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What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?

August 5, 2026

A ductless mini-split is a heating and cooling system that provides conditioned air directly to individual rooms or areas of a home without using traditional ductwork. The system has an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. The outdoor unit connects to the indoor unit through a small bundle that runs through the wall and carries the refrigerant, electricity, and drainage needed to operate the system. Many ductless mini-splits provide both heating and air conditioning, and each indoor unit can typically be controlled separately. Do I Need One? Because they don’t require ductwork, mini-splits can be a practical...

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What Do I Do If My Sewer Line Backs Up?

July 10, 2026

If your sewer line backs up, the first signs can be easy to spot but hard to ignore. You may notice multiple drains in your home moving slowly at the same time, gurgling sounds coming from toilets or tubs, or wastewater backing up into the lowest drain in your home, often a basement floor drain or a first-floor shower. In more serious cases, flushing a toilet can cause water to rise in a nearby tub or sink instead of draining properly. Stop Using Water Immediately The most important thing to do is stop using water in your home immediately. Unless...

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Why Is There Ice on My AC?

July 10, 2026

If you notice ice forming anywhere on your air conditioner or on the refrigerant lines connecting your system to your home, go to the thermostat and turn the system OFF and the fan to ON. Like, right now. I’ll wait. Once the system is off and no longer running, you can safely let it thaw while you understand what may be going on. Why Is My AC Freezing Up? Ice on an HVAC system is always a sign that something is not working correctly. A properly functioning air conditioner should never freeze during normal operation. Even if it still appears...

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Why is my Water Pressure Too Low?

June 11, 2026

You work hard. You pay your taxes, eat your vegetables, and call your parents every week, and yet the water pressure in your home has suddenly slowed to a measly trickle. What did you do to deserve this? It can be difficult to determine exactly why the universe decided to punish you, but unlike existential dread, low water pressure usually has a straightforward cause. If your Kansas City area home is dealing with low water pressure, the first step is figuring out whether the issue is isolated to one faucet or affecting the entire home. If it is just one...

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Why Is My Drain Gurgling?

May 19, 2026

Same reason your tummy growls. It is hungry. Feed your drain loose hair, cooking oil, and feminine hygiene products. Omnomnomnomnom, well maybe not. A gurgling drain means your plumbing system is trying to tell you something, and it is very important that you listen. This sound means air is trapped or water is not flowing the way it should. It is almost always caused by one of two things. Either there is an obstruction somewhere in the line, or the line is not properly venting. Obstruction Your home’s plumbing system is designed so that pipes start small and gradually get...

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What Is a SEER Rating?

May 19, 2026

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a rating that measures the efficiency of an HVAC system over the course of an entire season. Think of it like miles per gallon for your car. It tells you how much energy your system uses to keep your home comfortable. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. In 2023, the industry updated how these systems are tested to better reflect real-world conditions. These updated ratings are called SEER2. The idea is simple. Give homeowners a more accurate picture of how their system actually performs, not just how...

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What to Look for in a Local Plumber

April 20, 2026

When plumbing problems arise, you want help fast. A leaking pipe, clogged drain, or failing water heater can disrupt daily life and cause damage if not addressed promptly. Choosing the right professional matters, especially when you need someone who understands local building codes, permit requirements, and regional plumbing systems. Knowing what to look for in a local plumber can help you avoid costly mistakes and support quality work from the start. In Kansas and Missouri, plumbing work often requires proper licensing and permits depending on the project. Hiring a licensed plumber who understands these requirements helps protect your home and...

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Troubleshooting HVAC “Short-Cycling” and Thermostat Glitches During the KC Swing Season

April 15, 2026

Kansas City’s spring and fall seasons are known for dramatic temperature swings. A cool morning can quickly turn into a warm afternoon, forcing your HVAC system to switch between heating and cooling more frequently. During these transitional months, you may notice that your system is turning on and off more often than usual. This behavior is commonly known as HVAC short cycling, and it can signal problems with airflow, system components, or thermostat performance. Short cycling does more than affect comfort. It can increase energy use, place additional strain on HVAC components, and may reduce system lifespan over time. In...

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The Pilot Light that Won’t Stay Lit: Troubleshooting Why Your Flame Sensor or Thermocouple Is Failing

February 10, 2026

Winter in Kansas City can be unforgiving. Heating systems often run nonstop to keep families safe and comfortable. When a system won’t start or won’t stay running, it quickly becomes a serious concern. One common culprit is a pilot light that won’t stay lit. Although small, this component is critical in fuel-burning systems. Without a steady flame, you have no heat. At Summit Heating and Cooling, we frequently diagnose pilot light and ignition system issues, and we want to help you understand why they happen. Most older furnaces and boilers rely on a thermocouple, while many modern systems use a...

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One Call Does It All: Now Offering Plumbing Services!

February 1, 2026

Our team at Summit Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is happy to announce that we will now be providing plumbing services to the Kansas City, MO area. From routine inspections and maintenance to emergency repairs, we are your one-call solution. Knowing what’s a simple DIY task and when to call a professional is important. Taking the right steps will protect your home from extensive damage. The Importance of Professional Plumbing Services Your plumbing system includes pipes, fixtures, drains, and much more. It contributes to the overall functionality of your home each day. When something malfunctions, this can compromise the safety of...

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