Changing the air filters in your HVAC system is an essential practice that ensures clean air circulates throughout your home. In this article, we discuss the importance of changing an air filter and give you tips on how to do it. Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit works harder and is prone to more breakdowns. Compared to other DIY home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour. However, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their systems vulnerable to damage. Keep reading to learn when and how to change your air filter. Why Changing Your Filter Is Important Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles so that your air conditioning system delivers fresh, clean air back into your home. Eventually, the filter traps so much dust and debris that air can’t properly filter or travel to the HVAC unit, leading to: High energy bills— When an HVAC filter is clogged, your system has to work harder to pull air through to cool or heat the room. This causes it to run for longer periods of time, increasing the energy your home uses. Health concerns— If a filter isn’t working properly, dust and allergens can circulate throughout your home and cause allergies and respiratory illnesses. System failure— An HVAC system has to work hard to pull air through a clogged filter. This continuous strain on the unit can cause it to break, causing you to pay for expensive repairs or replacements. How to Change Your Air Filter You should ideally change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change out an old filter. Type of air filter— Some air filters are more effective than others. Lower-quality fiberglass filters are more affordable, but they don’t last long and need to be changed every month. Pleated air filters are high-quality filters that are very effective in trapping particles and last up to 90 days. Pets— If you own pets, change your filters every two months to keep your air clean. Allergies— If you suffer from allergies, even the smallest amount of dust or debris in the air can trigger a reaction. To ensure your system is pumping only clean air, change your filters about every 50 days. Children— If you have young children in the home, keep the indoor air quality high by replacing your air filters every two months. Home use— Homes that use their HVAC system daily need more frequent air filter replacements than a vacation home that doesn’t filter air regularly. If your home’s heating and cooling system only runs a few times a year, replace the air filters every six to 12 months. While these factors affect the frequency of air filter replacement, you should visually inspect your filter every month to check for excess particle buildup. If the dirty air filter is completely layered with dust and debris, it’s a good idea to change the filter even if it hasn’t reached the end of its recommended lifespan. How to Change Your Filter Here’s how to change your air filter when it’s time for a replacement. Purchase the right size filter —To find the size of your filter, check the old filter, which should have the size printed on one of its sides. If you can’t locate the size of the old filter, use a measuring tape to check its length, width, and depth. Turn off your unit —Flip the switch on your thermostat to turn off the unit, or turn your system completely off at the circuit breaker. Locate the filter —Your air filter is located in one of two places: a return duct or the air handler located in an attic, basement, or utility closet. Remove the grille or cover to the air filter —If your air filter is located in the system’s air handler, open the access panel. This may require a screwdriver to remove the small screws securing it. If your filter is in the return duct, flip the latches that hold the grille and remove it. Remove the old filter and insert the new one —Take the old filter from its place, carefully inspecting how it was situated inside the cover or grille. Take the new filter and place it inside, making sure the airflow arrows are pointed into the unit. Replace the cover and turn your system on —After replacing the filter, turn your system back on to ensure the filter is situated correctly and the air conditioner is running smoothly. You can Call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair for regular HVAC Maintenance Plans 336 350 7004 and we will change your HVAC filters for you

