ABC Blog

My AC Is Blowing Warm Air: What Is Going On?

AC blowing warm air into a white kitchen

Key Takeaways

If your AC is blowing warm air, common culprits include clogged air filters, low refrigerant and a frozen evaporator coil. Staying on top of routine maintenance, like replacing filters every three months and scheduling annual professional tune-ups, can help Texas homeowners prevent cooling issues and keep their AC running year-round.

As a Texas homeowner, the last thing you want during the spring and summer months is for your AC to blow warm air. Not only does it make your home uncomfortable, but it can also indicate a deeper issue with your air conditioning unit. 

What does it mean when your AC blows warm air? Typically, it signals that your AC is running but not properly cooling the air. 

This guide covers the most common causes of an AC unit blowing warm air, why it’s more common in Texas homes and when you should call … Read Full Post »

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches: Advice For Homeowners

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

If you’ve found a roach in your home, you may be worried about what comes next. Roaches are a common sight in Texas, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less alarming to see in your home. Seeing one means it’s time to take action to control these pests and help curb future issues.

For more insight into cockroach behavior in Texas homes, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. According to Brown, several species are especially common across the state.

“German, American and smoky brown cockroaches are all common in Texas.”

Brown explains that homes are attractive to roaches because they offer everything these pests need to survive.

“Homes provide roaches with all the things they need … Read Full Post »

Palm Tree Care: A Complete Guide for Healthy Palms in Texas

a palm tree

Palm trees are staples of many Texas landscapes, but they require a different approach to care than traditional shade trees. While palms can thrive in the Lone Star State, challenges like extreme heat, high winds and storm exposure make proper maintenance very important.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to care for palm trees the right way in Texas, including how to water, fertilize and trim them. 

This guide also includes expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Palm Tree Care Basics: What Every Palm Needs

There are two crucial aspects of caring for palm trees: 

  • sunlight requirements
  • soil requirements 

When these environmental needs are met, palm trees can thrive in Texas.

Sunlight Requirements

Most palm trees thrive in … Read Full Post »

How To Improve Soil Quality In Your Lawn

a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Healthy soil is the key to a strong, green lawn. When soil becomes compacted or loses nutrients, your grass struggles, no matter how much you water or fertilize. Improving your soil with compost, aeration and good lawn habits can help your lawn grow thicker and healthier.

As a homeowner, it can be frustrating when you spend your weekends on your lawn, only for it to be patchy, uneven or a brownish-green color. You may spend time fertilizing, watering and mowing your lawn, but your lawn isn’t improving. What many homeowners don’t realize is that the quality of your soil can have an impact on your lawn’s health. 

Over time, soil can lose nutrients and helpful microbes, become packed down and struggle to grow strong roots. When that happens, even the best fertilizer or watering schedule … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

Hot water heater leaking

Did your water heater mysteriously start leaking? This is frustrating for any homeowner, but the good news is that most leaks start small and can be easily fixed if you act quickly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a few loose connections or valves.

However, a water heater leak can sometimes indicate a larger problem. If rust or corrosion is at play, it may be time to replace your water heater altogether.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater leaks, what they mean and what homeowners should do about them.

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

The first step in fixing a leaking water heater is to determine the cause of the leak. This is easier said than done, since water heaters can leak for a variety of reasons. They can range from easy-to-fix problems to more serious issues.

Most water heater leaks begin slowly and worsen over time. If … Read Full Post »

Do Mice Hibernate? Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home

a mouse outside

As a homeowner, there are many things to consider before winter arrives. You want to make your space as comfortable as possible for the upcoming cold weather. The trouble is, without taking the proper steps, mice and other pests may end up seeing your home as a sanctuary of their own.

If you’re like many homeowners in Texas, you may have wondered: Do mice hibernate, or do they stay active throughout winter? The short answer is no. Mice don’t hibernate, which means they don’t have the capacity to withstand the cold the same way other mammals do. This matters to homeowners because it means these pests may be searching for a place to stay warm, which could be your home. 

The cold triggers their survival instincts, often leading them to find a path indoors. You may notice increased mouse activity when the weather gets cooler. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have more … Read Full Post »

Your Guide to Christmas Lights in Corpus Christi

Christmas lights

Throughout the holiday season, locals and tourists flock to Corpus Christi to take in the many stunning Christmas light displays. Our coastal town is known for going all out for the holidays, and it’s never too early to make your Christmas bucket list.

Want to get your home in the holiday spirit, too? Save time by reaching out to ABC for professional lighting services.

Your Guide to Christmas Lights in Corpus Christi

Bright lights and holiday magic fill the streets of Corpus Christi come Christmastime. Our city becomes filled with spectacular light displays and events that the whole family can enjoy. 

Lights go up in November and stick around through early January. It’s the perfect time for neighborhood strolls with your loved ones and a hot chocolate in hand. Some of the best options include:

  • Peppermint Lane
  • Christmas Tree Forest
  • Candy Cane Lane
  • H-E-B Christmas Tree … Read Full Post »

Heater Is Not Turning On: Troubleshooting Tips

a thumbnail from the video in this blog post

Homeowners rely on their heaters to keep their homes comfortable during the cold. Unfortunately, heaters can stop working out of nowhere, leaving you wondering what went wrong. The good news is that there are several ways to troubleshoot heating issues. However, it’s important to understand that all major heating system repairs should be left up to professionals. Your heater serves a vital purpose in your home and deserves the best care to ensure its longevity. If you can’t figure out why your heater isn’t turning on, contact a local HVAC repair service to inspect your system.   

Heater Is Not Turning On: Troubleshooting Tips

There are several potential reasons why your heater is not turning on. Most of them are simple fixes that homeowners can troubleshoot on their own. However, if fixing the following issues doesn’t resolve the issue, you should contact an HVAC expert to inspect your system. These steps include:

My Furnace Won’t Ignite: What Should I Do?

Furnace Won't Ignite

As a homeowner, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm throughout the winter. Unfortunately, there are times when furnaces can fail and provide unreliable heating.

If you’re dealing with any furnace issues, contact a heating repair specialist to inspect your furnace. They can get to the root of the problem.

My Furnace Won’t Ignite: What Should I Do?

There are several reasons why a furnace won’t ignite. The good news is that that means that there are also several potential solutions. Some of the possible reasons include:

  • Clogged air filters
  • Faulty wiring
  • Gas supply issues
  • Malfunctioning thermostat
  • Old pilot light
  • Failing Igniter
  • Wear and tear

Let’s examine these in more detail.

Clogged Air Filters

One of the most common reasons your furnace won’t light is that your air filters are clogged. Filters that are clogged with debris and dust … Read Full Post »

What Causes An Air Conditioner To Freeze Up?

What causes an air conditioner to freeze up

When the temperatures rise, the last thing homeowners expect to deal with is a frozen air conditioner system. Unfortunately, air conditioner freeze-ups can happen any time of the year. They often point to a larger problem with your air conditioning system.

It’s important for homeowners to understand that running a frozen air conditioning unit can cause more damage and lead to costly repairs. If your unit is frozen, turn it off and contact an HVAC technician. An expert will get to the bottom of the freeze-up and ensure that your air conditioner works properly all year long. 

What Causes an Air Conditioner To Freeze Up?

The main reason that an air conditioner freezes up is due to insufficient airflow to the unit. However, an air conditioner can also freeze up because of low refrigerant levels. 

If your air conditioning unit doesn’t get proper airflow, specifically from warm air across the evaporator coil, the entire … Read Full Post »