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Why Is My Furnace Making Noise?

. Posted by in • Austin
a furnace

Key Takeaways

Some furnace noise is normal, like soft hums, brief startup clicks and gentle ductwork popping, but banging, grinding or persistent squealing usually mean it’s time to call a pro. When in doubt, don’t wait: catching issues early keeps small problems from turning into costly repairs.

You turn on your heat during a Texas cold front and suddenly hear banging, squealing or rattling coming from the furnace. After months of barely thinking about your heating system, a strange noise can be unsettling, especially when temperatures start dropping.

The good news is that not every noisy furnace points to a major repair. Some sounds are normal when a furnace starts up, while others can signal a maintenance issue or a part that needs attention.

In Texas, furnaces often sit unused for months while AC systems do most of the work. In this guide, we’ll explain which … Read Full Post »

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What Size Water Softener Do I Need? A Texas Homeowner’s Guide

. Posted by in , • Austin
a glass of water

 

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right water softener size comes down to three factors: 

  1. How many people are in your household 
  2. How much water you use daily 
  3. How hard your local water is

Getting the size wrong, too big or too small, can lead to wasted salt and water, higher utility bills and a shorter system lifespan.

When it comes to choosing a water softener, size matters. Your household size, daily water use and the hardness of your local water all play a role in what size water softener you need to install.

Plus, choosing the wrong size water softener can lead to several problems, including frequent regeneration cycles, inefficient salt usage and poor water softening performance.

Texas homeowners should keep in mind that Texas water is often hard, so choosing the right water softener is important. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Keep reading to learn how water … Read Full Post »

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Tankless Water Heater Not Heating? Causes & Solutions

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

A tankless water heater that stops heating is often caused by something preventable. Staying on top of annual maintenance is the best way to avoid the most common problems, especially in Texas, where hard water accelerates scale buildup inside the unit.

Few things get your attention faster than turning on the shower and realizing the water isn’t getting hot. It’s even more frustrating when you have dishes in the sink, laundry waiting or people in the house asking if something is wrong with the hot water. If your tankless water heater stops working suddenly, most homeowners want an answer right away because there is no stored tank of hot water to fall back on.

Tankless systems work differently from traditional water heaters. Instead of holding heated water in reserve, they warm water only when you open a tap. Inside the unit, water moves … Read Full Post »

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AC Not Blowing Cold Air? A Texas Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

A broken AC during hot, humid weather is never something you want to deal with. ABC Home & Commercial Services offers HVAC repairs from experienced technicians who take the time to find and fix the real problem.

What should you do if your AC isn’t blowing cold air? This situation can be stressful for Texas homeowners, especially during extreme summer heat.

Luckily, there are several ways to troubleshoot the issue before calling in a professional. This guide breaks down the common causes of your AC not blowing cold air, what you can check for and when to call in assistance.

It also includes expert insights from Gary Cremeans, HVAC Operations Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

According to Cremeans, the most common reasons your AC isn’t blowing cold air is due to a clogged drain … Read Full Post »

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What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Key Takeaways

Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps in clusters around the ankles and legs, and can often be mistaken for bites from other insects. Acting quickly and taking a comprehensive approach is the best way to control fleas.

Have you noticed itchy red bumps on yourself or your family members? Maybe you’ve noticed your pets scratching more than usual? These are common signs of a flea infestation.

To help you understand what flea bites look like, how to differentiate them from other bug bites and what to do about them, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Humans?

Flea bites can look very different from person to person, so it can be difficult to determine if you’re dealing with flea bites or another type of bug bite. … Read Full Post »

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Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Key Takeaways

Many homeowners think mosquitoes are attracted to light, but they’re actually drawn to you. Things like your breath, body heat and scent are what attract them, so that’s where you should focus your prevention efforts.

It’s a common assumption that mosquitoes are drawn to light, but is it actually true?

To find out, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. No, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light. Light may have a small effect on these pests, but factors like carbon dioxide, body heat and your scent are what really draw mosquitoes in. 

Since mosquitoes are attracted to people, and people are often around lights, it’s easy to see why we tend to blame light for mosquito activity. Here’s a closer look at mosquito behavior.

Why People Think Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Light

Many homeowners assume that mosquitoes are … Read Full Post »

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Water Leaking From AC Unit: Should I Be Worried?

. Posted by in • Austin

Key Takeaways

Water leaking from your AC can be caused by clogged drain lines, dirty air filters, frozen coils or a damaged drain pan. Some fixes can be handled by homeowners, but if the leak keeps coming back, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician.

When it comes to water leaking from your AC unit, it’s important to know that some moisture is normal, but active leaking is cause for concern. 

If your AC unit is actively leaking, it’s important to work with a professional to get to the root of the issue. 

For Texas homeowners, leaks are especially common due to the heat and humidity we often have. Higher temperatures and humidity levels force your AC unit to work harder to cool your home, which puts stress on the system and increases the likelihood of water leaks.

This guide covers everything you need to know … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Washing Machine Smell? Causes, Fixes and How to Prevent It

. Posted by in • Austin

A washer is supposed to keep your clothes clean, so it’s frustrating when it smells bad. The good news is that a smelly washer is not a reflection of the cleanliness of your home. A musty, sour or mildew-like smell is common and can happen to any washer.

The real culprit behind your washer’s smell is moisture buildup, detergent and bacteria. Newer washers are especially susceptible to smelling because they have tighter seals that trap moisture and residue.

This guide explains why washing machines smell, what causes the odor, how to prevent it and when to use DIY fixes versus calling in a professional.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Richard Goertz, EPA-certified Service Manager of the Appliance Repair Department at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Does a Smelly Washing Machine Usually Smell Like?

Similar to when your dryer smells, if your washing machine smells, … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Bed Bugs Live?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Unfortunately for Texans, bed bug activity is high throughout the state. These pests are notoriously hard to control, and you may have a lot of questions and concerns, like how long do bed bugs live? 

To get expert insight, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Adult bed bugs can live up to a year in perfect laboratory conditions, in the real world that is generally much shorter.”

Brown explains that under ideal conditions, a bed bug’s typical lifespan is around six to twelve months. Ideal conditions include a warm environment, access to a blood meal and plenty of hiding spots.

However, they can also survive for months in cooler temperatures and without feeding, which contributes to why they’re often hard to control.

Many areas of Texas stay … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in , • Austin

Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?

The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals. 

For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Read Full Post »

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