Helpful Heating and Cooling Resources for Homeowners
Practical guides from Ricotta technicians — written for the way Missouri homes actually work.
Latest Articles
New HVAC guides, published daily
5 Furnace Carbon Monoxide Signs Homeowners Can Spot Before an Emergency
Learn five visible, technician-checked carbon monoxide signs homeowners can spot at the furnace — and the immediate steps to take before a leak becomes an...
Sep 13, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOVerify COP, NEEP, and Sizing for Cold Climate Heat Pumps in St. Louis
Contractor focused checklist for St. Louis homeowners: verify COP, confirm NEEP or ENERGY STAR listings, and require a Manual J quote before you buy.
Sep 12, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOSt. Louis Furnace Tune Up Checklist: Demand CO, Temp Rise, Amp Draw
A safety-first, technician-grade furnace tune-up checklist for St. Louis homeowners. Learn the 60–90 minute steps and insist on CO, temperature rise, and...
Sep 11, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOSt. Louis Homeowners: Keep Winter Humidity Near 50%, Measure First
Measure indoor humidity, use humidifiers safely, and avoid guesswork. Practical, health-focused fixes and clear thresholds for St. Louis homeowners, plus...
Sep 10, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOHomeowners: Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist for DIY vs Pro
A practical heat pump maintenance checklist for homeowners. Monthly DIY checks, what only a licensed technician should do, and typical tune-up costs...
Sep 9, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOSt. Louis Homeowners: Set Thermostat to 68°F This Winter and Save up to 10%
St. Louis homeowners: Set 68°F when home, use 7 to 10°F setbacks for about eight hours to save up to 10%. Practical schedules, humidity tips, and when to...
Sep 9, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOHomeowners' Furnace Filter Schedule: 30–90 Days to 6–12 Months
Practical furnace filter schedule for homeowners: exact replacement windows by filter type, simple monthly checks, and when to call a pro.
Sep 7, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MO10 to 15 Years or 20+? Heat Pump Lifespan for St. Louis Homeowners
St. Louis homeowners: learn realistic heat pump lifespan ranges (10 to 15 years, 20+ for well-kept units), key failure signs, and when to repair or replace.
Sep 6, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOSave $150–$300 on Whole House Dehumidifier Cost in St. Louis
Expect $1,300–$3,500 installed. See which line items move price, how to get an accurate itemized quote, and how a gravity drain can save $150–$300.
Sep 5, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MOWhen to Act: Cracked Heat Exchanger Symptoms, Hard vs Soft Signs
Know which cracked heat exchanger symptoms need immediate shutdown and which are softer warnings. Learn the technician tests, proof to request, and next...
Sep 5, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MO3–5 Bulb Swaps in 5 Years: UV for HVAC in St. Louis
St. Louis homeowners: clear, practical advice on UV for HVAC, what it reliably fixes (evaporator coils), its limits for whole-house air, costs, and hiring...
Sep 3, 2026 St. Louis & Jefferson County, MO3 Rules for St. Louis Homeowners: When to Replace Your Furnace
St. Louis homeowners: use three decision rules, the 50% rule, the $5,000 rule, and the 3 repair rule, plus safety signs, cost guidance, and maintenance...
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Jump straight to what our technicians do most across Jefferson and St. Louis County.
When to Schedule AC Maintenance
Why early-spring tune-ups beat July emergencies, and what a proper AC check actually covers.
What to Do When Your Furnace Won't Start
Three things to check before you call (and one thing you should never touch).
Heat Pump Basics for Missouri Homes
How heat pumps work in our climate, when they make sense, and what they cost to run.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Filters, humidifiers, and the simple changes that make a real difference at home.
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