Guides
How-to articles on choosing, installing, using and maintaining appliances and home systems.
- AC Capacitor Replacement CostWhat an AC capacitor replacement costs, how start, run and dual-run capacitors differ, what a service call adds, failure signs, and why it's not a DIY job.
- AC Compressor Replacement CostWhat an AC compressor replacement costs by system size, why the job is expensive, what warranties cover, and when a new condenser or system makes more sense.
- AC Compressor Replacement vs. a New AC UnitCompressor swap or new AC? Compare sourced costs, what warranties cover (parts, not labor), AHRI matching, R-410A vs. A2L rules and a decision checklist.
- Air Conditioner Filter Replacement GuideHow often to replace an AC filter, how to read its size and airflow arrow, what MERV ratings mean, 1-inch vs 4-inch filters, and safe replacement steps.
- Central Air Conditioner Installation CostSourced central AC installation prices with and without new ductwork, by tonnage and SEER2 tier, plus 2023 DOE regional rules, A2L refrigerants and Manual J.
- Furnace Blower Motor Replacement CostWhat a furnace blower motor replacement costs, why ECM motors cost more than PSC, what warranties cover, how much power an ECM saves, and when to replace.
- Heat Pump Maintenance ChecklistA heat pump maintenance checklist built from DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer guidance: monthly tasks, snow and defrost, mini-split filters, and pro-only jobs.
- Heat Pump Repair vs. Replacement: How to DecideRepair or replace your heat pump? Sourced repair costs, DOE lifespan estimates, ENERGY STAR cold-climate specs, a decision matrix and a worked example.
- Heat Pump Replacement CostInstalled prices for replacing a heat pump by size, efficiency tier and type, what a quote should include, cold-climate options and current incentive status.
- Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Running Costs ComparedCost per million Btu for heat pumps and gas furnaces, how COP, HSPF2 and AFUE fit in, state-by-state break-even math, and when dual fuel makes sense.
- How Much Electricity Does an Air Conditioner Use?Watts, kWh and cost per hour, day and month for window, mini-split and central air conditioners, plus how to read EER2, CEER and SEER2 ratings.
- How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?ENERGY STAR and major manufacturers recommend a yearly AC check-up in spring. What a tune-up covers, typical costs, safe DIY tasks and warranty rules.
- Mini Split Installation CostInstalled prices for ductless mini splits by number of zones, and how line sets, electrical work, indoor unit style and cold-climate models change a quote.
- How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mini Split?Hourly and seasonal mini-split running costs from EER2, SEER2, HSPF2 and COP, how inverter part-load works, and single-zone vs. multi-zone efficiency.
- Should You Repair or Replace a 10-Year-Old Air Conditioner?Fix or replace a 10-year-old central AC? Sourced lifespans, repair costs, SEER vs. SEER2 savings math, refrigerant rules and a simple decision table.