Category: Blog
AC Repair Pre-Call Checklist Before You Call an HVAC Technician
In Durham, summers are hot and very humid. Temperatures often reach the 90s°F. If your air conditioning stops working on a humid noon, your home can quickly feel uncomfortable and overheated. Before paying for a service call, take five minutes to check for common AC problems. You can often troubleshoot these issues yourself without needing […]
The Actual AC Repair Cost in Durham, NC
When the North Carolina humidity spikes and your air conditioner starts blowing warm air, the first question isn’t just “Who can fix this?” but “How much is this going to cost me?” At Alternative Aire, we get these cost estimation calls the most. In the Research Triangle, summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Downtime is a […]
How Your Thermostat Settings Can Prevent Costly Short Cycling
If you have just installed a modern thermostat, but your HVAC keeps turning on and off rapidly, this is a massive issue. This causes wear and tear on your investment. At Alternative Aire, we help homeowners solve this exact issue every single day. To fix it, you need to understand your screen displays, adjust your […]
After HVAC Installation: What Should Be Tested, Balanced, and Adjusted
After an HVAC installation, the job is not finished. The system must be tested, balanced, and adjusted before it can deliver real comfort. Many homeowners expect a new system to feel perfect right away. But comfort problems often appear after installation. At Alternative Aire, we help Durham homeowners ensure their HVAC systems are properly tested […]
Ideal Humidity Settings for Dehumidifiers
While your HVAC system is great at cooling, a dedicated dehumidifier is what truly controls your home’s feel. Setting it correctly is the key to ending that sticky indoor sensation. I often see Durham homes with a new HVAC system that cools properly, yet the indoor air still feels sticky because the dehumidification settings weren’t […]
How to Balance Bedrooms & Fix Upstairs Hotter Than Downstairs
You can fix an upstairs that is hotter than downstairs by balancing the airflow, sealing attic leaks, and managing heat gain. Most two-story homes experience a 5 to 10-degree temperature difference due to the stack effect and poor duct design. To solve this, you must adjust balancing dampers, upgrade attic insulation, and ensure your return […]
What Should A Proper HVAC Startup Checklist Include In Durham Homes?
When you have a proper HVAC startup checklist, you set your new system up for peak efficiency and long-term reliability. In Durham, NC, this process includes Manual J load verification, refrigerant charge testing, and airflow balancing to handle our heavy humidity. A professional commissioning report also records static pressure, Delta T readings, and float switch […]
HVAC Installation Guide: Clean Pads, Line Sets & Drains
A clean HVAC installation begins with a rock-solid foundation, precise refrigerant routing, and flawless drainage. I follow a rigorous three-step process to ensure your unit runs at peak efficiency while protecting your home from humidity and vibration. You deserve a system that operates quietly and lasts for years without constant repairs. I know it sounds […]
What to Move or Protect Inside the Home Before the HVAC Installation Team Arrives
Before your HVAC installation, ensure there’s approximately 3 feet of clear space around both the indoor and outdoor units. Secure pets in a separate room to keep them safe and out of the way. Those help in both ways, in your way and experts way too. When you handle installation-day prep in advance, the HVAC […]
Attic & Crawlspace Access Tips to Speed Up HVAC Installation
Preparing your home’s access points is the best way to avoid surprise labor costs and ensure a high-quality HVAC installation. If a crew cannot reach your equipment easily, the job takes longer and risks damage to your property. I worked with a Durham homeowner who, for once, cleared his entire crawlspace before we arrived. We […]
