Learning Center
Straight Answers for Every HVAC Question — from a Real the Triangle Contractor.
12 in-depth guides on repair, sizing, efficiency, and maintenance — written by Eric Hixson, the owner of Temperature Control Services, from what he actually sees on Creedmoor service calls.
Written by Eric Hixson, Owner & Master HVAC Technician. NC Licensed Mechanical Contractor — License # L.34508. Serving the Triangle since 2019. 4.9-star rated on Google.
Buying Guide
Buying Guide guides
When to Repair vs. Replace Your AC — A Practical Guide for NC Homeowners
Confused whether to fix your AC or replace it? Use the $5,000 rule, the age × repair test, and the four real-world signs I use in the field.
Read guideWhat Size AC Do I Need for My House? — Sizing Explained
'One ton per 500 square feet' is a myth. Here's how a Manual J load calculation works and why sizing wrong costs you comfort AND money.
Read guideHeat Pump vs. Gas Furnace in North Carolina — Which Is Right for You?
In NC's mild-to-moderate winters, a heat pump often beats a furnace on cost and comfort. Here's the honest tradeoff for a Creedmoor home.
Read guideMaintenance
Maintenance guides
The Real HVAC Maintenance Checklist — What Actually Extends System Life
Filter changes and 'coil cleaning' are only the surface. Here's the full checklist we run on our maintenance-plan visits — and what you can do yourself.
Read guideHow Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter? — The Honest Answer
'Every 3 months' is a shortcut. Here's the honest guidance based on filter thickness, pets, allergies, and how much of the year you're actually running the system.
Read guideSuperheat and Subcool — What They Are, and Why Every Real HVAC Tech Measures Them
Superheat and subcool tell you whether an AC is charged, undercharged, or overcharged. Here's what they mean in plain English — and why to walk if a contractor skips them.
Read guideRepair
Repair guides
Why Isn't My AC Cooling? — Six Real Causes, Ranked by How Often I See Them
Air blowing warm from your vents? Nine out of ten calls are one of six causes. Here's what to check before you call — and when to just call.
Read guideMy Furnace Isn't Heating — Homeowner Troubleshooting Before You Call
Five things every NC homeowner should check when the furnace won't fire, plus the point at which you should stop poking and call a pro.
Read guideEfficiency
Efficiency guides
SEER2 Explained — What It Actually Means for Your Electric Bill
SEER2 numbers on the yellow EnergyGuide label sound like magic. Here's what they mean, what they don't, and how to pick the right efficiency tier.
Read guideHow to Actually Improve Indoor Air Quality — Beyond the HEPA Marketing
IAQ is 90% source control and airflow, 10% fancy filtration. Here's the real hierarchy for a healthier home in NC.
Read guideSmart Thermostats — Which Ones Actually Save Money (and Which Ones Break)
Not every smart thermostat is compatible with every HVAC system. Here's how to pick one that saves you money without stranding your heat pump.
Read guideLocal
Local guides
More from the blog
Want shorter, seasonal reads? Our blog has hundreds of quick articles on HVAC tips, maintenance, and comfort for Triangle homeowners.