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My Gas Stove Igniter Keeps Clicking: What Should I Do?

. Posted by in • Austin
Gas Stove Igniter Keeps Clicking

You’re rushing to get dinner ready on a weeknight. You grab your favorite burner, turn the knob to “Light,” and… nothing. Just endless clicking from the gas stove igniter. 

My Gas Stove Igniter Keeps Clicking: What Should I Do?

If you’re like most homeowners, the last sound you want to hear coming from an object that uses gas and gets hot is ticking. What should you do?

This is a common problem, primarily with stoves with a spark ignition system. The most important thing to know is that a clicking stove isn’t dangerous, though you should deal with it promptly.

A normal igniter clicks up to three times before it sparks and lights your stove. However, the igniter will sometimes experience constant clicking, even after the stove is lit. The following are some of the possible causes:

  • Problems with the burner
  • Problems with the spark ignition switch

Let’s go over these … Read Full Post »

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What Is a Split System AC Unit?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a split system

Keeping your home comfortable with a split system AC shouldn’t feel difficult when the summer heat rolls in. If you are unfamiliar with a split system, it is one of the simplest and most energy-efficient options for cooling and heating indoor spaces. 

What Is a Split System AC: Understanding Its Components

A split system air conditioner is an air conditioning system with two separate parts, called units. Some people even refer to it as a split-unit system.

Every split AC has indoor and outdoor units connected by insulated pipes. The indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall within the space that needs to be cooled, while the outdoor unit is on the exterior of the room or space. Having separate indoor and outdoor units helps improve temperature control and often makes the system more energy efficient.

The indoor and outdoor units work together to cool and regulate the temperature inside your space. Many … Read Full Post »

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What Is a MERV Rating?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Have you heard of the MERV rating? It’s a system that measures the effectiveness of air filters at removing particles like dust and allergens. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand this rating system so they can choose the right air filter for their home. For more advice on selecting and replacing your air filters, contact an HVAC specialist.

What Is a MERV Rating?

The term MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value Rating, and it’s a system for measuring the effectiveness of an air filter in removing particles from the air. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, indicating filter efficiency levels.

While a higher MERV rating sounds good, it’s not always what you want. The higher your air filter’s rating, the more particles it will catch, including dust, pollen and bacteria. Higher MERV ratings effectively trap smaller particles such as bacteria and allergens. However, a higher rating also means that less … Read Full Post »

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How Often to Clean Your Air Ducts

. Posted by in • Austin
a thumbnail for the video in this blog

Is cleaning your air ducts important? If so, how often should you clean them? Homeowners are often shocked to learn that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, cleaning your air ducts does not necessarily improve the air quality in your home. In many cases, it can cause more problems than benefits. 

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to an HVAC professional.

How Often to Clean Air Ducts

How often should you clean your air ducts? The answer may be surprising: you shouldn’t. According to multiple reports and experts, cleaning your air ducts is unnecessary because it does not improve the air quality in your home. In fact, in some cases, it can do more harm than good.

The dust that adheres to your air ducts tends to cling to the duct’s surface and rarely enters your home. Since it doesn’t interact with your living space … Read Full Post »

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How Long Can a Generator Run? Understanding Standby Generators

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a generator

When the power goes out, a standby generator can feel like a lifesaver. These machines offer peace of mind during outages, but like any mechanical system, they need a little attention to stay reliable.

A standby generator can run continuously since it typically runs on natural gas. While standby generators are designed to run as long as they have fuel, it is important to remember that they are not invincible. They require regular maintenance to keep working without breaking down. 

Let’s take it one step at a time and answer these questions: How do generators work? How long can a generator run safely? How can you get the most out of them?

How Long Can a Generator Run: Getting the Most Out of Your Generator

If you reside in a place with unreliable power grids, it’s smart to prepare for extended periods without power. Many homeowners choose a standby generator, which offers longer running … Read Full Post »

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Tax Credits for EV Charging at Home

. Posted by in • Austin
tax forms

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to help fight climate change and reduce gas costs. Additionally, the U.S. federal government offers a tax credit for EV charging stations to help make switching to an electric vehicle more affordable.

Let’s go over a few things you should know about this EV incentive.

Tax Credit for EV Charger: What Is It?

The EV charger tax credit is a provision under the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act. The federal government offers these incentives to help lower the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Known as the 30C Tax Credit or EV Charging Tax Credit, this program provides up to $1,000 per charger for home installations. It covers 30% of the installation costs, including the charger, necessary parts, permits, hardware upgrades and the work of a licensed electrician.

Although this tax credit does not help pay for the electricity used to charge your EV, it … Read Full Post »

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What Electrical Panel Size Do I Need?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
an electrical panel

An electrical panel is the control center of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity in your home, ensuring all appliances, lights and devices function well. However, not all panels are the same, and their size determines how much electricity your home can handle.

Electrical panels come in different sizes, typically 60 to 400 amps, with most modern homes requiring at least 100 to 200 amps. The right panel size depends on your home’s square footage, the number of appliances and your future power needs.

Upgrading your panel may be necessary if you’re adding large appliances, renovating or experiencing electrical issues. When replacing your panel, it’s best to match the new panel to your current amperage or upgrade if needed.

However, it’s important to note that determining the correct panel size isn’t always straightforward. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s electrical load and recommend the safest and most efficient option.

So, what are … Read Full Post »

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What Is a PFOA Chemical?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a glass of water

As a homeowner, you may use nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and waterproof fabrics to make your life easier. These products are easy to clean, heat and chemical-resistant and last a long time, making them popular choices. But did you know that your nonstick pans and household products can contain PFOA? One way to ensure your home’s water is PFOA-free is to consult a water quality expert.

Understanding PFOA

PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a man-made chemical that falls under a larger group of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to breaking down.

Due to their unique qualities, PFOA has been widely used to manufacture numerous household and industrial products since the 1940s. From fast food wrappers to firefighting foam and nonstick cooking ware, all these products contain this “forever chemical.”

Despite its numerous advantages, recent research has concluded that PFOA can have … Read Full Post »

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What Does BTU Mean? Understanding Your AC

. Posted by in • Austin
an AC unit

You’ve probably seen the term BTU on the label when shopping for an air conditioning unit. But what do these three letters mean? And should you pay any attention to them?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It’s a way to measure how much heat an air conditioner can remove in one hour. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the cooling.

But bigger or smaller isn’t always better, as choosing the wrong BTU can lead to higher bills, poor cooling or a humid home.

What Is BTU in an Air Conditioner?

BTU is a way to measure heat energy, specifically how much heat an AC can remove from a room in one hour.

Think of it like this: one BTU is the heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In air conditioning, the higher the BTU, the more heat the unit can move out of your … Read Full Post »

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Outlet Stopped Working but Breaker Is Not Tripped

. Posted by in • San Antonio
an outlet

Circuit breakers are an important part of our home electrical system. When an outlet stops working, finding a tripped breaker is normal. However, if the circuit breaker is okay, it can confuse you as to why the outlet is not functioning.

It can be difficult to sort out this issue if you are not a licensed electrician. The safest option is to consult a licensed electrician with the skills and training to do it best.

Common Reasons Why the Outlet Stopped Working But the Breaker Is Not Tripped

There are different reasons your outlet stopped working even when your breaker did not trip. Each of these reasons requires a skilled and licensed electrician to diagnose and fix.

Here are the most common reasons.

Faulty Outlet

Electric outlets are extensively used in our homes and can get easily damaged. Since items are repeatedly plugged in and out of outlets over time, they get damaged from repeated wear … Read Full Post »

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