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Why Is My Electric Bill So High?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
electric bills

Many homeowners are on the lookout for ways to reduce their monthly utility bills. Electricity costs can add up quickly, especially if your home isn’t running as efficiently as it could be. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my electric bill so high?”, you’re not alone.

There are several reasons your energy usage might be higher than expected, some of which may be hidden issues around your home.

Six Common Reasons Why Your Electric Bill Is Rising

A spike in your electric bill can be alarming. However, if you understand the root cause, you can address the problem directly. You may be dealing with one of these issues:

  • Using older appliances
  • Increased power consumption
  • Standby power use
  • Poor insulation
  • Inefficient light use
  • HVAC issues

Let’s dive into each of these a bit more.

Using Older Appliances

While an old appliance may still get … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Furnace Short Cycling?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a furnace air vent

Have you ever noticed your furnace kicking on, blowing a hot breeze for several minutes and then turning off? This is called short cycling. In other words, the furnace turns off before reaching your desired temperature.

For instance, you could set your thermostat to 72 degrees, but the furnace keeps shutting off at 65 degrees. Short cycling is not only confusing, but can indicate it’s time to get a new furnace.

Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Short Cycling

You might be wondering why your furnace is short cycling. There are several reasons why this happens, including:

  • Faulty thermostat
  • Clogged air filter
  • Overheating
  • Dirty flame sensor
  • Oversized furnace
  • Faulty limit switch

Let’s go over each of these in more detail.

Faulty Thermostat

If your furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops, check the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat sends incorrect signals to your furnace. … Read Full Post »

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Composting Oak Leaves: A Complete Guide

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Composting oak leaves

Oaks may give us welcome shade in the summer, but they also give us something else throughout the year: lots of leaves. Most people aren’t huge fans of having dead leaves cover the lawn that they’ve spent so much time on. Or maybe you’ve heard that oak leaves are acidic and worry they will damage your grass or soil. If you’re new to the topic, start by learning what compost is and how it benefits your yard.

In the past, you may have raked up the leaves and put them in bags. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to deal with them better. Most options focus on reusing the leaves rather than simply removing them.

Are Oak Leaves Acidic?

There’s a short and long answer to this question. The short answer is that, yes, oak leaves are acidic. 

However, it’s important to explain this a bit more. When oak leaves are fresh, they have … Read Full Post »

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How To Save A Dying Tree: A Closer Look At Tree Health

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a dying tree

Homeowners often love mature trees for their shade, beauty and boost to curb appeal and property value. But if you notice signs of a dying tree, you may wonder how to help it recover, or whether it’s time for removal.

There are a number of diseases that can infect a tree’s branches, tree roots or foliage. Because the causes of a problem can vary, it’s often best to consult a tree professional to identify the problem. 

The good news is that most tree diseases cause visible symptoms that can be warning signs. This allows homeowners to act early on their trees’ behalf. Many of these signs of tree disease can look like a tree that’s just dormant, which can often make it difficult for a homeowner to tell what is actually wrong.

How To Save A Dying Oak Tree: Common Illnesses

Many types of trees, including oaks, are popular across the US for their … Read Full Post »

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How to Clean Trash Bins

. Posted by in • San Antonio
two trash bins

Let’s be honest: no one likes cleaning out their trash bins. It’s one of those chores that’s easy to ignore until the smell makes it impossible. A dirty bin can fill a garage or your yard with an unpleasant odor and can even attract bugs and flies.

The great news is that cleaning your bin doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools and a few easy steps, you can remove trash residue and prevent foul odors from accumulating.

Still, this isn’t a task many people enjoy. That’s why more homeowners opt to let a professional do the dirty work to keep their bins tidy year-round.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Trash Bins

Cleaning out a trash bin is typically not someone’s idea of a fun time, but it is a chore that makes a big impact once it’s finished. Follow these steps to do it right:

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The Best Time To Prune Trees in Texas

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
pruning a tree

Trees offer more than just visual appeal. They add value to your property, enhance curb appeal and provide shade during the Texas heat. They also create more comfortable outdoor spaces you can actually enjoy. Whether you’re maintaining established deciduous trees or nurturing fruit trees, regular care makes a big difference in the long-term health of your landscape.

However, when trees are neglected, they not only lose their appeal but can also cause property damage due to falling limbs, termites or disease. That’s why tree pruning, removing dead or overgrown branches, is essential to maintaining the trees’ beauty and value.

Pruning isn’t only for your home’s safety or the trees’ health. Pruning branches helps to prevent the overgrowth of tree limbs. It also improves overall health by encouraging new growth, but only when done correctly.

Even savvy homeowners sometimes don’t know the best time to prune trees and shrubs or the best techniques to … 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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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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Can Bed Bugs Live In Cold Temperatures?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a bed bug

Bed bugs are frustrating pests that can disrupt your sleep and quality of life. Unfortunately, they’re also resilient pests that can survive in harsh conditions.

Can Bed Bugs Live In Cold Temperatures?

It’s common knowledge that bed bugs can’t survive in extreme heat, but what happens to these pests in cold weather? Can bed bugs live in cold temperatures?

Bed bugs are resilient pests that can live in cold temperatures to a certain point. They can survive in cold weather as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Adult bed bugs are particularly resilient and can survive in many conditions.

Bed bugs prefer to live indoors where they have shelter and access to a host for their blood meals, so the cold weather is not a massive threat to their survival. They are especially safe in heated homes when the weather is cold. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs do not hibernate but enter a state … 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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