Common Appliance Problems That We Fix We can come to your home to diagnose and repair major appliance brands, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, GE, Bosch, Electrolux, and many others. T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair Logo Common Appliance Problems That We Fix Washers Won't rinse or drain Water leak Not spinning Shaking or vibrating Funny noises Smelly No power Dryers Won't heat Clothes won't dry Stops spinning Funny noises No power Dishwashers Dishes not clean Dishes not drying Water leak Water not draining No power Refrigerators and freezers Not cooling or freezing Water leak Water dispenser not working Not making ice Strange noise No power Ranges, cooktops and ovens Not heating up Takes too long to cook Self-cleaning not working Gas smell No flame (gas) No power Microwaves No light No power Buttons not working Sparks or fire Call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair Durham-Chapel Hill Your #1 Stop for Service & Installation 336-350-7004 or, Book Online 24/7. T&C Appliance/HVAC Repairman

SMART GE WALL OVENS Enhance your cooking skills with Gourmet Guided Cooking technology that walks you through step-by-step recipes. With the new in-oven live streaming camera, you see what’s cooking, all from the SmartHQ app. No more oven hover! You can also Preheat your oven from anywhere Change the oven temperature using your phone Set and adjust cooking timers without leaving your couch SMART COOKING APPLIANCES SMART GE WALL OVENS Offer Wii-enabled wall ovens in both single and double configurations. Smart Slide-In and Freestanding Ranges Smart ranges are available in stylish slide-in and freestanding models. Unlock More with GE Profile Connect + GE Profile Connect + ensures your smart appliance is always up to date. Simply connect your appliance to your home WiFi through your free SmartHQ app to manage your smart appliance, receive alerts, and download the latest GE Profile Connect + software updates as soon as they are available. Not eligible for the upgrades? They have several GE and GE Profile ranges and wall ovens that come with these features built-in! How to Get Updates Occasionally, GE Profile Connect + will release new features to your smart appliances via your home WiFi. To keep your smart appliance up to date, make sure it’s connected to your WiFi via the SmartHQ app, then watch for notifications that an update is available. 1. Before you can download any software upgrades, make sure your appliance is connected to WiFi and the SmartHQ app. If you haven’t already set up your appliance with your WiFi, follow our instructions and you’ll be on your way. 2. Once your appliance is fully connected, open your SmartHQ app on your mobile device. You’ll see a notification that your appliance has an update available. You can choose to update immediately or later. 3. When you select Apply, it can take several minutes for the update to fully download. 4. When the update has successfully downloaded, you’ll receive a message that it has finished and you can begin using your new appliance mode. 5. If you need any assistance, call the Connected Home Support Line at 1-800-220-6899, Monday-Friday 9 am - 11 pm ET, Saturday-Sunday 9 am - 3 pm ET. Or send an email. Download the SmartHQ App To get started, download the free SmartHQ™ App for your Apple or Android phone. SmartHQ is your key to connection. Use the app to connect, control and manage your GE and GE Profile Smart Appliances. Learn To Connect 1 Download the app and sign in or create a new account. (Note: When you create an account, fill in the required information and register. You’ll get an email asking you to verify your account. After verifying, sign in to the app.) 2 After signing in, you’ll go to the welcome screen. From here, select your brand of appliance, the appliance category, and the type of appliance you’re connecting. 3 The instructions for proceeding are different depending on the appliance you’re connecting. Follow the links below for each individual appliance you want to connect. Connecting your smart appliances to your home WiFi makes life easier. You can monitor and control your appliances from almost anywhere while having peace of mind knowing you’ll be alerted when your appliances need service or attention. Plus, ongoing software updates ensure your appliances get better over time with new and enhanced features. WITH THESE PARTNERS partnerships with these companies bring additional features to your smart appliances. By connecting with them, you’ll gain voice control, new recipes, cooking techniques, hands-free help and more. Enjoy hands-free voice control and receive voice notifications when you use each of these partners with your GE smart appliances. Get a helping hand with recipes as well as planning and preparing meals when you pair these partners with your GE smart appliances. Manage your smart home and stay on top of your shopping when you link these partners with your GE smart appliances. SMART GE WALL OVENS TIP: You can save on select GE Smart Appliances During Their Black Friday Sale This Year :) and if you need a professional installation, you can call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair Durham at 336-350-7004 & we will gladly assist

