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What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin
flea bites on a man's arm

Fleas can cause lots of problems for both humans and animals. It’s no fun to deal with red, itchy bites on your own skin, and it’s no better to see your beloved pet scratching and suffering. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether you’re dealing with fleas or some other pest. What do flea bites look like? How can you tell if you have a problem with fleas, mosquitoes, bed bugs or something else? Here are some ways to tell what you’re dealing with, so you can get rid of them as soon as possible.

Flea bites look like small red dots on the skin, about a quarter-inch in diameter. There might be a tiny bump in the center of the bite, or it might be flat. Depending on your body’s reaction to the bites, they could also develop into larger, raised welts. Whatever size they are, flea bites are usually itchy.

Flea … Read Full Post »

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The Signs and Causes of a Broken AC Unit

. Posted by in • Austin
a white kitchen

It’s a big inconvenience when you have a broken AC unit. It could even be a dangerous situation if your AC breaks when it’s very hot or cold outside. That’s why it’s so important to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Of course, that requires determining what the problem is, so that it can be properly addressed.

It’s important to note that sometimes, AC units have problems that don’t cause obvious symptoms. The main thing you might notice is a gradual increase in your monthly utility bills. This is because an AC with worn-out or broken components can’t run efficiently. It may keep limping along, using more and more electricity as it struggles to keep up with demands on the system until it finally breaks completely.

Some AC problems are simple enough to figure out and fix on your own. Others are more complex and need fixing by a professional. … Read Full Post »

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Is Your Furnace Making Noises?

. Posted by in • Austin
a home where the furnace is making noises

There are certain sounds your furnace should never make—at least if it’s well-functioning and in good condition. So when you hear your furnace making noise, it’s smart to pay attention. This is especially true if it’s making a strange noise you haven’t heard before.

When furnaces make strange noises, it’s a sign that something within the heating and cooling system is wearing out or broken. These strange noises might include humming, clicking, banging or rattling sounds. Let’s learn more about what it means when your furnace is making noises.

1. Making Banging Noises

If your furnace starts making banging noises, it’s time to contact a heating and cooling specialist to determine what’s going on. Depending on when the noise happens and for how long, it might signal several different problems with your furnace.

If the banging noise happens when you turn on the heat, it could mean the furnace won’t ignite like it’s supposed … Read Full Post »

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Do I Have Hard Water?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a shower that has been turned on

Both seasoned and first-time homeowners have asked the pros, “Do I have hard water?” It’s hard to know if you have hard water if you don’t know the signs to look for. Homes on well water or city water can have hard water. The signs that you have hard water include everything from dry, itchy skin after a shower to spots on your dishes and silverware after running the dishwasher.

Many people don’t even know exactly what hard water is. Put simply, hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals. This specifically means minerals like calcium, limestone or magnesium. But, hard water can also have trace amounts of other minerals as well. These minerals are naturally occurring, and they are safe to drink. Their tiny particles dissolve into the water and typically aren’t visible to the naked eye.

As tiny as they are, though, they are abrasive. These particles become … Read Full Post »

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Types of Toilet: There’s More Than Meets the Eye

. Posted by in • Austin
a bathroom with a single flush type of toilet

Sometimes, it is pretty obvious a new toilet needs to be on the to-do list. Maybe the bowl is cracked, or it backs up too often for your comfort. It could be leaking and causing damage to your bathroom floors. No matter what is going on, there are a few things you should consider before giving your current fixture a final flush.

If you have checked the basics of your current commode, from the water level in the tank to any easy-to-remove material that could be causing a clog, it is time to contact a professional. Toilet components do wear out over time, and if you have signs of hard water in your home, the lifespan for those parts is even shorter. A licensed professional can give you the real picture on whether the toilet is fixable or ready for removal.

Some issues are more problematic than others. If your toilet leaks … Read Full Post »

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What Is a SEER Rating?

