the latest from Pointer HVAC
the latest from Pointer
Welcome to our News & Insights page at Pointer! Here, we share the latest updates, tips, and trends in the heating and cooling industry. Our blog is a treasure trove of information designed to help you make the most of your HVAC systems.
When a heating system shuts down unexpectedly, the furnace pressure switch is often part of the story. We see this issue regularly while diagnosing heating problems for homeowners. Although the part itself is small, it plays a major role in how your furnace starts and operates safely. When something goes wrong, the furnace may refuse to start or shut down mid-cycle. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we help homeowners make sense of these types of problems. Understanding how a furnace
When homeowners compare heating costs, efficiency usually becomes the deciding factor. In many homes, that conversation centers around two common electric heating options: heat pumps and electric baseboard heaters. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we often break down heat pump energy use compared to electric baseboard heating to help homeowners understand why monthly utility bills can vary so much. While both systems rely on electricity, they operate very differently. Because of that, their real-world energy impact is rarely close. Understanding
If your furnace not turning on is the problem you’re dealing with right now, you’re not alone. We get this call every winter. One minute the house feels fine, and the next minute you’re standing at the thermostat wondering why nothing is happening. The good news is that in many cases, the cause is simple. Even better, a few safe checks can tell you whether this is a quick fix or a “call for help” situation. At Pointer Cooling and
If you’ve noticed furnace short cycling—where your system turns on, runs briefly, shuts off, then repeats—you’re not imagining things. It’s one of the most common heating complaints we hear. And honestly, it can feel super frustrating (especially when you’re just trying to stay warm and the system keeps shutting off). The good news? Many causes are simple. The bad news? If you ignore it too long, short cycling can wear your furnace down fast. Let’s break down what’s happening, what
If you’ve ever thought, “The system runs… but it just doesn’t feel right,” there’s a good chance external static pressure is part of the story. At Pointer Cooling & Heating, we see this all the time. Homeowners notice weak airflow, hot/cold spots, higher bills, or noisy ductwork. However, they rarely know what’s causing it (and honestly, that’s fair—HVAC is invisible until something feels off). So, let’s break down what external static pressure really is, why it matters, and what it
If you’re trying to fix a heat pump that suddenly won’t heat, won’t cool, or just seems “off,” you’re not alone. We get calls like this all the time at Pointer Cooling and Heating, and honestly, most heat pump problems follow a predictable pattern. The good news? A lot of issues can be identified quickly, and some can even be fixed with a few safe checks (no heroics required). Below is the same troubleshooting flow we use in the field.
If you’ve been comparing heat pump vs furnace systems, you’re not alone. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we get this question all the time from homeowners who want reliable comfort without rising energy costs. Heating upgrades are a big decision. So, it makes sense to slow down, compare the options, and choose what fits your home best. The truth is, both systems can be great. However, they perform differently depending on climate, energy prices, insulation, and even how your ductwork
If your HVAC system suddenly struggles to start or shuts off unexpectedly, knowing how to test a capacitor with a multimeter can save time, stress, and unnecessary repairs. In our day-to-day work at Pointer Cooling and Heating, capacitor problems show up far more often than homeowners expect. While capacitors are small parts, they play a major role in keeping motors running smoothly. Because of that, understanding how testing works helps you decide whether a quick fix is possible or professional
If you’ve opened a utility statement and immediately thought, “why is my energy bill so high?” you’re not alone. From what we see every season at Pointer Cooling and Heating, this question comes up constantly. Energy costs often rise quietly. Then, one month, the total suddenly feels shocking. While rate increases can play a role, most spikes come from how your heating and cooling system actually operates day to day. The good news is this: once you understand why your
If you’ve ever wondered how a heat pump switches from cooling your home to heating it, the heat pump reversing valve is the key component behind that change. This part directly affects comfort and efficiency, even though it stays out of sight. Because it plays such a central role in system operation, understanding how the heat pump reversing valve works helps identify issues early and make informed decisions. From our experience working with heat pump systems at Pointer Cooling and
Knowing how to tell if a thermostat is bad can save homeowners a lot of frustration. In our work at Pointer Cooling and Heating, we see thermostat concerns almost daily. Although the thermostat looks simple, it controls how your entire heating and cooling system behaves. Because of that, even a small issue can create comfort problems that feel much bigger than they really are. Many homeowners assume the HVAC system itself is failing. However, the thermostat is often the real
When homeowners ask us about mini split maintenance, they’re usually trying to protect comfort, efficiency, and system life without overcomplicating things. From our day-to-day work at Pointer Cooling and Heating, we’ve seen how simple, consistent care keeps ductless systems running smoothly year after year. Although mini splits are known for reliability, skipping maintenance can quietly reduce performance over time. Because of that, understanding what matters most helps homeowners avoid surprises and get the most from their investment. Why Mini Split
A furnace leaking water is one of those problems that instantly gets your attention. We see it often during service calls, especially when temperatures drop and systems work harder. Although water near a furnace feels alarming, it usually points to a specific, fixable issue. Once you understand what causes a furnace leaking water, the situation becomes much easier to manage. At Pointer Cooling & Heating, we’ve helped many homeowners work through this exact concern. In most cases, the solution isn’t
When homeowners ask “what does hold mean on a thermostat?” it’s usually because something doesn’t feel right. Maybe the house won’t warm up like it should. Or maybe the system keeps running longer than expected. At Pointer Cooling & Heating, we hear this question often during service visits. While the Hold button seems simple, it can affect how your entire heating and cooling system operates. Once you understand how Hold works, you can avoid comfort issues and unnecessary energy use.
When homeowners ask us, “What is an air handler?” they’re usually trying to understand the part of the HVAC system they never see but rely on every day. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we explain this often during service visits because the air handler plays a major role in comfort, airflow, and indoor air quality. Although it doesn’t always get the attention a furnace or AC unit does, it quietly keeps air moving and balanced throughout the home. Once you