When your professional HVAC technician warns you about a failing component, listen! This powerful lesson kicks off our deep dive into summer air conditioning maintenance as Eric shares how ignoring a $50 capacitor replacement led to an $800 repair bill when his blower motor eventually failed.

The value of maintenance contracts becomes crystal clear as we break down exactly what technicians check during routine service visits: refrigerant levels, operating pressures, capacitors, compressors, electrical loads, coil cleaning, and condensation line clearing. These regular check-ups can extend your HVAC system's lifespan by 5-10 years or more—potentially saving thousands on premature replacement costs.

While professional service is crucial, we also share several DIY checks homeowners can perform. Learn how to measure the temperature differential between your return and supply vents (ideally 15-20 degrees), monitor humidity levels for optimal comfort (50-60%), and locate your condensation drain line to ensure proper drainage. We also reveal a shocking story about how a simple maintenance oversight led to significant ceiling damage that went undetected for weeks.

Understanding your system's proper sizing (roughly 600 square feet per ton) and whether you have single or multi-stage equipment helps explain why your home might feel uncomfortably humid despite reaching the set temperature. For the adventurous, we provide guidance on inspecting ductwork connections and insulation to prevent energy waste and condensation issues.

The Carolina Contractor Show brings you practical knowledge that builds confidence in maintaining your home's most expensive systems. Share your HVAC questions or show topic ideas with us through our website at thecarolinacontractor.com, where you'll also find all our past episodes in podcast form.

Ever see those social media ads promising miracle solutions for your home? In this eye-opening episode, contractor Donnie Blanchard takes on misleading claims about attic fans that promise to dramatically lower temperatures by 25-30 degrees. Drawing from professional experience, Donnie explains why these mechanical ventilation systems often fail to deliver and can actually disrupt your roof's natural airflow when improperly installed. The conversation highlights how even AI systems perpetuate these myths, emphasizing the value of expert knowledge over algorithm-generated advice.

As summer heats up, the discussion shifts to everyone's favorite warm-weather activity: grilling. Donnie shares professional-grade hacks that will transform your outdoor cooking game, from using a battery-powered blower to quickly heat charcoal to his multi-layered glove technique for handling messy prep work. You'll learn why investing in proper lighting and quality meat thermometers makes all the difference when cooking after dark, and how simple tools like wooden skewers can revolutionize hot dog flipping.

The hosts also walk through essential summer maintenance checks every homeowner should perform. From setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise for optimal cooling to inspecting often-overlooked hoses in appliances that could cause costly water damage, these practical tips help protect your biggest investment. The episode offers smart solutions for cleaning dishwashers with vinegar, using sink plungers effectively, and preventing mosquito breeding grounds around your property.

Whether you're looking to debunk home improvement myths, up your grilling game, or create a simple summer maintenance checklist, this episode delivers practical advice from seasoned professionals who understand what actually works. Join us next week when we dive deeper into HVAC maintenance and additional warm-weather home care strategies.

Have a question about your home project? Visit thecarolinacontractorcom to submit your questions and access our complete library of home improvement expertise.

Ever sat in your living room staring at a mysterious crack, wondering if you should worry? Donnie Blanchard and Eric dive into a treasure trove of common homeowner questions in this information-packed episode that leaves no construction conundrum unsolved.

The guys bust open the persistent myth about black shingles making attics hotter. Through Donnie's experience as an insurance adjuster, complete with impromptu temperature tests across various shingle colors, you'll learn that the five-degree difference between colors is negligible compared to proper ventilation and insulation choices. This revelation alone could save you from avoiding a preferred aesthetic for your next roof.

Concrete control joints, those intentional lines in your driveway that always seem to collect debris, get a thorough explanation. "The only guarantee with concrete is that it will crack," Donnie explains, revealing how these joints actually protect your investment by controlling where cracks appear. His practical advice on maintenance will help you extend the life of your concrete surfaces without unnecessary worry.

The deck material debate gets settled with surprising facts about composite options like Trex. Did you know those beautiful, low-maintenance boards are actually made from recycled plastic bags and sawdust? The hosts compare initial costs versus lifetime maintenance, helping you make an informed decision for your outdoor space based on your specific priorities and situation.

From granite countertop sealing schedules to the truth behind shingle warranties and certification requirements, this episode delivers actionable information you can use immediately. The friendly, conversational expertise makes complicated topics accessible whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just trying to understand what needs attention in your home.

Got a burning question about your house? Head to thecarolinacontractor.com and click "Ask the Contractor" – your question might feature in the next Q&A episode!