. Posted by in • Austin
a living room

https://blog.abchomeandcommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Is-there-a-way-to-measure-which-systems-are-the-most-energy-efficient.mp4

If you’re shopping for a new AC, you might feel confused by how many different units there are to choose from. One way to narrow down your choices is by looking for a unit with a higher SEER rating. But what is SEER rating? Think of it as an indicator of how efficient your heating and cooling system is—and the more efficient, the better.

If you’ve never heard of SEER ratings before, you aren’t alone. Lots of people aren’t familiar with the term. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s calculated by dividing an AC unit’s total BTUs of cooling output during a given period of time by its total watt-hours of energy input during the same time period.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do complicated math to understand that a higher SEER rating means better AC unit efficiency. The concept is pretty simple. When your heating and cooling system runs … Read Full Post »

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My Ceiling Fan Stopped Working: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
a bedroom with a ceiling fan that stopped working

It is a pain when your ceiling fan stops working. This is especially frustrating if it happens when it is hot or muggy outside. Sometimes, ceiling fan problems are easy to fix. But, this might also be a sign that there is a more serious issue.

One thing that can keep your fan from working correctly is the reversing switch. Make sure to press the switch fully to one side or the other. If it is stuck in the middle, then your fan might not run. A stuck fan blade can also block the fan from working. This kind of problem is most common with new fans because packing materials can get stuck between the gears. If this is causing your issue, then removing whatever is blocking the blades should fix it.

Another common reason a ceiling fan would stop working is that the power to the fan is off. This can … Read Full Post »

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What Does Rat Poop Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin
rat poop

What does rat poop look like? This is a question that pest control specialists answer a lot. Unfortunately, it’s common to find something in your home or garage that looks like rat poop. Rats are hardy animals with lots of tricks for getting into people’s homes, attics and garages. When you find what looks like rat poop, you might wonder what type of rat it came from. Is it from a Norwegian rat or a roof rat? Could it actually be from some other pest, like a mouse?

Finding rat poop on your property can indicate a nearby infestation, so it’s important to know how to identify it. Fortunately, there are several characteristics that can tell you if what you’ve found is likely to be rat poop or something else. That way, you’ll know when it’s time to call in a pest control professional.

The two main types of rats that commonly … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide to Holiday Activities in Austin

. Posted by in • Austin
The trail of lights which is a longstanding holiday activity in austin

Looking for holiday activities in Austin this winter? Central Texans love getting in the holiday spirit! There are plenty of activities and events to help you and your loved ones enjoy a bright and cheery holiday season.

It’s smart to get started on planning early, since many of the most popular and traditional events fill up or sell out quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of holiday activities in Austin that don’t require tickets. And no matter what you’re looking for, there’s truly something for everyone. There are dazzling holiday lights, family-friendly events, outdoor activities and longtime local traditions.

If you’re looking for local holiday performances and events, A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre is a great option. And, it is a family-friendly holiday tradition here in Austin. It’s a “musical sleigh ride” that promises to inspire dancing in the aisles. Another longtime local holiday favorite, Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker is a true … Read Full Post »

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Why Do My Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out?

. Posted by in • Austin
a burnt out light bulb

It’s frustrating when your light bulbs keep burning out, and it can be expensive to keep replacing bulb after bulb. But what’s really going on? If your light bulbs keep burning out in the same fixtures, it’s a sign that there’s an issue that needs fixing. It may even be a problem for a licensed electrician.

The issue might be with:

  • the electrical wiring or power supply in your home,
  • the bulbs you’re using,
  • the insulation that surrounds recessed lighting or
  • something else altogether.

Some of these issues are simple ones to address. Others present real danger in the form of a fire hazard. So, if your light bulbs keep burning out, it’s a good idea to figure out what’s going on so you can get it fixed.

Using the Wrong Type of Bulb

Sometimes, the reason why a light bulb keeps burning out is as simple as using the wrong type of bulb for the fixture. If … Read Full Post »

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