Dog with allergies

Ask Dirk: My allergies are killing me! How can I reduce allergens in my home?

May 9, 2019

If you suffer from allergies, you might view spring with mixed emotions. Yes, it will be warmer and sunnier. But those conditions cause plants to grow and bloom, and pollen from those plants can be […]

Person adjusting a wall thermostat with dollar sign symbol on the display

Ask Dirk: Is my thermostat costing me money?

March 21, 2019

According to EnergyStar.gov, nearly half of your home’s energy usage is for heating and cooling. How can you be both comfortable and energy efficient? Aside from changing your filters regularly to keep dirt and dust […]

Ceiling fan

Ask Dirk: Will running my ceiling fan in the winter save money?

February 9, 2019

You may use ceiling fans to help cool your house during the summer, but did you know you can use them in the winter to help boost your home heating system as well? Heat rises […]

Technician working on replacing air unit

Ask Dirk: What Should I Do Before Calling for Service?

January 14, 2019

You’ve turned on the heat and nothing happens. No click. No warm air flowing through your vents. And it’s cold inside. Should you immediately call for service? While some situations require a call to the […]

Need more fresh air in my home

Ask Dirk: Do I need fresh air in my home?

December 29, 2018

A Nevada Appeal reader reached out to me with a question about the need for fresh indoor air. Since it’s a great topic for all of us during windows-closed season, I’ve shared my response here. […]

Clean filters - change often

Ask Dirk: 7 Reasons Your Air Filter May Not Work Correctly

November 7, 2018

Indoor air quality researchers tell us that particulate matter (PM), or particulates, which are invisible pieces of stuff floating around in the air, are bad for human health. Particulates that are 2.5 micrometers (0.0000025 m) […]

Man Changing Ceiling Filter

Ask Dirk: Should I have my furnace serviced for winter?

October 28, 2018

With cold weather upon us, chances are you have turned on your furnace for the season and are enjoying the warmth it brings to your home. So, if everything seems to be working fine, should […]

Person adjusting a wall thermostat with dollar sign symbol on the display

Ask Dirk: What is the best thermostat for my home?

September 18, 2018

Ask Dirk: What is the best thermostat for my home? Heating can account for nearly half of the average family’s winter energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Having a good thermostat may […]

Ask Dirk Graphic

Ask Dirk: Which portable air cleaners are best for removing smoke indoors?

September 15, 2018

When dealing with the fire season and resulting poor air quality from the smoke, many may want to know how to improve the air quality in their home. Indoor air quality can be managed with […]

Ask Dirk Graphic

Ask Dirk: How can I lower my cooling costs?

September 1, 2018

It’s hot. Darn hot. It can be expensive to be cool, but you can lower your cooling costs with these simple tips. Keep your filters clean Dirty filters are one of the biggest causes of […]

Ask Dirk: Is ice on my air conditioner a problem?

August 14, 2018

Annual Maintenance 101

July 11, 2018

Frozen AC

Is ice on my air conditioner a problem?

June 28, 2018

If you’ve noticed ice or frost on your outdoor air conditioning system, you definitely have a problem. Your system is out of balance. Here are the primary causes of an iced-up unit.  Your AC is […]

Technician working on replacing air unit wiring

Is Annual Maintenance Really Necessary?

June 28, 2018

Preventative care is better than an emergency room visit. Should you have annual maintenance service on your air conditioner? In a word, yes. Here are my top reasons why. Improved reliability You will be less […]