17 Uses for Ice Cubes Whether they’re keeping your drink fresh or keeping your food cold, ice cubes are useful for many things. But there are many other uses you might not be aware of. Here are unique uses for ice cubes you may not have thought of, and a few quick problem-solvers. ice cubes 17 Uses for Ice Cubes 1. WATERING PLANTS It’s easy to overwater plants. Especially ones that don't require much water. Place an ice cube in the pot to slowly release water as the ice melts. 2. UNWRINKLING CLOTHES Putting a few ice cubes into the dryer will help to un-wrinkle your clothes. As the ice melts, it will release steam that will even out wrinkles. 3. EASY IRONING If some of your clothes are still wrinkled, there’s another unique use for ice cubes that can help. As you iron, cover a few ice cubes in a cloth and run it over a particularly stubborn wrinkle. As you iron, the water will steam and flatten the wrinkle. 4. UNSTICKING GUM If you’ve gotten gum stuck on your clothes, shoes, or even your hair, ice cubes can help. Place ice cubes on or around the gum to harden it, then peel it off. 5. FIGHTING PIMPLES Most of us know that ice is great for reducing swelling or easing tense muscles. This works because ice eases inflammation. Place ice on a pesky pimple to reduce redness, swelling and pain. 6. EASING SPLINTERS Ice can also make it easier and less painful to remove splinters. Place the ice on the splinter for about 30 seconds to slightly numb the area, then remove the splinter. 7. REDUCING BRUISES If you’ve suffered a bruise from a sports injury or even just stubbing your toe, put ice on the area, pronto. This will help to reduce the intensity of the bruise. 8. EASY TWEEZING Tweezing your eyebrows, nose, or other areas can be painful. Ice cubes can help to reduce pain. Simply press the ice cube to the inflamed area for about 30 seconds to numb before you tweeze. Place a cloth or paper towel around the ice to make it easier to handle. 19. TAKING MEDICINE Many medicines taste pretty bad. Suck on an ice cube until it melts and you’ll numb your tongue, so you don’t taste the medicine as much. 10. COOLING AIR Before there were air conditioners, some homes had an appliance called a NEVO that would keep the space cooler. This required a huge ice block and a fan. You can reenact this old-time solution with a large bowl of ice in front of a fan or, if the power is out, a window. This unique use for ice cubes may work even better than you think. Or, you could call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair Durham for a heating & air repair. We provide service, maintenance & installation. 11. Chunk Free SAUCES Some recipes that use cheese, cream, egg and other ingredients can easily get chunky. If this happens, an ice cube can bring the sauce back to its original consistency. 12. REDUCING BURNS The severity of a burn increases if the heat lingers on the skin. This is especially true for a scald, a burn resulting from hot steam or liquid. To reduce the pain and intensity of a burn, put ice cubes on it. However, if you're in need of an ice maker repair, reach for the mustard. 13. REMOVING FAT FROM SOUPS You’ve created a wonderful, flavorful chicken soup, but you want to remove the fat that’s bubbled to the surface. Fill a metal ladle with ice cubes and skim over the top of the soup. The fat will collect on the ladle, so you can easily remove it. 14. REDUCING PUFFINESS IN EYES If your eyes are puffy from allergies, crying, or something else, pressing ice cubes on your eyes can help. 15. CLEANING GARBAGE DISPOSAL Place a few ice cubes in your garbage disposal to loosen grease and other particles. The ice isn’t tough enough to damage the blades. Use lemon juice, lemon peels, and salt to loosen stuck-on dirt faster and leave a fresh scent behind. 16. MAKING JUICY BURGERS “Master Chef” judge and award-winning chef Graham Elliot recommends placing an ice cube into a burger patty as it cooks to keep it moist. Use ice cubes infused with herbs, juice, broth, or even dark beer for a unique flavor. 17. MAKE BETTER-TASTING DRINKS It’s well-known that ice keeps drinks cool. But ice can also add flavor. If you’re freezing your own ice cubes, include fresh herbs, fruit juice, berries, lemon or lime zest, or other liquors to make your drinks look and taste better. Remember to place a cloth or paper towel around the ice if you’re placing it on your skin, and don’t leave the ice on too long. If you need an ice maker repair call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair Durham, NC. or T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair Burlington, NC.

