HVAC Blog & Home Comfort Resources

Practical Heating, Cooling, and Air Quality Insights for Erie Homeowners

Seasonal HVAC Tips for Erie’s Changing Weather

Western Pennsylvania weather can shift quickly. From lake-effect snowstorms to humid summer heat, your HVAC system works hard throughout the year. Our blog shares timely recommendations on preparing your furnace before winter, maintaining your air conditioner before summer, and recognizing early signs that your system may need service.


Replacing an HVAC system is a significant investment. Our articles explain how to evaluate system age, efficiency ratings, and performance concerns so you can make informed decisions. We also discuss topics such as high-efficiency furnaces, modern air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and Lennox system features that may improve comfort and manage energy use more effectively.

When your furnace suddenly stops working, it can be stressful, especially during the colder months in Erie, PA. While it’s always best to call a professional for repairs, there are a few safe steps...

Emergency Steps if Your Furnace Stops Working

When your furnace suddenly stops working, it can be stressful, especially during the colder months in Erie, PA. While it’s always best to call a professional for repairs, there are a few safe steps...
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When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, heat pumps are one of the most efficient systems available. They provide both heating and cooling, making them a year-round solution. But because...

Do Heat Pumps Require Maintenance Twice a Year?

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, heat pumps are one of the most efficient systems available. They provide both heating and cooling, making them a year-round solution. But because...
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As summer winds down here in Pennsylvania, many of us begin preparing for cooler weather ahead. Your HVAC system has worked hard all season, and now is the perfect time to make sure it’s ready for...

End of Summer HVAC Tips for Pennsylvania

As summer winds down here in Pennsylvania, many of us begin preparing for cooler weather ahead. Your HVAC system has worked hard all season, and now is the perfect time to make sure it’s ready for...
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When allergy season hits, it’s easy to blame the outdoors for your itchy eyes, runny nose, or constant sneezing. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the air inside your home can often be...

The Importance of Duct Cleaning for Allergy Relief

When allergy season hits, it’s easy to blame the outdoors for your itchy eyes, runny nose, or constant sneezing. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the air inside your home can often be...
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A properly working boiler often goes unnoticed until problems arise. A reliable boiler can last quite a while, but how long should you expect it to keep your home or business warm? Most boilers...

How Long Do Boilers Typically Last?

A properly working boiler often goes unnoticed until problems arise. A reliable boiler can last quite a while, but how long should you expect it to keep your home or business warm? Most boilers...
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Clean air ducts are an important part of a healthy and efficient home. If your ductwork is full of dust, debris, or buildup, it can impact your indoor air quality and even affect how well your...

How Often Should You Clean the Air Ducts in Your Home?

Clean air ducts are an important part of a healthy and efficient home. If your ductwork is full of dust, debris, or buildup, it can impact your indoor air quality and even affect how well your...
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If you’ve ever debated between a heat pump and an air conditioner, you’re not alone. It’s like choosing between a multitasking Swiss Army knife and a dedicated cooling machine—both get the job done...

Is a Heat Pump Better than AC?

If you’ve ever debated between a heat pump and an air conditioner, you’re not alone. It’s like choosing between a multitasking Swiss Army knife and a dedicated cooling machine—both get the job done...
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Your air conditioning system is essential for keeping your home comfortable, especially during the hot summer months. Just like you’d get regular checkups at the doctor or dentist, getting a tune...

Can I Service My AC Myself?

Your air conditioning system is essential for keeping your home comfortable, especially during the hot summer months. Just like you’d get regular checkups at the doctor or dentist, getting a tune...
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During the winter months, many homeowners notice an increase in allergy symptoms, dry skin, and lingering odors inside their homes. This isn’t just a coincidence—indoor air quality often worsens...

Is Indoor Air Quality Worse In Winter?

