Four Common Heat Pump Issues and How We Can Fix Them

October 25, 2023

You rely on your heat pump to keep your home warm and cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. When it isn’t functioning properly, you’ll be uncomfortable. can help diagnose and fix common issues that keep the heat pump from functioning properly. 1. Heat Pump Isn’t Turning On If your heat pump isn’t starting, it could be one of the following issues. Thermostat Is Wired Incorrectly We’ll check your thermostat to see any alerts and ensure it’s showing the correct setting. If you have an older thermostat, it could be a model that can’t work with heat pumps. If so, we’ll need to replace it for you. If it’s a newer model, we’ll need to check the wiring. No Power Source A significant amount of power is needed to run your heat pump. This could result in a tripped circuit breaker. If it continues to trip often, we’ll look for bigger underlying problems. During the colder months, a frozen blower can trip the circuit breaker. You Need the Starter Capacitor Replaced The starter capacitor sends an electrical charge to the heat pump’s motor. We’ll listen for a clicking sound that indicates a faulty starter capacitor. If this is...

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How to Replace a Home’s Main Electrical Panel

October 17, 2023

Replacing or upgrading the main electrical panel in your home is a great investment. Installing a new electrical panel will help make your home safer by lessening the risk of electrical fires. A new panel will also make your home more energy efficient and increase its value. This guide will show you what all is involved in replacing an electrical panel and how you can know when it’s time to have your panel replaced. Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Should Always Be Done by a Licensed Electrician Replacing the main electrical panel in a house typically isn’t all that difficult, but it is a job that should only be done by a licensed electrician. An improperly installed electrical panel is a major fire hazard. It is essential that you hire an electrician to ensure that each of the circuits is wired into your new panel correctly. There is also a possible risk of electrocution if the panel isn’t installed and wired correctly and properly grounded. Another reason is that an electrical permit is usually required when replacing or upgrading an electrical panel. This is something that only a licensed master electrician can apply for. The electrician will also have to schedule...

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How to Change the Air Filter in Your Furnace

August 30, 2023

Of all the ways to protect and maintain your Seattle, WA home, changing your furnace filter is likely the easiest. It’s also among the most important. This component removes dirt, hair, lint, dander, and many other particulates before they enter your heating equipment and negatively impact its performance. Regular filter changes will improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) and promote furnace safety. They’ll also extend the lifespan of your heater. The following is everything you need to know about performing furnace filter changes. Refer to the Instructions of Your Furnace Manufacturer While most furnaces and furnace filters are fairly the same, each model has its own nuances and needs. If you’ve never changed the filter on your furnace before, take a minute to look at your owner’s manual. This should provide a clear diagram of the furnace, its filter location, and other details to help you along. If you still have questions after reading your manual, call your furnace manufacturer or your HVAC installer. Having a knowledgeable party guide you through this process is far better than installing your new filter incorrectly. Choose the Right Filter Type and Stock Up Air filters with accumulated debris place a tremendous amount of...

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Simple DIY Maintenance Guide for Your HVAC and More

August 30, 2023

Owning a home comes with a satisfying sense of autonomy and responsibility, allowing homeowners to shape their living spaces according to their preferences. Many tasks can be undertaken as simple and safe do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, providing a rewarding outlet for creativity and resourcefulness. From painting walls to assembling furniture, there’s a host of projects you can tackle without professional assistance. However, it’s crucial to recognize the line between DIY feasibility and the need for professional expertise. Certain tasks demand specialized skills, knowledge, and equipment that only trained professionals can provide, ensuring both safety and quality outcomes. This guide will explore a range of DIY opportunities for homeowners, offering insights into what you can accomplish independently and when it’s prudent to enlist the aid of skilled experts to safeguard your investment and well-being. Painting and Decorating Infuse your living spaces with your unique style by embarking on DIY painting and decorating projects. Whether you’re envisioning a calming oasis with soothing pastels or a vibrant haven bursting with bold hues, painting walls, furniture, or even exterior surfaces offers a tangible transformation. Armed with brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape, you can revitalize your home’s atmosphere. Remember to choose low-VOC paints for an eco-friendly...

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Keeping Your Indoor Air Quality Healthy With Proper Air Conditioning Maintenance

August 15, 2023

In recent years, news reports from Seattle and the surrounding area have warned residents about unhealthy air quality levels. These reports let you know how polluted the air is on a scale from zero to 500. The highest number denotes the lowest and most concerning air quality. In September 2022, for example, the air quality index (AQI) was close to 200, thus making it unhealthy for many residents. Similar to the AQI, there is an indoor air quality (IAQ) index to measure breathing conditions in your home. At , we get quite a few inquiries from customers concerned about IAQ levels in their Seattle homes. One of the most common concerns in this regard is related to IAQ and air conditioning. This is a valid concern because it ties into one of the primary functions of AC units, which is re-circulation. The cooling process and mechanisms can have an impact on IAQ, and it is important to understand them. Understanding the IAQ Index Similar to its outdoor counterpart used by environmental protection agencies, the IAQ index is scored numerically. The scale runs from zero to 150, and it accounts for the detected levels of the following pollutants: Volatile organic compounds...

