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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 »

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How to Design a Low-Maintenance Garden

. Posted by in • Houston

Low Maintenance Garden

How to Design a Low-Maintenance Garden

Designing a low-maintenance garden can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, relaxing haven without constant upkeep. At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we specialize in helping homeowners create gardens that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to manage. Follow this comprehensive guide to design a small garden that suits your lifestyle and enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Whether you’re looking to build charming cottage gardens or a practical small garden that requires minimal effort, the right design can make all the difference. Gardens that require maintenance are often time-consuming, but with smart plant choices and strategic planning, you can cultivate a space that plants love and thrive in without the heavy workload.

Imagine a serene front yard with a cozy seating area where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. By incorporating diverse plant choices and using different varieties of … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Dryer Leaking Water?

. Posted by in • Austin
a dryer leaking water

Your dryer can leak water for many reasons. Most of the time, it’s due to a clogged ventilation system or another common issue that can be easily resolved.

A leaky dryer can be more than just an inconvenience. It can sometimes indicate a more serious issue with your appliance. From clogged vents to faulty seals, there are several common reasons moisture may be building up. Learn how to determine if this issue can be resolved on your own or if it’s time to call in an appliance repair specialist.

Five Reasons Why Your Dryer Is Leaking Water

There are typically five common reasons why your dryer could be leaking water, which include:

  • Blocked ventilation system
  • Condensation in the exhaust duct
  • Faulty lint filter
  • Overfilled dryer
  • Unleveled dryer

Let’s examine these a bit more. Before attempting any of these fixes, turn off your dryer and … Read Full Post »

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Vertical Gardening: Tips and Ideas for Beginners

. Posted by in • Houston

Vertical Gardening

Vertical Gardening: Tips and Ideas for Beginners

Vertical gardening is a revolutionary approach that transforms limited horizontal space into lush, productive green areas. By embracing vertical planting techniques, you can create a thriving green oasis even in compact spaces. This method maximizes garden space by utilizing vertical surfaces such as walls and fences, allowing you to grow more plants in less area. The result is healthier plants with improved air circulation and reduced risk of soil-borne diseases.

Starting your own vertical garden involves several key steps. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate and are suitable for vertical growth, such as herbs, succulents, and trailing plants. Select a vertical gardening structure that fits your space, whether it’s wall-mounted planters, hanging pots, or custom-built living walls. To ensure stability, secure your planters with hose clamps or other sturdy fixtures. Efficient irrigation is crucial, so consider installing a drip irrigation … Read Full Post »

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DFW Commercial Pest Control, Lawn Care & More

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
Two ABC team members are wearing hard hats and safety gear outside a commercial facility.

Running a business in North Texas comes with enough challenges. Pest control, building maintenance, and lawn care shouldn’t be among them. That’s why companies across Dallas-Fort Worth count on ABC Home & Commercial Services to help them maintain safe, attractive, and fully functional environments. 

Whether you manage a restaurant, retail store, medical facility, warehouse, office, or multi-family property, ABC offers the full range of services you need, all with one trusted partner. 

Comprehensive Commercial Services for Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses 

At ABC, we understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we offer a wide range of customizable services to support commercial properties of all sizes, across industries: 

Commercial Pest Control 

Our licensed entomologists and pest managers protect your business from pests that can damage property, trigger health violations, and harm your reputation. Our commercial pest control service addresses everything from crawling and flying insects to rodents and wildlife. 

Commercial Termite Control 

Subterranean termites … Read Full Post »

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Brothers Bike: Riding With Purpose from Alaska to Texas

. Posted by
starting line of bike adventure

The Brothers

We’re Raleigh and Bobby Jenkins—two brothers united by family, faith, and a shared drive to make a difference. Together, we created Brothers Bike to turn long-distance cycling into a vehicle for change.

This year, we’re taking on our biggest challenge yet: a 5,500-mile journey from Anchorage, Alaska to College Station, Texas. But for us, this isn’t just about pushing physical limits—it’s about giving back to causes that matter.

For me, Raleigh, this ride is deeply personal. I’ve been involved in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010, and the children there have stayed close to my heart. So much has gone wrong in Haiti over the years, and the ongoing chaos has made many people lose hope. But I haven’t. I ride to raise awareness, amplify Haitian voices, and remind the world that these children—the future leaders of Haiti—are resilient, worthy, and never forgotten.

Bobby brings that same passion for people and community. … Read Full Post »

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Landscaping with Edible Plants: A Practical Guide

. Posted by in • Houston

Edible Plants

Landscaping with Edible Plants: A Practical Guide

Landscaping with edible plants is a fantastic way to enhance your garden’s aesthetic appeal while providing fresh, nutritious food. Integrating edible plants into your landscape design can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, productive garden.

This guide covers essential tips on incorporating various edible plants, including wild edibles, and offers practical advice on choosing and maintaining them.

Consider adding wild edible plants to your garden for a unique touch. These wild plants can offer not only visual interest but also a diverse range of flavors. For instance, the prickly pear cactus is not only a striking addition with its light green pads and slightly sour taste but also provides edible fruits and pads that can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Its vibrant colors and unique texture make it a conversation piece in any garden. Other edible wild plants include dandelions, which can be … Read Full Post »

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How Can I Use Compost for My Lawn?

. Posted by in • Austin
compost

Did you know that there are many benefits to using compost on your lawn? It can improve the quality of new and established lawns and help ensure long-term health. 

From your lawn to your garden beds, there are several ways to use compost to benefit your lawn.

How Can I Use Compost for My Lawn?

Are you looking for a simple but effective way to improve the health of your lawn? Try incorporating compost.

Compost is a nutrient-rich organic material made from decomposed kitchen and yard waste.

There are several ways to use compost to improve both new and established lawns and gardens. The benefits of compost include enhancing water retention and soil quality, adding nutrients and helping prevent soil erosion. Compost can also encourage beneficial microbiomes and earthworms. 

Compost as Topdressing on Established Lawns

One of the most common ways to use compost for your lawn is as topdressing, which is when you sprinkle a thin … Read Full Post »

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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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What Causes An Air Conditioner To Freeze Up?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
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 »

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