Tips & guides
Tips & Guides from Ace
Straight answers for restaurant owners and homeowners in Hampton Roads.
Home comfort9 Ways to Improve Your HVAC Efficiency in Hampton Roads
Long, humid summers and damp winters keep Hampton Roads HVAC systems running most of the year. These nine habits cut energy use, improve comfort and help your system last longer.
Restaurant refrigerationWalk-In Cooler Not Cooling? 8 Things to Check Before You Call
A walk-in creeping above 41°F is an emergency. Here's what you can safely check yourself in ten minutes, and what means it's time to call.
Home coolingAC Running but Not Cooling? 7 Causes and What to Check First
The fan runs, the thermostat says cool, and the house keeps getting warmer. Here's what's usually wrong and what you can safely check yourself.
Restaurant operationsThe Mechanical Checklist to Run Before Your Next Health Inspection
Inspectors look at temperatures, hot water and drains. Here's a quick equipment walk-through to do before they show up.
Home heatingFurnace Keeps Shutting Off? The Usual Causes, and When It's a Safety Issue
Short cycling wastes fuel and wears out the furnace, and sometimes it's a safety control doing its job. How to tell the difference.
Restaurant refrigerationHow Often Should You Clean a Commercial Ice Machine?
At least twice a year, and more often in some kitchens. What cleaning involves, and the warning signs that yours is overdue.
PricingWhat Does HVAC Repair Cost? How Ace Prices a Service Call
What drives the price of a repair, how flat-rate pricing works, and why you should always know the price before work starts.
Home comfortHow to Choose an HVAC Contractor in Hampton Roads
Check the license, ask how they price, read the reviews, and watch for these red flags before you let anyone replace your system.
Home coolingRepair or Replace Your AC? A Straight Answer for Hampton Roads Homeowners
Age, repair cost and how the system has been performing. A simple way to decide without getting upsold.
Restaurant refrigerationWhy Is My Walk-In Freezer Icing Up?
Ice on the evaporator, the ceiling or the floor means moisture is getting in or the defrost isn't working. The usual suspects.
Home coolingSalt Air and Your Heat Pump: How Coastal Virginia Shortens AC Life
If you live near the Oceanfront, the Bay or a river, your outdoor unit is fighting corrosion. Here's how to slow it down.
PlumbingTank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: What Makes Sense for Your Home
Endless hot water sounds great, but tankless isn't right for every house. How the two compare on cost, space and upkeep.
One call. Hot side, cold side, pipes and air.
Tell us what's down and where. We'll give you a straight answer, a flat-rate price, and a time.