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Tips for Avoiding Holiday HVAC Breakdowns

An HVAC breakdown is never a good thing, but it can be especially problematic during the holidays. Between the colder weather and the need to deal with holiday issues, no one wants to have an HVAC system failure on their mind. Follow these tips to reduce the odds of an HVAC headache this holiday season. System Checks One of the simplest solutions is to perform basic system checks. Inspect the air filters to ensure they aren’t dirty. Replace them with a new filter if there is an issue. Remember to check the batteries in your home’s

Is a Heat Pump Right for Your North Carolina Home?

If you’re a North Carolina homeowner who’s in the market for a new heating or cooling system, you have probably heard about heat pumps. These are a popular option for many who want to upgrade to one system to provide both heating and cooling. Below, we’ll dive into more detail about what these systems are and whether or not they’re a great option for your home. What Is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a dual-purpose HVAC system that uses electricity to transport heat from one location to another. During the winter months, this system

Understand the Role of HVAC in Your Home’s Resale Value

For many potential buyers, the HVAC system is an important factor in evaluating a home’s value. For homeowners, this means setting up and maintaining a high-quality system. Here is a look at how installing new AC or heating systems affect your home’s resale value. Age A top factor for buyers is the HVAC system’s age. While the heating and air conditioning systems might achieve more than 20 years of service with proper care, a buyer is risking a bigger chance if the HVAC system is older. They must think about the potential replacement cost, and they’ll

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner

Approximately 88% of U.S. homes have some form of air conditioning. In many areas, reliable cooling is necessary to remain healthy, comfortable, and productive throughout the summer. ACs are also a significant investment, and maximizing their lifespans is integral to getting the biggest return on that investment. Let’s explore how you can make your air conditioner last as long as possible while maintaining its peak efficiency. Invest in a Smart Thermostat An AC cycles on and off as needed to keep your home cool. Each cycle causes normal wear and tear on the system’s major components,

The Ultimate Deck Buying Guide for PNW Homeowners

A deck shouldn’t be an afterthought—it’s an extension of your home. Whether you’re repairing an existing deck or building one for the first time, choosing the right material is essential for an enjoyable, safe space that lasts in our Pacific Northwest climate. Repair or Replace? If your deck has cracks, stains, mildew, or other wear, decide whether to restore it or replace it. Hidden structural issues can be dangerous, so prioritize safety. (Decks built before 2004 may contain CCA-treated lumber

Why Regular AC Maintenance Saves You Money

Scheduling regular AC maintenance will keep your Charlotte, NC home both cool and comfortable during the hot, humid months of summer. It’s also an easy and effective way to save money. At Integrity Heating & Cooling, we help locals conserve cash and energy with comprehensive AC tune-up services. Read on to find out how pre-season AC maintenance can cut your spending. Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner On average, residential air conditioners last 15 to 20 years. However, due to recent refrigeration changes, variable-speed motors, and other efficiency upgrades, some of the latest ACs can last 25 years

What Causes AC Units to Leak Water and How to Prevent It

In summer, temperatures in Charlotte, NC often reach the mid-90s. With high humidity and frequent thunderstorms, locals rely on their air conditioners for relief. Unfortunately, these same conditions place cooling systems under tremendous stress. Pooling water around air handlers is a common sign of this stress. Here are five causes of AC leaks plus tips for preventing them. 1. Frozen Evaporator Coils AC leaks typically occur at or just beneath the air handlers. Your air conditioner’s indoor air handler houses its evaporator coil. During each cooling cycle, your AC blows warm air over this component. Icy

Clean Filters, Lower Bills: The Hidden Cost of Neglecting HVAC Maintenance

HVAC filters are as overlooked as they are essential regarding household energy efficiency. They’re simple components but play a crucial role in system performance and air quality. When a filter is clogged or dirty, it can substantially and negatively impact your home’s utility bills and hurt the overall efficiency of the heating and cooling systems your household relies on for comfort. Why Filters Matter HVAC system filters are designed to gather and trap pollen, pet dander, dust, and other airborne particulates. Ideally, functional filters improve indoor air quality and protect the system’s internal components from buildup

The Role of UV Lights in Reducing Allergens at Home

There is an old saying that sunlight is the best disinfectant. Intriguingly, folks in the HVAC industry who are concerned about indoor air quality have taken that saying to heart. Ultraviolet light in the C band, frequently known as UV-C light, has become a popular choice for treating air against allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses. With tens of millions of Americans suffering from allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions, you can see why UV light is an appealing solution. Here is a closer look at what the process is and why you should consider adding it to

4 Ways High Humidity Affects Charlotte Cooling Systems

When you live in Charlotte, NC, the air tends to be humid during the summer. This affects not only the air outside but also the air inside your home. High humidity levels can increase cooling costs and system strain or even cause indoor air quality issues. This article will explore four ways that humidity can affect your home’s cooling system and how to solve the problem. 1. Humidity Makes it Harder For Your AC to Keep Your Home Cool When humidity is high, your air conditioner has to work harder because the air retains heat longer.