually easy to fix. Here are some troubleshooting methods you can try. But if none work, you can let a professional plumber come to the rescue. They’ll get to the bottom of things and provide the best solution.

What to Do If Your Toilet Flapper Is Not Sealing

The toilet flapper might not be visible, but it plays a crucial role in the toilet system. It seals off the opening below the toilet tank, preventing water from … Read Full Post »

How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?

Tankless water heaters are gaining in popularity. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand instead of pulling hot water from a storage tank. That means you can enjoy a nice hot shower even if you wake up late and everyone has had their turn. But, that’s not the only advantage of tankless units.

Another benefit of investing in a tankless water heater is its durability. Tankless models can be a better value for your money because they can easily outlast tanked units. You might have to pay more upfront, but its longevity makes up for that.

How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last? How Can You Maximize Their Lifespan?

They’re not cheap, so many homeowners want to know how long tankless water heaters last before taking the plunge. You’ll be happy to know they can work efficiently for 15 to 20 years. That’s a significant improvement from standard models, which tend to max … Read Full Post »

My Water Heater Is Leaking From the Relief Valve

Water heaters are nothing short of essential for a comforting hot shower. In the colder months, it’s great to reward yourself with a long, hot soak in the tub. No doubt, water heaters make washing and bathing much more comfortable, But they can also be stress-inducing when they leak. A water heater leaking from the relief valve is a problem you don’t want to have, especially during winter.

If you do find yourself in this situation, there’s no need to get too frustrated. Licensed plumbers can assess your problem accurately and provide the best fix.

How to Troubleshoot a Water Heater Leaking From the Relief Valve

Water heaters have a temperature and pressure valve (TPV) that works like a relief valve. This valve prevents your heater from overheating. It also keeps your unit from undue pressure, which can lead to heater damage.

When pressure builds up inside the tank, the valve opens up. When … Read Full Post »

My Thermostat Is Not Turning on the Heat

When the temperatures outside start to drop, nothing is better than enjoying a cozy night in your warm home. However, many homeowners are well aware of a different experience: you turn your thermostat to heat for the first time, and it does not work.

There could be a number of reasons why your thermostat is not turning on the heat. Luckily, many of them are easily fixable.

My Thermostat Is Not Turning on the Heat

As the temperatures start to turn cooler, it’s important to make sure your heating system is working properly. It’s a good idea for homeowners to test the system well before cold weather sets in so that there’s plenty of time to troubleshoot any issues.

If your thermostat is not turning on the heat at all, there could be a few reasons why your thermostat is not working. First, check your thermostat to make sure it’s set to either the … Read Full Post »