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AC Leaking Water? Why This Happens And What To Do

. Posted by in • San Antonio
AC Leaking

In San Antonio, air conditioners are a necessity. With harsh summers bringing scorching temperatures to the region, a problem in your air conditioner could lead to a day of repair while your family waits patiently near a fan.

One common problem that causes homeowners anxiety is a leaking AC unit. While a leaky cooling system is usually an easy-to-repair problem, you could be faced with a more serious issue down the line that causes your AC to break, including flooding that could cause some serious damage your home.

By knowing air conditioner parts and functions, it can be easier to properly identify the source of a leaking AC. Learn more below about why your AC is leaking water and what you can do to fix the problem.

A Leaking AC Is No Time To Test Your DIY Skills

Even if you are a formidable handyman, it is best to let an HVAC professional troubleshoot and … Read Full Post »

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Bed Bugs Be Gone! Checklist to Prepare for Treatment Success.

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
how to kill bed bugs

As a new homeowner, the last thing you want to think about is a bed bug infestation. And hopefully, you won’t need to. But in a big city like San Antonio where bed bugs (and pests in general) are prevalent, it’s best to be prepared for any situation.

Bed bugs spread easily and most commonly found in spaces where people sleep or spend the majority of their time, like homes, hospitals, schools, and hotels. Their small size allows them to go unnoticed; it’s the red, itchy bites they leave behind that reveal their camouflage. But despite their tiny size, bed bugs can cause a big headache—and an even bigger problem if left untreated.

Here at ABC San Antonio, we take great strides to ensure your home is bed bug-free after just one of our Heat Remediation treatments. And while our experts can take on any challenge, you’ll have to do your part … Read Full Post »

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Check The HVAC Unit Before You Buy The Home

. Posted by in • San Antonio
buying a new home in Texas

Are you buying a new home? When you’re shopping around for a new house, be sure to consider a home’s HVAC system.

Because heating and air conditioning make up half of your energy costs, and faulty equipment can lead to expensive repairs, it’s a great idea to spend a little time checking the unit before making an offer on your dream home.

HVAC New Home Checklist:

Below we offer a basic checklist for potential home buyers. By reviewing these items, you can get a better sense for whether or not the previous owner properly maintained the unit.

Thermostat

  • Does it turn on and off, and if it’s digital, can you adjust the settings?
  • Turn the unit on and test the temperature against the thermostat settings.

Outside compressor unit

  • There should be no shrubs, vines, or other plants within two feet of the HVAC unit.
  • Check that the unit is level, as a tilt will hurt … Read Full Post »
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Mosquitoes: Facts vs. Fiction [INFOGRAPHIC]

. Posted by in • San Antonio
tiger mosquitoes carry zika virus in south america

5 Facts and Myths About Mosquitoes

Did you know that only the female mosquito bites and sucks human blood? The male mosquito feeds off of nectar, while the female is the culprit of many an itchy summer evening in hot San Antonio. She feeds off your blood to nourish her maturing eggs prior to laying them.

There are a lot of myths about mosquitoes. Some myths are harmless, while other misconceptions are truly unhelpful and sometimes counterproductive. The biggest myths are those revolving around whether or not diseases are spread by mosquitoes in the US. A hint: wear repellent. One fact we know for sure is that prevention with professional mosquito abatement is the best protection against these pesky summertime pests.

How well do you know mosquitoes?

Test your mosquito wisdom against these 5 common facts and myths.

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Mosquito Bite FAQ’s: Resisting the urge to scratch

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Let’s face it: nobody likes mosquitoes. Or their bites.

But when you live in a city like San Antonio, mosquitos are a part of life. And it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon.

That’s why we compiled a list answering a few popular questions people have about those unwanted pests. From the whys and what’s, to the do’s and dont’s of what to do if a mosquito lands on you.

Top Moquito Bite FAQ’s

Q1: Why do mosquitoes bite people?

Mosquitoes are nearly impossible to eliminate. They can adapt to changing environments and grow steadily in the summer months when temperatures are both hot and humid, or what we like to call mid-July San Antonio weather.

You may not know this, but only a small percentage of mosquitoes bite humans. And while that may come as a surprise to some, it’s because mosquitoes bite to reproduce, not to live.

