HVAC and Plumbing Questions Answered by Grant
Grant answers seven common HVAC and plumbing questions, from uneven upstairs temperatures and air filters to sewer odors and sudden low water pressure.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat?
Grant recommends choosing a comfortable thermostat setting and explains why lowering the setpoint further will not fix a system that cannot reach it.
Should You Close Air Vents in Unused Rooms?
Closing a vent slightly may help in some homes, but Grant warns that excessive airflow restriction can cause HVAC maintenance and reliability problems.
Are Expensive HVAC Air Filters Worth It?
A higher price does not guarantee a better HVAC filter. Grant explains his preference for compatible four-inch media filters and cautions about airflow restriction.
Why Is Your Upstairs Hotter Than Downstairs?
A downstairs thermostat cannot independently control upstairs comfort. Grant explains the limits of one system and when dedicated upstairs equipment may help.
Buying a House? What to Look for in the HVAC System
Before buying a home, look beyond the HVAC brand. Grant emphasizes installation workmanship, maintenance history, and an assessment by a trusted HVAC professional.
What Does a Sewer Gas Smell in Your Home Mean?
Grant identifies dry drain traps, failed toilet wax seals, and blocked plumbing vents as possible sources of sewer odors, and explains when to call a plumber.
Why Is Your Home’s Water Pressure Low?
Start by checking whether reduced water flow affects one faucet or the whole house. Grant discusses clogged aerators, supply valves, and main-line restrictions.
Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump: What’s the Difference?
Grant compares gas furnaces, electric heat pumps, and dual-fuel systems, explaining how available fuel and cold-weather operation influence the choice.
Essential Maintenance Tips for Tank and Tankless Water Heaters
Your water heater works every day to provide hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, cleaning, and more. Because it often operates quietly in the background, it can also be easy to forget about—until there is no hot water or, worse, a leak. Regular water heater maintenance can help reduce sediment buildup, identify developing problems, maintain […]