August 18

AC Blowing Indoors but the Outside Unit Is Dead: Common Causes

The Brief The indoor fan can run even when the outdoor AC unit is shut down. A variety of electrical component failures can cause a… View Article Read More

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Outdoor AC unit next to a brick wall with a damaged compressor in front; text reads, “What Happens When Your AC Compressor Fails?” with Thermo Direct logo. Highlighting common AC compressor problems and the importance of timely air conditioner repair.
August 12

What Happens When Your AC Compressor Fails?

Main Points When the compressor fails, refrigerant stops circulating, and your air conditioner can’t remove heat from your home. A failed compressor can’t be repaired… View Article Read More

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A portable generator plugged into a house is shown next to text that reads, “What Size of Generator Do I Need to Run My AC Unit?” with a Thermo Direct logo above, helping homeowners determine what size generator is necessary to reliably run an AC unit.
August 7

What Size of Generator Do I Need to Run My AC Unit?

Key Highlights To power central AC, you’ll need at least an 11-kWh generator. Air conditioners require up to three times their running watts to start… View Article Read More

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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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