During the winter months, many homeowners notice an increase in allergy symptoms, dry skin, and lingering odors inside their homes. This isn’t just a coincidence—indoor air quality often worsens...
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Ductless mini-split systems have become a popular choice for homeowners looking for efficient and customizable heating and cooling solutions. But a common question is whether these systems consume...

Do Ductless Mini Splits Use A Lot of Electricity?

Ductless mini-split systems have become a popular choice for homeowners looking for efficient and customizable heating and cooling solutions. But a common question is whether these systems consume...
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Your air ducts play a critical role in maintaining the air quality and comfort of your home. Over time, these ducts can collect dust, debris, and even harmful contaminants that may affect your...

Signs You Need Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Your air ducts play a critical role in maintaining the air quality and comfort of your home. Over time, these ducts can collect dust, debris, and even harmful contaminants that may affect your...
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If your air conditioning isn’t responding when you need it most, it can be frustrating, especially in the middle of a hot day. The cause might be more straightforward than you think, but aside from...

Top 5 Reasons Your AC Might Not Turn On

If your air conditioning isn’t responding when you need it most, it can be frustrating, especially in the middle of a hot day. The cause might be more straightforward than you think, but aside from...
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If you’ve been considering upgrading your home’s thermostat, you may be wondering if switching to a smart thermostat is a good idea. The short answer is yes! Smart thermostats are becoming...

Can I Replace My Regular Thermostat With a Smart One?

If you’ve been considering upgrading your home’s thermostat, you may be wondering if switching to a smart thermostat is a good idea. The short answer is yes! Smart thermostats are becoming...
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Maintaining your furnace is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. At J.J. Agnello Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we understand the importance of regular furnace maintenance...

Furnace Maintenance and The Longevity of Your Heating Unit

Maintaining your furnace is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. At J.J. Agnello Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we understand the importance of regular furnace maintenance...
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Experiencing a leaking boiler can be alarming, especially during the colder months when you rely on it the most. Understanding the potential causes behind this issue is crucial to ensure your...

Why Is My Boiler Leaking?

Experiencing a leaking boiler can be alarming, especially during the colder months when you rely on it the most. Understanding the potential causes behind this issue is crucial to ensure your...
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Keeping your home’s heating and cooling system in top shape is crucial for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. One critical component that often gets overlooked is the ductwork. Over time,...

How Do I Know If I Need New Ductwork?

Keeping your home’s heating and cooling system in top shape is crucial for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. One critical component that often gets overlooked is the ductwork. Over time,...
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A whole home dehumidifier is an investment that can significantly improve the comfort and health of your living environment. However, like any appliance, it comes with its own set of advantages and...

What Are The Disadvantages of a Dehumidifier?

A whole home dehumidifier is an investment that can significantly improve the comfort and health of your living environment. However, like any appliance, it comes with its own set of advantages and...
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As energy efficiency and personalized comfort become increasingly important, the versatility of mini-split systems makes them an ideal choice for various applications. At J.J. Agnello Heating & Air...

Innovative Places to Install a Mini-Split

As energy efficiency and personalized comfort become increasingly important, the versatility of mini-split systems makes them an ideal choice for various applications. At J.J. Agnello Heating & Air...
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Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects so many of us: air quality and its impact on allergies and asthma. If you’ve ever found yourself sneezing uncontrollably or struggling to catch your...

How Air Quality Affects Allergies and Asthma

Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects so many of us: air quality and its impact on allergies and asthma. If you’ve ever found yourself sneezing uncontrollably or struggling to catch your...
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Choosing the right system and ensuring a seamless installation process are critical factors that directly impact your comfort and energy efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the...

What’s Taken Into Consideration When Installing a New AC Unit?

Choosing the right system and ensuring a seamless installation process are critical factors that directly impact your comfort and energy efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the...
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When it comes to hiring professionals for your HVAC needs, ensuring they’re qualified is paramount. One question that often arises is whether HVAC contractors are required to have a license. Let’s...

Are HVAC Contractors Required To Have a License?

