Cooling
What’s Causing Your AC Unit to Short Cycle?
Most homeowners don’t pay too much attention to their air conditioners—they expect them to turn on when it gets too hot in their homes and turn off when it’s back to a comfortable temperature. But it can be hard to ignore when an AC seems to be turning on and off very frequently. This is what’s known as short cycling. A properly functioning central AC will turn on and off 2-3 times an hour, or every 15-20 minutes. If your AC is turning on and off every 10 minutes or less, it’s likely short cycling and you could be putting…
AC Broken? Here’s What to Do!
(View as a downloadable PDF) There’s no time to waste when you aren’t getting any cold air out of your AC vents. If you suspect your air conditioner is broken, here are five steps you can take to get your home cooling back on track. Step One: Doublecheck Your Thermostat Yes, it may seem redundant but it is always worth the time to double-check your thermostat is receiving power, that it is set to “cool”, and that the temperature setting is low enough to engage your AC. Step Two: Look for Tripped Circuits Even if your thermostat is getting power,…
4 Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits
(View as a downloadable PDF) When it comes to heating and cooling solutions for your Pittsburgh area home, it’s important to find the equipment that will provide the most long-term benefits to your comfort and energy use. If you are considering ductless mini split installation or heat pumps for your home, here are the benefits to consider: Heating and cooling in oneOffers two comfort modesEfficient operationSave an estimated $500-$1000 per year thanks to efficient heating and coolingTargeted comfortDuctless mini splits can be installed directly into the room that needs heating and coolingWhole-home zoned configurationsUp to 5 indoor air handlers can…
Heating
Avoid a Winter Furnace Breakdown
Transcript: The thought of a broken heating system in the middle of winter should send shivers down your spine — here’s what you can do to avoid it! Replace your air filters in the fall, to ensure your furnace is not working too hard and your indoor air is as clean as possible through the winter. Check that your thermostat is operating properly, and that any old batteries are replaced. And finally, but most importantly, schedule a maintenance tune-up for your heating system. A Calfo heating specialist can identify worn parts and other inefficiencies that can be repaired or replaced…
Heat Pumps: The Perfect Holiday Gift for Your Home!
(Downloadable PDF version) Sometimes the best gift you can give your family is to make your home more comfortable, and when your home comfort upgrade can also reduce your heating and cooling costs, it’s the gift that keeps on giving! So, what makes a heat pump the perfect gift for your Pittsburgh home? Call Calfo for Your Holiday Heat Pump Needs Keep your house comfortable this holiday season and beyond when you replace or supplement your heating and cooling system with heat pump installation from the home comfort experts at Calfo. We’ll roll out the red carpet treatment and ensure…
Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace? Answer These Questions
(View as a downloadable PDF) You’ve got furnace questions—Calfo has answers. Call our team today at 412-517-6509.
Plumbing
How To Know It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet
The toilet is often used and rarely inspected – so it can be tough to know exactly when to say “So long, John!” and replace your toilet. But there are signs, and if you want to keep a healthy, and efficient home, while also avoiding any plumbing disasters, you’ll want to know when it’s time to replace your toilet! Coming from the professionals that Pittsburgh homeowners trust for all their plumbing needs, Here’s what you need to know about identifying a toilet that needs replacing. Is It Time to Can Your Commode? Signs of a Failing Toilet A toilet usually…
Repair or Replace Your Water Heater: A Flow Chart
(View as downloadable PDF) Whether you are trying to get ahead of your next water heater replacement or you are in the midst of a water heater emergency and are in search of some answers, it can be tough to know when you need a simple repair or when it is time for a new water heater. Follow this flow chart to get a better idea of where your water heater stands, and when it’s time to call in the experts. Was your water installed over ten years ago? YES Water heaters have a typical lifespan of ten years. Call…
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet
Are you trying to decide whether it’s time to can your can? If you’ve noticed some issues with your toilet but it’s still operational, it can be a challenge to decide whether you need a new one. Here are the things to look out for in relation to your toilet that means it’s time for a toilet replacement. Constant Clogging When too many un-flushable objects end up in the toilet bowl it is pretty easy to diagnose why a toilet is clogging. However, if your toilet is always clogging even with a minimal amount of waste and toilet paper, there…
Indoor Air Quality
Will a Higher MERV Filter Make a Difference in Monthly Costs and Indoor Air Quality?
The air filters of your heating and cooling system remove harmful particles and contaminants from your indoor air, but they can also greatly reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. So will you actually notice the difference with an upgraded MERV filter, how can you find the right balance of filter ratings for your home, and what do these MERV numbers mean? What is a MERV Rating? MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it is a measure of how effective an air filter is at removing particles from the air. In general, though, the…
Asthma Triggers to Watch for in Your Home
(View as a downloadable PDF) There are 26.5 million Americans that suffer from asthma. Avoiding episodes starts with knowing both common and uncommon asthma triggers in your home. Smoke Dust Mites Pet Dander & Pests Mold Call Calfo to Solve Your Indoor Air Issues IAQ diagnosis Schedule an indoor air quality test Ventilation services Ensure a steady supply of fresh air Purification services Clean the air in your home and remove pollutants Improve your indoor air quality with Pittsburgh’s home services experts. Call Calfo today! calfohomeservices.com | 412-517-6509
Yes, You Really DO Need to Replace Your Air Filters!
(View as a downloadable PDF) We get it – there are already enough chores to take care of around the house. So when you’re wondering how often to change your air filter, it’s understandable you’d want to know: Is it really necessary every 30-60 days? Absolutely. Regularly changing dirty air filters in your home can affect your health, your comfort, and your wallet. Your home is a trap for indoor air pollutants like: Pet danderPollenDustMold and bacteria Chemicals Clogged or dirty air filters have a harder time trapping these particles, leaving them in your breathing airYour heating and cooling system will…