Female mosquitoes bite people to gather protein … Read Full Post »

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Types Of Air Filters For HVAC: How To Find The Right One

. Posted by in • San Antonio
types of air filters for hvac

The process of cooling and heating your home represents almost 50% of your energy costs, which is just one reason why it is vital that you take good care of your HVAC system.

Knowing how to change a central air conditioner filter can make it easier to keep up with basic maintenance. Wondering how often to change an air filter in a house? To ensure your air conditioning system will last for many years to come, it is recommended you change the filter out every 30 to 90 days, depending on your filter type. Performing this regular task will help your system run more efficiently, prevent costly repairs and keep your HVAC running longer.

There are many types of air filters for HVAC system out on the market with various pros and cons. Which is the most suitable for your home? Let’s review each type of filter and how to best care for … Read Full Post »

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What to Do if a Pipe Breaks in Your Home

. Posted by in • San Antonio

When thinking about pipes breaking, most people worry about their pipes freezing in the winter. But what about in the summer? Did you know that in San Antonio, your plumbing can burst in the middle of hot weather too?

When heat and drought return to San Antonio each summer, the ground dries and shrinks, causing our plumbing to shift. In previous years, extended drought conditions caused a spike in the number of pipe failures in Texas.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons your home’s pipes might break, and what you should do if you’re ever unlucky enough to have it happen to you.

Common causes of plumbing failure

Exposure to pressure  If something blocks up a pipe, whether it’s inside your house or in your outgoing sewer line, pressure will build up behind that clog. Common causes of clogged plumbing include pouring cooking grease down the drain and flushing paper towels … Read Full Post »

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What To Do After A Striped Bark Scorpion Sting

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Striped Bark Scorpion Sting

Ouch! Wondering why you felt that tingling sensation that woke you up at night? Was it a spider, or could it have been a scorpion? Some victims of scorpion bites report experiencing a feeling similar to stepping on a nail. Others describe a numbness and burning. Throbbing, waves of pain and swelling are also common in individuals who are unlucky enough to have been stung by a scorpion.

Wondering if it was really a scorpion that caused your discomfort? Or did you see the scorpion nearby, but just are not sure what to do now? Either way, keep reading to learn more about scorpions, whether they are poisonous, why they sting what you should do if you have been stung by one.

Are Scorpions Poisonous?

You might think that scorpions are insects, but they are actually more closely related to a spider. Like spiders, scorpions have eight legs, but unlike spiders, scorpions have … Read Full Post »

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Air Conditioning Facts & Myths: Experts Weigh In

. Posted by in • San Antonio
air-conditioning-facts

During our seemingly endless summers, San Antonio homeowners enjoy the full benefits of cooler air, thanks to their air conditioning system. Despite our appreciation for our AC, many of us have little understanding of the inner workings of these complicated systems. As a result, there are several myths that continue to persist to this day that result in wasted energy and money.

Find out what these misconceptions are and just how to keep your energy bill low while keeping your home as cool as can be in when the mercury climbs sky-high.

Myth: Leaving Ceiling Fans On Will Keep An Empty Room Cool

Ceiling fans move air around in a room, but they don’t cool it. The cooling effect we feel is due to the air being moved across our skin. Our body temperature often drops as a result.

We also experience a similar feeling when we’re sweating and a fan is turned on. … Read Full Post »

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Rain and Your Lawn: How Much Is Too Much?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

In San Antonio, we’ve experienced an exceptionally wet spring season, with several downpours over the past few months. While we’re grateful not to be in a drought, and our lawns certainly appreciate the rain, in this case, it is possible to get too much of a good thing.

Below we’ll look at some of the ways heavy and prolonged rains can harm your lawn, and some tips you can follow to avoid most of the potential damage.

Roots

A lawn can get too dependent on rain. If water is abundant, grass and other plants don’t need to develop healthy root systems. When a wet spring is followed by a hot and dry summer (as most of our summers are) the grass won’t have the deep roots it needs to survive.

Furthermore, too much water will actually suffocate your lawn. Most plants can’t stand in water for extended periods of time because waterlogged soil doesn’t … Read Full Post »

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