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Young Gen Z girl sitting on the couch and holding her nose because the AC stinks
AC Systems

Why Does My AC Smell Bad? What Different Smells Mean

Is there an unusual odor in the air that’s making your nose turn up? If you’ve searched high and low for the source and still can’t pinpoint where the musty, dirty, or burning smell is coming from, it could be your air conditioner. When an issue arises with this essential appliance, it can sometimes give off an unpleasant odor. And these smells are often trying to tell you something is wrong. But don’t worry —

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A dual-fuel heat pump installed outside a brick home next to the front door
AC Systems

What Is a Dual-Fuel HVAC System, and Is It Right for Your Home?

When it’s time to invest in a new HVAC system for your home, you have an array of options to choose from. One popular option that homeowners are turning to is the dual-fuel heat pump. This innovative system combines an electric heat pump with a traditional gas furnace, making it particularly well-suited for the variable climate of Burlington, WI. By intelligently switching between its two fuel sources, a dual-fuel system can keep your home comfortable

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A frozen AC component due to a refrigerant leak
AC Systems

Is Your AC Leaking Refrigerant? 5 Telltale Signs and Why It’s a Serious Problem

During the peak of our hot, humid summers, our air conditioning units work tirelessly to keep us cool and comfortable. But how do they do this? With the help of refrigerant! This chemical compound absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. This process repeats over and over again as the hot temperatures persist. And because the refrigerant runs through a closed-loop system, it shouldn’t ever run out or need to be topped

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A dad holding his young daughter has she uses a remote to turn on a new AC unit on the wall
AC Systems

The SEER2 Rating Explained

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) first introduced the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, as a standardized way to measure the efficiency of air conditioning units. This was a game-changer for the HVAC industry and for consumers. Before SEER, it was challenging for manufacturers to benchmark their products and even more difficult for homeowners to make a true apples-to-apples comparison between different models. SEER created a universal language for AC efficiency, allowing you to

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Couple sitting on a gray couch and twisting around to look at their AC unit mounted on the wall, which isn't turning on
AC Systems

5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Turns Off By Itself

Properly functioning air conditioners are designed to cycle on and off to maintain the perfect temperature and minimize expenses. However, if you’ve started to notice that the times between your air conditioner turning off and on are getting shorter and shorter, you may have a problem on your hands. This infrequent operation is a tell-tale sign of short cycling. When your air conditioner short-cycles, it puts a tremendous amount of strain on the system’s components,

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homeowner attempting a DIY HVAC repair with a screwdriver on the back of the outdoor unit
AC Systems

The Dangers of DIY HVAC Repairs

It’s incredibly rewarding to complete do-it-yourself home improvement projects, to be able to point to a newly installed bookshelf or beautifully refinished cabinets and say with pride, “I did that myself.” While many of these home maintenance projects can certainly be tackled by a skilled and determined homeowner, it’s important to recognize that HVAC repairs should never be one of them. In fact, the DIY route is not just ill-advised; it’s downright dangerous. Attempting to

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A rusty air conditioner outside of a home
AC Systems

The Average Lifespan of an AC System: Do You Need a Replacement?

At some point during homeownership, you will undoubtedly find yourself wondering how long an AC system is expected to last. Whether you’re already in the process of shopping for a new unit or you’re simply planning ahead to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns, this is a critical question with important implications. After all, understanding the average lifespan of an AC system can influence everything from budgeting for a future replacement to planning for routine maintenance. That’s

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Digital tool for checking the performance of an AC unit
AC Systems

Professional vs. DIY AC Repairs: Is the Cost Worth It?

These days, when something goes wrong in our homes, we can easily find online tutorials promising fast, affordable solutions to just about any problem. But while it may seem convenient and cost-effective to follow these step-by-step guides, the reality is often far from what’s shown on screen. How-to videos are usually filmed by experienced individuals who not only know what they’re doing but also have access to the right tools and parts. They make the

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water flowing from an outdoor AC unit
AC Systems

Why Your AC Is Leaking Water & What to Do

Is water dripping from your home’s air conditioner, or is there a puddle forming at the base of the unit? If so, know that this is a common issue many homeowners face, especially during the hot summer months when the system is working overtime. It may surprise you, but air conditioning systems don’t just circulate air — they also manage condensation. As warm air passes over the evaporator coil, the coil cools the air and

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Husband standing on a ladder trying to troubleshoot a ductless mini split unit on the wall while his wife stands at the foot of the ladder
AC Systems

Top Reasons Your AC Isn’t Blowing Cold Air

When summer temperatures soar, the last thing you want is your air conditioner acting up. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, don’t panic — this is a common issue that can stem from a variety of causes, from dirty filters to more serious component failures. At H.J. Faust, we’ve addressed every problem under the sun and can help you discover why your AC system is blowing warm air or no air at all. In

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