When choosing a new washer and dryer , you’ll naturally want to think about the big things, like price, size and load capacity. However nowadays, there are plenty of new features that can make laundry day more bearable. Here are some of the best. A Dual-Bin Washer and Dryer - Laundry in Half Time If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a mountain of clothes and towels on wash day, you’ve probably wished you had more than one washer and dryer set. Luckily, you can now wash more than one load at a time with a dual washer and dryer pair. These machines are conveniently equipped with two separate bins, so you can wash colors and whites simultaneously and flat-dry delicates along with everyday garments. An Interior Dryer Light for Vanishing Socks No matter how hard you look, it seems at least one small item per load is always left behind in the dryer. Thankfully, there are models equipped with an interior light, so you can make sure the sock monster didn't get any of your socks. An "Emergency-Door" Washer for Left-Behind Garments Stackable front-load washers are an ideal choice for some laundry room layouts, yet they have one major drawback: You can’t open the door to add anything once a wash cycle has begun. Luckily, some models have a small “second-chance” door, so you don’t have to run an additional cycle. Steam Dry for Tackling Wrinkles & Allergies If you’re not a fan of ironing (and who is?), a dryer with a steam cycle can eliminate folds and creases in no time, so you can leave the ironing board in the closet. This special cycle also has the added benefit of ridding clothes of dust and allergens so you can breathe easier. And,... you won't leave a dust cloud in a ray of sunlight by shaking out your shirt. Wi-Fi Connectivity for Worry-Free Washing and Drying Nobody likes waiting for the laundry to finish so you can switch out the loads. With a smart washer and dryer, like the Flex series by Samsung , you can monitor load cycles remotely using a smartphone app, instead of listening for the machine to stop. Sensor Wash for Impeccably Clean Clothes Getting clean clothes with no soap residue is all about choosing the right wash cycle. To simplify the selection process, some machines will now automatically sense the needs of each load to determine the optimal wash setting and water level. Now you can say goodbye to soap stains all over your black clothes... Automatic Tumble — Unload When You Can Let's face it, smelling like mildew all day isn't cool. And in the real world, you can’t always be around to unload the washing machine as soon as it stops. To solve this problem, some washer& dryer models are equipped with a setting that periodically tumbles clothes to keep them fresh and wrinkle-free until you can get to them. A Load-Balancing Washer for a More Peaceful Household A noisy washing machine can really disrupt a tranquil home atmosphere. There's nothing like taking a nap & being awoken to what you think is an earthquake! A washing machine with a load-balancing tub design prevents wet clothes from accumulating on one side of the bin during the spin cycle, so your entire laundry room won’t shake. A Self-Cleaning Washer for Less Maintenance If you have a washing machine that leaves strange odors on your clothes, and the methods of elimination that you have tried failed, you’ll definitely want a self-cleaning washer. It includes a special cleansing cycle to keep the bin fresh and odor-free. Some self-cleaning models even include a built-in alert system that reminds you when it’s time to run the cycle. So what features will you look for in your next washer & dryer purchase? @copyright T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair

Ask T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair about The Best Refrigerators On The Market There are a lot of great refrigerators on the market, but which one is the best for you? It depends on your needs and budget. If you need a refrigerator with a lot of space, then the LG French Door Refrigerator is a great option. These are the best refrigerators on the market you can buy, according to our kitchen appliance experts. If you're looking for a new fridge, read our reviews of the top-rated models from Samsung, LG, GE, and more. Samsung Refrigerator Ask T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair about The Best Refrigerators on The Market LG French Door Refrigerator Samsung French Door Refrigerator GE Side-by-Side Refrigerator Whirlpool Top Freezer Refrigerator Facts & Data Fact 1: According to our analysis of customer reviews, people who own counter-depth fridges (most models, anyway) usually find that the fridges have plenty of capacity, and they tend to be equally happy with their fridges overall. (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/ ) Fact 2: Bigger fridges do tend to make people much happier than smaller ones, according to our reader survey and analysis of customer reviews. (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/ ) Fact 3: Despite the name, these aren't quite at the same depth as a standard countertop of 24 inches, according to guidelines from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. (Source: https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/home-goods/refrigerators ) Fact 4: For higher-end models with specialized organization features (such as a door- in-door system or a two-drawer French-door model), size and layout were usually cited in more than 50% of reviews, and the sentiment was largely positive. (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/ ) Fact 5: More than half of the readers who filled out our survey cited one of these three things as a top priority in their fridge, and size or layout was mentioned in at least 25% of the customer reviews we analyzed for any individual fridge. (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/ ) Built in Refrigerator Ask T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair about The Best Refrigerators On The Market When it comes to refrigerators, there are many different types to choose from. Depending on your needs. You may want a refrigerator that is small and compact, or one that is large and spacious. https://appliances.monogram.com/us/kitchen/full-size-refrigerators You may also want a refrigerator that is energy efficient, or one that has a lot of features. https://www.geappliances.com/ge-appliances/kitchen/refrigerators/ Refrigerators are one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. They come in all shapes and sizes, and with a variety of features. So, how do you choose the best refrigerator for your kitchen?

