HVAC
How often should I service my HVAC system in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, shoot for twice a year (a cooling tune-up once in spring and a heating tune-up in the fall). That’s because units here run for about 3 to 4 months during summer, so they’re working constantly. When you’re proactive with HVAC maintenance in North Carolina, you can actually stay well ahead of any possible breakdowns before they start. Blaze actually offers maintenance plans that cover both of those seasonal visits across our Triangle, Triad, and Cape Fear locations.
Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling?
If your AC’s running but not doing its job well, it usually means there’s either a clogged filter, a refrigerant leak, a dirty condenser, or worn fan motor. You might also be having wiring problems. Either way, Blaze is here to spot and diagnose any problems, repair all AC brands, and make sure you’re staying cool all summer long.
When is it worth replacing my AC instead of repairing it?
You’ll want to replace an AC after about 15 years, needs constant, expensive repairs, or runs the discontinued (as well as expensive & hard-to-find) refrigerant, R-22. Consider the $5,000 rule, too: take the age of your unit, multiply that by the repair cost. If it’s over $5,000, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Blaze has been helping North Carolinians replace ACs for decades. We provide free estimates on installs and replacements. That includes removing old units.
Does Blaze install and repair heat pumps and furnaces?
Yes, absolutely. Blaze installs, repairs, and helps North Carolinians maintain their heat pumps and furnaces. If you’re hearing any strange noises coming from the furnace (banging, squealing, etc.) be sure to call us and we’ll check out which parts aren’t working the way they should.
Do you offer indoor air quality services?
Yes, Blaze offers homeowners indoor air quality service in North Carolina. IAQ services help you control the dust, debris, and allergens in your home; crucial for allergy-sufferers! Musty smells, sticky indoor air, respiratory problems; they all mean that your air’s not as clean as it could (or should) be. Blaze can recommend the best air filtration and dehumidifier solution.
About Blaze
How long has Blaze been in business?
Blaze has been in business since 1979. Over the 40+ years we’ve been helping out North Carolinians, we’ve grown into a fixture of the community: an expert provider for everything HVAC, electrical, IAQ, plumbing, and more all across the state.
Plumbing
What plumbing services does Blaze offer?
We do everything: plumbing repairs, drainage, water heater repair and installation, maintenance, pipe work, you name it. We’ve been doing it for well over 40 years, and we’re here for our neighbors whenever they need us.
Do you install and repair water heaters?
Yes, absolutely. Blaze helps homeowners install, repair, and maintain their water heaters all over the state. We also work with your traditional tank models as well as newer tankless units. If you’re noticing your water heater’s not as efficient or you’re hearing strange noises, it’s probably time for a repair, or even replacement.
Why does my toilet keep running?
If your toilet’s constantly running, it’s usually because of a worn flapper, a float set too high, or a faulty fill valve. It’s pretty wasteful too; wasting upwards of 200 gallons a day. It’s not alsways a complicated fix, in fact a lot are simple. But whatever it is, Blaze can help you.
What causes low water pressure in my house?
You’ll often experience low water pressure because of the mineral scale on the inside of your fixtures and pipes, a closed shutoff valve, or even. hidden leak. Blaze’s plumbers can easily pinpoint the exact cause and help you move forward.
Should I use chemical drain cleaner on a clogged drain?
No. Chemical drain cleaners are notorious for actually damaging your plumbing. They don’t even reliably move a blockage. Instead, opt for professional plumbing in North Carolina with Blaze; we won’t use chemical cleaners and we’ll make sure clogs don’t keep cropping up.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off your home’s water valve ASAP. Then, open a faucet or two so it relieves the pressure, and make absolutely sure everyone in the house stays away from any standing water. Be sure that there’s no electrcity exposure to water. That’s why knowing where your shutoff valve makes such a huge difference. It saves you precious minutes. Blaze offer homeowners after-hours emergency plumbing services for exactly this reason.
Electrical
What electrical services does Blaze provide?
Licensed electricians at Blaze do it all: panel upgrades, surge protection installation, lighting, rewiring work, ad generator installs and repairs. We do everything to code, too, as well as emergency services after hours. Also check out our generator buying guide.
Do you install and service home generators?
Yes. Blaze installs, repairs, and services generators in North Carolina. They’re huge assets during storm season. They keep the power on in your home, regardless of what’s happening with the grid. We’ll come to your home and find the best generator option for your home and your electrical needs.
Do you upgrade electrical panels?
Yes. We’ve been upgrading and replacing electrical panels for decades. It’s often needed in older NC homes, where appliances, home offices EV chargers and more all sap up a ton of energy. An upgraded panel improves your home’s safety, adds capacity and, when paired with a surge protector, covers you completely.
Why do my lights flicker?
Flickering lights come down to a few things: loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or even a failing electrical panel (especially if your home’s older). A lot of the reasons lights flicker are actual electrical emergencies and need a pro to come out and help. Blaze is here for exactly that reason.
