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16 guides
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How to Clean an AC Condensate Drain Line (60-Second Fix With a Wet/Dry Vac)
A clogged AC condensate line is the #1 summer AC failure. Sixty seconds with a shop vac at the outdoor exit pulls the clog out. Once-a-month vinegar flush prevents it.
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Why Does My House Get So Dusty (And How to Stop Cleaning Every Three Days)
Dust isn't about how often you clean. It's about how much unfiltered air your house is pulling in through duct leaks, attic gaps, and cheap filters. Fix the inputs, not the symptoms.
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Why Does My House Smell Musty? (And How to Find the Source)
A musty smell in the house has six common causes, from a dry P-trap to mold in the HVAC. Walk through them in order, smell strongest first, and you can usually find the source in an afternoon.
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Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air? (8 Causes & Fixes)
AC blowing warm or room-temp air? The 8 most common causes, most fixable yourself in under an hour, and the 2 that need a pro.
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How to Clean a Dryer Vent (Fire Prevention + Faster Drying)
Clogged dryer vents cause nearly 3,000 home fires a year. Clean yours in 30 minutes with a $25 brush kit. Step-by-step for both wall and roof vents, plus signs you waited too long.
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Why Your AC Float Switch Keeps Tripping (and How to Fix It Yourself)
An AC float switch tripping is almost always a clogged condensate drain, a 20-minute DIY fix using vinegar and a shop vac instead of a $200 HVAC service call.
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Mini-Split vs Window AC: Which Is Right for Your Room?
Mini-split vs window AC: window units cost $300-750 and install in 30 minutes. Mini-splits cost $3,000-6,500 installed but use 35% less energy and last twice as long.
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Why Is My House Humid With AC Running? (6 Causes & Fixes)
House feels humid with AC running? Fan set to ON instead of AUTO is the most common free fix. Work through these 6 causes, most under $30, to find yours.
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Why Is My Dryer Not Heating? (6 Causes & Fixes)
Why is my dryer not heating? Most fixes cost under $15. Walk through 6 causes, from a tripped breaker to a blown thermal fuse, and test each one today.
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Best Smart Thermostat for Old Houses (No C-Wire Required)
Best smart thermostat without a c-wire in 2026. Google Nest Thermostat handles most homes at $130, no adapter needed. 5 picks, plus how to check your wiring.
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Why Is My AC Not Turning On (5 Things to Check Before Calling a Pro)
AC won't start at all is a power problem, not a refrigerant problem. Four free things to check before calling an HVAC tech. Two of them solve it most of the time.
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How to Change Your HVAC Filter (And How Often)
Change your HVAC filter every 30-90 days. Exact schedule depends on pets, allergies, and filter thickness. Steps to swap it right in under 5 minutes.
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How to Install a Window AC Unit (Without Wrecking the Frame)
Installing a window AC unit takes about 20 minutes with one helper. Level it, seal the gaps, and secure the sash before you plug it in for real summer cooling.
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How to Clean AC Condenser Fins (Different From Coils)
Bent or clogged AC condenser fins cut airflow and spike your electric bill. Clean them yourself in 20 minutes with a $7 fin comb and a garden hose.
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How to Clean AC Condenser Coils (And Why It Matters)
Dirty outdoor AC coils make your AC work harder and cool worse. Step-by-step to clean them safely yourself in 30 minutes, and what NOT to do.
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Complete Guide to HVAC Troubleshooting (Every Common Problem)
HVAC troubleshooting starts with three quick checks before calling anyone. The 12 most common AC, furnace, and duct problems with $5-40 DIY fixes vs $100-250 tech-call costs.