Among the most dangerous household hazards is a gas leak. Gas can be highly flammable and can explode if it builds up in a confined space. Luckily, there are ways to know if a gas leak is present. 1. The Smell Of Gas It is the most obvious sign, and if you notice a faint odor of rotten eggs or sulfur, it could be an indication that there are gas leaks. Or, if you hear a whistling or hissing noise. 2. Discolored Flames If you have a gas stove , look closely at the flames. As flames should be blue. If they are yellow or red, it could indicate a gas leak. 3. Soot or Stains around Appliance It is also essential to inspect your appliances for any soot or stains. These could be gas leaks. - What To Do If Your Kitchen Smells Like Gas - If your kitchen smells like gas , it is essential to take action right away. Gas leaks can be dangerous, so addressing the problem quickly is a must. Here are a few steps you can take if you think there is a gas leak in your kitchen. * Identify the source of the leak. - The first thing you must do is identify the source of the leak. There are 3 main places where gas leaks can occur. At the stove, at the oven or the refrigerator. In order to check for a gas leak at the stove, turn off the burner and see if the smell goes away. If it does, the leak is coming from one of the burners. In order to check for a gas leak in the oven, turn off the oven and see if the smell goes away. If it does, it's coming from the oven. Finally, to check for a gas leak from the fridge, turn off the fridge. If the smell goes away, it is coming from the fridge... Once you've determined the gas leak source, take steps to solve them. In most cases, you should ask for assistance from a professiona l before attempting to change any parts yourself. * Open the windows & doors. You must open the windows and doors in your kitchen. It will help to ventilate the area and disperse any gas that may have accumulated. If your kitchen has an exhaust fan, then you can turn the exhaust fan. The fan will help to remove any gas that may be present in the air. *Do not turn on appliances, lighting, or cigarettes These can create sparks that could set up a fire. If you must use the phone, use a cell phone or another phone away from the house. *Leave the house immediately Once outside, you can call the gas company or the authorities to report the leak. Never re-enter premises that have been evacuated due to gas leaks until it is all cleared. * Call your local gas company or appliance repair technician . Among the common dangers of gas leaks is asphyxiation. Gas can be heavier than air and can accumulate quickly within confined areas. The gas can quickly fill up the space, causing dizziness or lightheadedness, or worst, passing out. As with any accident, preventing the problem from happening is the key. Here are some tips: Check Your Stove Regularly A gas leak can occur if a stove is installed inadequately. It can also happen if the stove is damaged in some way. Don’t Use Appliances in Confined Spaces Gas appliances, such as stoves and ovens, produce carbon monoxide. It’s an odorless gas that is hazardous once it accumulates. So it’s essential to use gas appliances in well-ventilated areas. Don’t use them in confined areas, such as closets or cabinets. Install Detectors Gas detectors are alarms that detect natural gas’ presence. It can help prevent a gas leak from going undetected, giving you time to open windows and evacuate the premises. Safety is always the #1 priority when it comes to natural gas. If your kitchen smells like gas, it is essential to take action immediately to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. @T&C Appliance Repair and Heating & Air/ Home Appliance & HVAC Repair Services