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18 Awesome Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard Space

August 3, 2023

When designing our dream homes, we often turn our attention primarily to the inside. However, once you’ve nailed down the interior design, it’s time to shift your focus to the outdoors. One key element that can make a huge difference is lighting. Using clever lighting ideas in your backyard, you can completely transform the space, making it a fantastic spot to hang out in the evenings. Proper lighting can highlight the beauty of your landscaping and delineate spaces designed for relaxing, cooking, or sharing drinks with friends. Here are some ideas for using lighting to bring your outdoor space to life. 1. String and Fairy Lights String lights and fairy lights are fantastic choices to set the mood for any occasion, whether it’s a laid-back backyard party or a cozy bistro-style atmosphere on your deck. With our team, you can have these lights railed or woven through your patio cover. Choose from a variety of bulb styles, lengths, and power options to illuminate your backyard beautifully. 2. Solar Lights Solar landscaping lights are an ideal choice for outlining flower beds and highlighting your favorite garden features, like benches or fountains. They’re incredibly convenient because they don’t require complicated wiring and...

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10 Tips for Hiring a Professional Electrician

July 15, 2023

Electricians are valuable for installing, repairing, and maintaining your home’s wiring. Hiring the right pro is essential to ensure you have quality electrical work done promptly and cost-effectively. But with so many to choose from, how do you know which electrician is right for your job? Here are some tips to help you find a good electrician. 1. Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance Not just anyone can call him- or herself an electrician. Ensure the one you’re considering has a valid license and insurance in your state or local area. The license should be up-to-date and relevant to the work you have in mind. And even if the electrician is injured while working on your project, insurance protects you from legal trouble. In cases where the work is extensive, a permit may be required. You can ask your prospective electrician for help with this. Permits are often needed when wiring, rewiring, or even changing electrical systems. 2. Look for Experience and Expertise Having a license doesn’t automatically mean someone is an expert. Be sure to ask about the electrician’s experience and expertise before hiring them. When checking their experience, inquire about the projects they have done before and how...

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The Top 9 Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioning

July 2, 2023

It’s crucial to have a reliable and efficient cooling solution for your home. This is especially true when you live in Kirkland, Washington, where temperatures can fluctuate throughout the year. Ductless air conditioning, also known as ductless mini-split systems, offers numerous advantages. People who are interested in better control of individual cooling zones, reduced energy bills, and improved indoor air quality will want to consider this popular option. 1. Create Individual Cooling Zones Sometimes, you want your office to be a little bit cooler to help you focus, but you don’t want to freeze out the whole house. Sometimes, you want the downstairs to be cool but no one will be using the upstairs for a while. In some homes, the front room gets too much sunlight and is often overly warm, but when you turn the air conditioning on, you freeze out everyone on the other side of the house. It has never made sense to have to pay for cooling to all these different areas. Many families find this a constant source of frustration and discomfort. One of the significant advantages of ductless air conditioning is the ability to control the cooling independently in different zones of your...

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How Is a Ceiling Fan Installed?

June 15, 2023

Whether you just like the feeling of a breeze or you’re hoping to help reduce your energy bills throughout the year, a ceiling fan is a great way to do it. A fan can even upgrade the overall look and functionality of your home. However, it’s imperative that your new fan be installed correctly, or it could lead to ineffectiveness and even danger for your family. Picking Out the Ideal Fan It’s imperative to pick a ceiling fan that is designed for the space that you have. It should be rated to handle the square footage of your room. A fan that is rated for rooms bigger than yours will tend to overpower the room and look visually out of place. Contrarily, a fan that is too small for your space won’t circulate the air properly. Generally, the bigger your roof, the bigger your ceiling fan blades will need to be. Apart from the size of the fan, you also need to consider any height limitations. It’s typically recommended that there be a minimum of seven feet of space between the floor and the fan blades. If you have taller rooms, you can install the fan even higher, at eight...

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Simple and Effective Ways to Maintain Your Air Conditioner for Optimal Performance

June 1, 2023

Maintaining your air conditioner is crucial for its performance, energy efficiency, and longevity. Regular upkeep prevents decreased cooling capacity, increased energy consumption, and potential system breakdowns. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your air conditioner operates at its best. Clean or Replace the Air Filter The air filter is an integral component of your air conditioner that not only affects its performance but also plays a significant role in maintaining good indoor air quality. These filters are designed to capture dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. However, over time, air filters can become clogged with accumulated debris, impeding proper airflow and diminishing their effectiveness. Proper maintenance of your air filter is crucial to ensure the efficient operation of your air conditioner. It is generally recommended to clean or replace your air filter every one to three months, although the frequency may vary depending on factors such as the type of filter and the level of pollutants in your environment. Checking the manufacturer’s instructions or consulting with an HVAC professional can provide you with specific guidelines for your air conditioner model. Regularly cleaning or replacing your air...

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