A person is using a power washer to clean the exterior coils of an outdoor air conditioner unit near a building, demonstrating effective air conditioner cleaning techniques.
July 29

Is It Safe to Power Wash an Air Conditioner?

What to Know: Your outdoor AC unit should stay clean to support good airflow, prevent overheating, and support a longer system lifespan. Pressure or power… View Article Read More

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A man looks uncomfortable in a warm room. Text discusses the issue of AC blowing warm air, which can often be caused by a failing air conditioner capacitor. Two capacitors and a Thermo Direct logo are shown.
July 8

AC Blowing Warm Air? Signs Your Air Conditioner Capacitor May Be Failing

Summary A failing capacitor is one of the most common causes of bad AC capacitor symptoms, including warm air, humming, or failure to start. Warm… View Article Read More

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Close-up of old knob-and-tube wiring on a wooden board, with the Thermo Direct logo and text asking if your house wiring still uses knob-and-tube wiring.
July 8

Does Your House Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Signs, Safety Risks & What to Do

Main Points Knob-and-tube wiring was common from 1880 to 1940 and used porcelain knobs and tubes. You can spot it by checking your attic, basement,… View Article Read More

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Split-screen image of a wall-mounted AC unit and external condenser, featuring the text: "Why Is My Upstairs So Hot Even When the AC Is On?"—highlighting issues like uneven cooling. Thermo Direct company logo is included.
June 1

Why Is My Upstairs So Hot Even When the AC Is On?

What to Know Upstairs rooms are normally slightly warmer because hot air rises. If your upstairs suddenly gets very hot, you may have an air… View Article Read More

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home security lighting
May 27

Is It a Good Idea to Keep Your Porch Light on at Night?

Key Findings Leaving the porch light on overnight does not offer major security benefits. Smart lighting and motion sensor lighting are better options for deterring… View Article Read More

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hot water heater leaking
May 26

Water Heater Leaking from the Bottom? Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

Main Points A water heater leaking from the bottom results from sediment buildup, a faulty drain valve, loose connections, or internal tank corrosion. Leaks from… View Article Read More

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signs of a failing ac expansion valve
May 21

AC Not Cooling? How To Tell if Your AC Expansion Valve Is Going Bad

Expert Insights The AC expansion valve regulates refrigerant and supports optimum cooling performance. It’s important to recognize the signs that your AC expansion valve is… View Article Read More

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carbon monoxide detector placement
May 19

Where Should You Place Carbon Monoxide Alarms in a Gas-Heated Home?

Quick Recap Proper carbon monoxide alarm placement is critical to detecting gas leaks early and avoiding nuisance alarms Make sure to install carbon monoxide alarms… View Article Read More

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A split air conditioning unit on a wall with text: "Mini-Splits or central air—which cooling system makes more sense for you?" and the Thermo Direct logo.
May 18

Mini-Splits or Central Air: Which Cooling System Makes More Sense?

Quick Recap Mini split vs central air — the best choice of cooling system for your home depends on layout, ductwork, and which rooms need… View Article Read More

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Thermo Direct ad asks: Why is AC short cycling in Raleigh homes? Features images of an air conditioner and neighborhood houses.
May 5

Why Is My AC Short Cycling in Raleigh Homes?

Quick Recap AC short cycling occurs when your air conditioner starts and stops in rapid, incomplete cycles.  A dirty air filter is one of the… View Article Read More

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