Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in New Augusta, MS

Set your house temperature between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit while on vacation, depending on the season. If it’s winter, don’t go below 55 degrees. In the summer, the best AC temperature for energy savings is no higher than 85 degrees. You can save anywhere from 10% to 15% on your energy costs by adjusting the temperature while you’re away. If you have a smart thermostat, set up vacation modes for each season. On your way home, turn off vacation mode to allow the home to warm up or cool down before you arrive.

Yes, scorpions can enter a home through AC vents, especially if the system is not well-sealed. As excellent climbers, they can scale a home's exterior and squeeze through gaps as small as 1/16 of an inch. Scorpions are often attracted to the moisture around air conditioning ducts or seek cooler areas during hot weather, using vents as a pathway inside. They may slip through small openings where the duct meets the vent cover and travel within walls before emerging. To prevent this, inspect your vents, seal any gaps, and consider installing fine mesh screens.

The $5,000 rule for HVAC systems helps homeowners decide whether to repair or replace an AC or furnace. Take the quote for the HVAC repair cost and multiply that by the age of the HVAC system. If the total is higher than $5,000, it’s more cost-effective to replace the system. If the total is lower than $5,000, consider repairing the system.

A new air conditioner capacitor will cost less than replacing the entire air conditioner system. While a capacitor itself will cost between $8 and $25, paying a professional to replace an AC capacitor will cost $180 on average. It’s not safe to replace an air conditioner capacitor on your own.