When it comes to hiring professionals for your HVAC needs, ensuring they’re qualified is paramount. One question that often arises is whether HVAC contractors are required to have a license. Let’s...
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When you go to change the air filter in your Erie, PA, home, you may find its porous material is unexpectedly damp. This is a serious issue, as a moisture-ridden filter can quickly result in mold...

What Causes a Wet HVAC Filter?

When you go to change the air filter in your Erie, PA, home, you may find its porous material is unexpectedly damp. This is a serious issue, as a moisture-ridden filter can quickly result in mold...
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According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), HVAC use accounts for about half of the average household’s energy bill. If you’re looking for ways to lower the costs of powering up your Erie, PA...

4 Easy Energy-Saving Tips for Winter

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), HVAC use accounts for about half of the average household’s energy bill. If you’re looking for ways to lower the costs of powering up your Erie, PA...
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Now that we’re heading into winter in Pennsylvania, you probably won’t be needing your air conditioner for the next few months. Since you want to make sure that your AC will be working properly...

How to Winterize Your Central Air Conditioner

Now that we’re heading into winter in Pennsylvania, you probably won’t be needing your air conditioner for the next few months. Since you want to make sure that your AC will be working properly...
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During the winter months, you rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable both day and night. However, without proper care, it may struggle to work at peak efficiency or to work at all when...

Preparing an HVAC System for Winter

During the winter months, you rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable both day and night. However, without proper care, it may struggle to work at peak efficiency or to work at all when...
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Apart from a gentle rumble or two at the start of operation and a quiet, background hum, well-maintained HVAC systems shouldn’t make it hard to hold indoor conversations or hear the TV. If the...

3 Common Causes of HVAC Noises and How To Fix Them

Apart from a gentle rumble or two at the start of operation and a quiet, background hum, well-maintained HVAC systems shouldn’t make it hard to hold indoor conversations or hear the TV. If the...
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What is the ideal duration for running your air conditioner? Modern air conditioning units are designed to handle continuous operation, but finding the right balance is essential to avoid strain on...

How Long Can an Air Conditioner Remain Running?

What is the ideal duration for running your air conditioner? Modern air conditioning units are designed to handle continuous operation, but finding the right balance is essential to avoid strain on...
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During the summer months, your HVAC system is placed under great strain. That’s why it’s important to do a check-up to ensure it works properly to keep your space comfortable throughout the hot...

Top 4 Mid-Summer HVAC Check-up Tips to Keep Your Home Cool

During the summer months, your HVAC system is placed under great strain. That’s why it’s important to do a check-up to ensure it works properly to keep your space comfortable throughout the hot...
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Have you ever opened your electric bill during the summer months and been taken aback by the figure staring back at you? You’re not alone. Many homeowners deal with this same issue each summer....

4 Reasons Behind Your High Summer Electric Bill

Have you ever opened your electric bill during the summer months and been taken aback by the figure staring back at you? You’re not alone. Many homeowners deal with this same issue each summer....
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Every HVAC system has a filter to help clean the air in your Erie home and prevent debris from entering sensitive mechanical components in the system. In many cases, this filter is called a furnace...

Should You Change Your Furnace Filter in the Summer?

Every HVAC system has a filter to help clean the air in your Erie home and prevent debris from entering sensitive mechanical components in the system. In many cases, this filter is called a furnace...
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You probably don’t think much about the air conditioner in your Erie, PA home when the weather is cold and your heater is constantly running. However, as spring ushers increasingly warmer...

3 Things to Do Before Turning Your AC on for the Cooling Season

You probably don’t think much about the air conditioner in your Erie, PA home when the weather is cold and your heater is constantly running. However, as spring ushers increasingly warmer...
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Air purifiers are an increasingly popular way to improve indoor air quality, and they come in many different shapes and sizes with a variety of features. But how do they work, and what can they...

