Home heating and cooling, explained
What is your system actually doing?
Direct answers to AC, furnace and thermostat questions. Each one lists its sources and goes to a Texas-licensed air conditioning contractor for review.
Who checks the answers
A licensed contractor, with a license number you can look up
Our reviewer's Texas license was checked against the state's records on October 18, 2026. A guide shows his name only after he has approved it in writing; until then it is labeled Expert review pending.
J.T. Bratcher
- License
- TACLB00138638E
- Type
- Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Environmental, Class B)
- Status
- Current · expires April 11, 2027
Topics
Ten systems and problem areas. Pick one to see every answer in it.
Featured answers
Researched against the top search results, with the gaps filled in.
- 01 Sf · Safety & Emergencies
Why Does My HVAC Smell? 7 Odors, What They Mean and What to Do
A dusty burning smell for the first few minutes of heat is usually normal. Rotten eggs means a possible gas leak: leave and call the gas company from outside. Electrical burning, metallic or sweet chemical smells mean shut the system off and call a pro. Carbon monoxide has no smell, so you need a CO alarm.
- 02 En · Energy & Bills
What Is a Good SEER Rating in 2026? SEER2 Minimums vs ENERGY STAR
For a new central AC, the federal minimum is 13.4 SEER2 in the North and 14.3 SEER2 in the Southeast and Southwest (split systems under 45,000 Btu/h). ENERGY STAR requires 15.2 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2. A good rating is at least the ENERGY STAR level, higher if you cool many hours a year.
- 03 Ac · Air Conditioning
What Size Central Air Unit Do I Need? Why Square Footage Isn't Enough
The right central AC size comes from an ACCA Manual J load calculation, not square footage. The old rule of 1 ton per 400 to 500 sq ft ignores climate and insulation; DOE notes 1 ton can cool 800 to 1,000 sq ft of a very efficient house. Here's how sizing works and what to ask your contractor.
- 04 Ac · Air Conditioning
AC Refrigerant Leak Signs: 7 Clues and What to Do Next
Common signs of an AC refrigerant leak: warm air from the vents, higher humidity, ice on the coil or lines, hissing or bubbling, oily residue at fittings, and rising bills. Shut the system off and call an EPA-certified technician to find and fix the leak, not just top it off.
- 05 Du · Ducts & Airflow
Why Are My Air Ducts Popping? Normal Pings vs Sounds to Fix
Light pings when the heat starts or stops are normal duct expansion. A loud bang when the blower shuts off is oil-canning. What to check, and when to call a pro.
- 06 Fu · Furnaces
How to Tell If Your Furnace Filter Needs Changing: 5 Checks
Pull the filter and hold it up to a light: if you can't see light through it, replace it. Also change it if it's wet, damaged or past the maker's interval (about 3 months for 1-inch pleated filters). Here are the checks and the warning signs from the system.
Read the competition
We check what the top results say and where they disagree.
Go to the source
DOE, ENERGY STAR, EPA, codes and lab research.
Fact-check every number
An editor traces each claim to its link.
Licensed review
A Texas ACR contractor signs off in writing.