What is a GFCI outlet and where do I need them?
You need GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and outdoor locations. Why? Because they cut power in a fraction of a second if there’s electricity leaking to ground. That protects you directly from shocks. Blaze can test your outlets and install GFCI protection where and when you need it.
Do I need whole-home surge protection?
It’s a good idea here in North Carolina. It protects everything in your house: HVAC equipment, appliances, and your expensive electronics. Lighting strikes and utility surges are notorious for frying electronics in a fraction of a second. Blaze’s licensed electricians can install a surge protector right at your panel.
How do I know if my home’s wiring is outdated?
First and foremost, how old is your home? If it’s never had rewiring work done in decades, and it’s from before the 1990s, it’s a good option to explore. Likewise, if you’re seeing flickering lights, have two-pronged outlets, tripping breakers, and warm outlets, its time for rewiring. Blaze’s licensed electricians are here for any and all rewiring work, partial and full-home.
Service, Coverage & Trust
What areas does Blaze serve?
We serve three main regions: the Triangle (Raleigh, Zebulon, Wake Forest, etc.), the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, etc.) and Cape Fear (that includes Wilmington). Call and confirm if we can reach you if you’re not sure.
Does Blaze offer emergency service?
Yes. We offer after-hours emergency services for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical breakdowns. That means night and weekends, along with normally scheduled appoints all over North Carolina.
Are Blaze’s technicians licensed and insured?
Yes. The Blaze crew is fully licensed and insured. We hold North Carolina licenses for electrical, heating, and plumbing through the state licensing boards. We train our techs and background check them.
Does Blaze offer free estimates and financing?
Yes, Blaze offers you free estimates on installs and replacements plus flexible financing through Synchrony.
Why choose Blaze?
We’re a home services company that’s been a fixture in North Carolina all the way since 1979, giving our neighbors expert plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work all under one roof. We’ve got regional teams across the Triad, Triangle, and Cape Fear who offer free estimates and after-hours services.
Troubleshooting
Why is my air conditioner freezing up?
Your AC will freeze when there’s restricted airflow, whcih will cause the evaporator to ice over. Some causes: dirty air filter, blocked return vents, a dirty coil, or refrigerant leak. Call Blaze if this is happening; we won’t use guesswork to solve your problems.
Why is my heater blowing cold air?
If your heater’s blowing cold air, it could be as simple as a thermostat set to the wrong mode, all the way to an ignition problem. Whatever the issue, Blaze HVAC techs will find the cause and walk you through the fix.
Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?
A tripping breaker means that it’s doing its job first and foremost. But it’s pointing to an overloaded circuit, short circuit, or ground fault. Don’t ignore any repeated tripping, since that could mean there’s overheating wires or a failing breaker. Blaze’s licensed electricians easily find any and all issues with panels.
Why is my water bill suddenly higher than usual?
Hidden leaks, dripping fixtures, and running toilets mostly. As well as wasting thousands of gallons of water and weighing down your monthly bill, it poses risks to your home, especially s alb leak where it puts your foundation in danger, Call Blaze ASAP if you’re noticing huge increases in your monthly total.
Maintenance & Saving Money
How can I lower my energy bill?
Change air filters, seal leaky ducts, schedule seasonal HVAC, and upgrade to a high-efficiency system. Maintaining your system well sets you up for success for years to come, so be sure to call Blaze for annual inspections and maintenance visits.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to?
78°F in summer and 68°F in winter while you are home. You can adjust those temperatures as-needed when you leave the house or when you’re sleeping. If you want to ‘set and forget,’ invest in a smart thermostat. Blaze installs smart thermostats that lower your energy use without making you uncomfortable.
How often should I change my air filter?
Every 1 to 3 months, and much more often if you have pets, allergies, or are always running your system. A clogged filter is one of the easiest problems to fix (it only takes a few minutes), and Blaze can recommend the right filter and schedule for your home. Check out some options.
What size air conditioner do I need for my home?
It depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, ductwork, and local climate, not just floor area. When you have a bigger unit than you need, it wastes energy and short-cycles, while an undersized one will struggle to keep you comfy during the dog days of summer. Blaze will perform Manual J load calculations so you won’t be stuck with an inefficient unit that won’t even keep you cool.
Pricing, Process & Guarantee
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
It really depends on how big and efficient the unit will be, and what your home layout is. Blaze actually offers an online instant quote tool that’ll give you a rough estimate for a new system. All you do is answer a few quick questions about your home and pricing.
Will I know the price before you start any work?
Yes, absolutely. Blaze is a transparent team, and we know that home service costs can run higher sometimes. That’s why we believe in sharing the cost of any and all services before you commit to any work.
Does Blaze guarantee its work?
Yes. Blaze 100% guarantees the quality of its work and stands behind every job. We bring a focus to customer satisfactions and quality workmanship. It something’s not right, the team works to make it right.