What Air Purifiers Remove From the Air

Air purifiers are an increasingly popular way to improve indoor air quality, and they come in many different shapes and sizes with a variety of features. But how do they work, and what can they...
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For most homeowners, energy costs account for a significant portion of their monthly expenses. And while it’s no secret that heating and cooling both take up a large chunk of the pie regarding...

Reasons Why Heating Costs More Than Cooling

For most homeowners, energy costs account for a significant portion of their monthly expenses. And while it’s no secret that heating and cooling both take up a large chunk of the pie regarding...
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Cleaning and maintaining your air ducts is a necessary home maintenance task that should be done regularly. However, it’s particularly important to clean your air ducts in winter. That is because...

Benefits of Cleaning Air Ducts In Winter

Cleaning and maintaining your air ducts is a necessary home maintenance task that should be done regularly. However, it’s particularly important to clean your air ducts in winter. That is because...
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With its fuel efficiency and affordable cost, heating oil tends to be the popular choice for furnaces across the country. Just like other types of fuel, heating oil has a very distinct smell that...

Why Does Your House Smell Like Heating Oil?

With its fuel efficiency and affordable cost, heating oil tends to be the popular choice for furnaces across the country. Just like other types of fuel, heating oil has a very distinct smell that...
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A lot of homeowners debate between a furnace or boiler when deciding how to heat their home. Each of these systems has pros and cons, but it ultimately comes down to what works best for your home....

Boilers vs. Furnaces: Which Is Better?

A lot of homeowners debate between a furnace or boiler when deciding how to heat their home. Each of these systems has pros and cons, but it ultimately comes down to what works best for your home....
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No one wants to suddenly hear noises from their furnace after it’s been off for months. Strange noises and smells often indicate something isn’t functioning as it should. Identifying the cause of...

What Causes Your Furnace’s Whistling Sound?

No one wants to suddenly hear noises from their furnace after it’s been off for months. Strange noises and smells often indicate something isn’t functioning as it should. Identifying the cause of...
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If you own an older air conditioner, it may use R22 as a coolant, as opposed to newer models that use R410A. What’s the difference between the two? Here’s what you need to know about R22 vs. R410A...

The Difference Between R410A and R22 Refridgerant

If you own an older air conditioner, it may use R22 as a coolant, as opposed to newer models that use R410A. What’s the difference between the two? Here’s what you need to know about R22 vs. R410A...
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Maybe you’ve added a room to your home, and you don’t want to extend your ductwork to it. Perhaps you want to cool your garage or another outbuilding. Whatever your situation, you’ll want to look...

Which Is More Efficient: Mini-Splits or Central ACs?

Maybe you’ve added a room to your home, and you don’t want to extend your ductwork to it. Perhaps you want to cool your garage or another outbuilding. Whatever your situation, you’ll want to look...
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Having multiple temperature zones in your home can be advantageous. It lets you create a more comfortable interior, one that meets the different temperature preferences of your family. It also...

Multi-Zone HVAC Systems: How They Work

Having multiple temperature zones in your home can be advantageous. It lets you create a more comfortable interior, one that meets the different temperature preferences of your family. It also...
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Your HVAC system is designed to carry a certain volume of air, and it requires a specific level of pressure inside the ductwork to function properly. If the pressure is too low or too high, it can...

What Is Static Pressure and What Does It Mean for HVAC Systems?

Your HVAC system is designed to carry a certain volume of air, and it requires a specific level of pressure inside the ductwork to function properly. If the pressure is too low or too high, it can...
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A portable AC can be a good way to cool a room in your home and remove humidity. The main benefits are that they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be moved from room to room....

How Portable AC’s Work

A portable AC can be a good way to cool a room in your home and remove humidity. The main benefits are that they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be moved from room to room....
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With summer quickly approaching, temperatures in the Erie, PA, area are beginning to rise. Summer nights here are cool and refreshing, which makes opening the windows at night seem like a no...

