Washing machines are a tremendously helpful modern appliance that reduce time spent washing clothes and are quick and efficient household appliances. However, as with any appliance or component in a home, they can fail or need repairs. Since they are directly connected to the distribution water supply, leakage at a washer can cause a [...]
Gas appliances are common in many homes and provide warm air through furnaces, hot water through gas water heaters, and other appliances such as gas clothes dryers. However, unlike electric appliances, gas appliances require combustion air in order to operate properly. If an adequate amount of combustion air is not provided, this can cause [...]
Air conditioners and heat pumps are connected to the interior evaporator and condenser by a line set, also known as refrigerant lines. These copper tubes move refrigerant in a cycle through the compressor, condenser, and evaporator providing cool air (or warm air if a heat pump is used in heating mode). While this system [...]
An often overlooked part of a home’s HVAC system, except for during the hot summer months, is the air conditioning compressor. This usually looks like a large vented metal box containing a fan which spins and blows air around the compressor on the exterior of the home when the thermostat is set to cooling [...]
Earthquakes are one of the most destructive forces on earth and can cause devastating damage to the structure of a home. Damage can include a home sliding off of its foundation, masonry breaking apart, plumbing lines snapping, and gas lines rupturing. Fires are common in the aftermath of a seismic event and can easily [...]
In an electrical panel, you will find a variety of different types of wire gauges, circuit breakers, and bus bars. Three types of wires that you will see in any electrical panel are hot, neutral, and ground conductors. Hot conductors are usually colored black or red, neutrals are white or gray, and grounds are [...]
Gas furnaces have become one of the most common types of home heating systems over the last few decades and have become more efficient and effective over time. With regular maintenance, gas furnaces can last for many years and provide consistent and reliable heat within the home. However, like all home appliances, they can [...]
Plumbing drain traps are an important configuration in a plumbing waste and drain system that are often overlooked. While most homeowners only perform maintenance on these when one becomes clogged under a sink, drain traps help to prevent sewer gases and pests from being able to come back up from the sewer system and [...]
When looking for evidence of moisture intrusion in a crawlspace or basement, some of the most obvious signs include water stains on the floor or vapor barrier, decay in wood, or moisture damaged framing. While these defects all point to a past or ongoing moisture issue, there is another sign of moisture problems that [...]
Landscaping can make the difference between an unattractive setting and a private oasis. While roses and rhododendrons make for appealing shrubs, large trees can be a dramatic and attractive focal point for a yard. While large trees can be a great source of beauty and shade, they can also present certain challenges and hazards [...]
