The HelpHouse Crew

Frequent cycling can be caused by restricted airflow, a dirty filter, thermostat problems, an oversized furnace, overheating, or other mechanical issues. If changing a dirty filter doesn’t resolve the...

Why does my furnace turn on and off so frequently?

For many residential heating systems, annual professional maintenance is a good practice, with fall being a convenient time for a pre-season inspection. Your furnace manufacturer may have specific maintenance...

How often should a furnace be serviced?

Yes. It’s a good idea to test your furnace before cold weather arrives. Set the thermostat to Heat and raise the temperature enough to activate the system. Make sure the furnace starts normally, warm...

Should I turn my furnace on before winter?

Caulk can be useful for sealing appropriate stationary gaps around window frames and trim. However, don’t caulk moving parts or block drainage openings designed to allow water to escape. How to Seal...

Should I caulk around my windows before winter?

Not necessarily. Drafts can sometimes be corrected with weatherstripping, caulk, adjustments, or other repairs. Replacement may make sense when windows are badly damaged, inefficient, improperly installed,...

Do I need to replace old windows if they are drafty?

Yes. Disconnect garden hoses and other attachments from outdoor faucets before freezing weather. This is particularly important for frost-free faucets because a connected hose can interfere with proper...

Should I disconnect my outside hose before winter?

Yes. Because warm air naturally rises, upstairs rooms are usually a few degrees warmer. However, if the difference is significant, poor airflow, inadequate insulation, or HVAC issues may be contributing....

Is it normal for upstairs to be hotter than downstairs?

While everyone has different comfort preferences, the following temperatures work well for many homes. Home during the day 78°F Sleeping 74–76°F Away from home 82–85°F Vacation 85°F (depending...

What temperature should my thermostat be set to in Summer?

In most cases, a central air conditioner’s outdoor condenser does not need to be completely covered for winter. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific equipment. If you’re concerned...

Should I cover my outdoor air conditioner in winter?

To keep pipes from freezing during cold weather, insulate exposed plumbing, let faucets drip a small stream of water, and keep indoor cabinet doors open to circulate warm air Protect vulnerable plumbing...

What should I do to prevent frozen pipes?