The Pros and Cons of Sleeping With Your Window Open

With summer quickly approaching, temperatures in the Erie, PA, area are beginning to rise. Summer nights here are cool and refreshing, which makes opening the windows at night seem like a no...
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Problems can eventually arise with your HVAC system over time. Choosing to work with a licensed HVAC contractor is essential in taking care of these issues while also ensuring the job is done right...

4 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor

Problems can eventually arise with your HVAC system over time. Choosing to work with a licensed HVAC contractor is essential in taking care of these issues while also ensuring the job is done right...
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A furnace filter is an important component of any HVAC system. The filter functions to trap dust, pollen, pet hair and other airborne particles. This helps improve indoor air quality and keep the...

How Do I Know Which Furnace Filter Is Best for My System?

A furnace filter is an important component of any HVAC system. The filter functions to trap dust, pollen, pet hair and other airborne particles. This helps improve indoor air quality and keep the...
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An older furnace or heat pump may start to malfunction due to age or an electrical issue. If this happens, you will need to reset the unit. This is a fairly simple process that anyone can do, but...

Easy Steps to Reset a Furnace/Heat Pump

An older furnace or heat pump may start to malfunction due to age or an electrical issue. If this happens, you will need to reset the unit. This is a fairly simple process that anyone can do, but...
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It can be tough to keep up with home maintenance, especially when it comes to your furnace. But with some effort, you can lengthen the lifespan of your system by keeping it in good shape. Here are...

5 Causes of Rust in Your Furnace

It can be tough to keep up with home maintenance, especially when it comes to your furnace. But with some effort, you can lengthen the lifespan of your system by keeping it in good shape. Here are...
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Keeping your home warm during the winter months is a must. Not only is cold weather uncomfortable for your family, but it can also be dangerous for the various components of your home, like your...

Heating Options to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter Season

Keeping your home warm during the winter months is a must. Not only is cold weather uncomfortable for your family, but it can also be dangerous for the various components of your home, like your...
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When you can’t sleep and you keep tossing and turning, the problem could be the temperature in your bedroom. Most people don’t consider the temperature when they’re going to sleep. However, finding...

What Is the Best Sleeping Temperature?

When you can’t sleep and you keep tossing and turning, the problem could be the temperature in your bedroom. Most people don’t consider the temperature when they’re going to sleep. However, finding...
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When an AC unit works as it should, there’s no need to worry about comfort, even when it gets hot outside. However, with the heat of summer in Erie, it’s crucial to consider whether your AC is...

Is Your AC Running Efficiently?

When an AC unit works as it should, there’s no need to worry about comfort, even when it gets hot outside. However, with the heat of summer in Erie, it’s crucial to consider whether your AC is...
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While it is advisable to unplug all the appliances before you proceed on your vacation, you might need to leave your air conditioner running. That is because your home still needs air conditioning...

Setting Your AC Before Leaving For Vacation

While it is advisable to unplug all the appliances before you proceed on your vacation, you might need to leave your air conditioner running. That is because your home still needs air conditioning...
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Cleaning your air conditioner unit is a two-part process. You’ll want to clean both the interior system and the outdoor unit. Below, we’ll discuss how you can clean the outside part of your AC unit...

How To Clean Air Conditioning Unit

Cleaning your air conditioner unit is a two-part process. You’ll want to clean both the interior system and the outdoor unit. Below, we’ll discuss how you can clean the outside part of your AC unit...
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Keeping your air conditioner working at an optimal level during the summertime is always a top priority. However, an air conditioner can eventually freeze up due to several reasons. You may be able...

Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Keeping your air conditioner working at an optimal level during the summertime is always a top priority. However, an air conditioner can eventually freeze up due to several reasons. You may be able...
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During the warm, humid summers in Erie, PA you won’t need to use your gas furnace for several months. You may wonder whether or not you should turn it off. Turning off your furnace in the summer is...

Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

During the warm, humid summers in Erie, PA you won’t need to use your gas furnace for several months. You may wonder whether or not you should turn it off. Turning off your furnace in the summer is...
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Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean you need to hibernate or get bored indoors. You can work on your DIY projects or focus on your hobbies. However, the challenge arises when your garage that...

The Best Ways to Heat a Garage

Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean you need to hibernate or get bored indoors. You can work on your DIY projects or focus on your hobbies. However, the challenge arises when your garage that...
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In the middle of an Erie, PA, winter, the last thing you want is for your furnace to begin blowing cold air. Fortunately, if you do experience this problem, there are a few things that you can...

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

In the middle of an Erie, PA, winter, the last thing you want is for your furnace to begin blowing cold air. Fortunately, if you do experience this problem, there are a few things that you can...
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You may be shocked to learn that the air in your Erie, PA, home is up to five times more polluted than the air you breathe when standing in your backyard. Indoor air pollutants interfere with...

Does Having Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality?

You may be shocked to learn that the air in your Erie, PA, home is up to five times more polluted than the air you breathe when standing in your backyard. Indoor air pollutants interfere with...
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Most homes have lower indoor air quality than that of the outdoors. There are devices and services available that give you a way to monitor your home’s indoor air quality.Air Quality MonitorAir...

How to Keep Track of Your Indoor Air Quality

Most homes have lower indoor air quality than that of the outdoors. There are devices and services available that give you a way to monitor your home’s indoor air quality.Air Quality MonitorAir...
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If you have spots in your home that are consistently warmer than other places, there can be several reasons why. These spots can be up to several degrees warmer than even the room they’re in. You...

How to Deal With Hot Spots in Your Home

If you have spots in your home that are consistently warmer than other places, there can be several reasons why. These spots can be up to several degrees warmer than even the room they’re in. You...
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3 Reasons to Schedule Fall HVAC MaintenanceThe fall season is a great time to schedule HVAC maintenance services for your home. These services play a key role in keeping your system working at an...

Should I schedule fall HVAC maintenance?

3 Reasons to Schedule Fall HVAC MaintenanceThe fall season is a great time to schedule HVAC maintenance services for your home. These services play a key role in keeping your system working at an...
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One of the best ways to keep your air conditioner working great is to schedule an end-of-season tune-up. These tune-up services are a great way to extend the lifespan of your system and save you a...

Should I Get an End-of-Season AC Tune-Up?

One of the best ways to keep your air conditioner working great is to schedule an end-of-season tune-up. These tune-up services are a great way to extend the lifespan of your system and save you a...
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There is nothing as frustrating as walking into your home on a hot day in summer to discover that your air conditioning system is not blowing sufficient cold air. There are various causes for your...

AC Won’t Cool? Here’s Why

There is nothing as frustrating as walking into your home on a hot day in summer to discover that your air conditioning system is not blowing sufficient cold air. There are various causes for your...
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When your AC system falls out of balance, it could suddenly stop sending out conditioned air. If you feel warm air blowing from your vents, something is definitely going on. Here are the three main...

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

When your AC system falls out of balance, it could suddenly stop sending out conditioned air. If you feel warm air blowing from your vents, something is definitely going on. Here are the three main...
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While both rooftop air conditioners and side-yard air conditioners cool your home, they each have different characteristics and advantages. Neither one is better than the other; instead, they just...

Rooftop Air Conditioner vs. A Side-Yard Air Conditioner

While both rooftop air conditioners and side-yard air conditioners cool your home, they each have different characteristics and advantages. Neither one is better than the other; instead, they just...
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There are many issues associated with having mold growing in your home. When mold becomes airborne, it can cause respiratory problems and other health issues ranging from headaches to chronic...

How To Test Indoor Air For Mold

There are many issues associated with having mold growing in your home. When mold becomes airborne, it can cause respiratory problems and other health issues ranging from headaches to chronic...
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