#How to change AC filter in the house

[klondikeairconditioning]

How to Change the Air Conditioner Filter in Your House

Wondering how to change an AC filter in the house? You have come to the right place! Klondike Air has been helping residents in Orange County and surrounding areas since 1989 with their HVAC and AC maintenance, repair, and replacement. 

Learning how to replace air conditioner filters will make a huge difference in the air quality inside your home and the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. As a homeowner, learning how to change an air conditioning filter and maintaining your HVAC system is essential to saving money and increasing the longevity of your HVAC system. 

Importance of Learning How to Change an AC Filter In the House

Almost 75% of service calls for broken or non-functional air conditioners could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Learning how to change an AC filter in the house is very important and one of the easiest maintenance tasks.

You will save money on expensive repairs or replacements because your AC unit will not have to work overtime to keep your house cool.

You will increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

You will improve your indoor air quality by decreasing your allergies.

Your AC will be more energy efficient, which will save you money in the long run when it comes to power bills.

Signs That the Filter Needs Replacing

Before you learn how to replace an air conditioning filter, here are seven signs to look for to know if you need to replace the filter. 

Your AC is turning on and off again frequently.

You have to turn the temperature up higher to get the same cooling effect.

The air coming from your air vents smells musty or another bad odor.

Your energy bill is higher than usual.

Your home is dusty just 30 minutes after dusting. 

Your allergies are worse indoors, or you don’t see any noticeable change when you come indoors. 

Your AC unit is making weird noises.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change an AC Filter In the House

Locate and Inspect the Filter in Your Air Conditioner Unit

The first step is to locate the filter on your specific air conditioner. A quick YouTube search will show you where to find the filter, or you can check your owner’s manual. You need to make sure you buy the correct replacement filter, or you could cause more problems than you are solving.

If your air filter is visibly dusty or has not been replaced in 6 months, it is time to head to the local hardware store and pick up a replacement. 

If the air filter looks clean and has been replaced in the last six months, but you are noticing several of the signs above, you should contact Klondike Air for a professional inspection. This means something else is wrong with your AC unit. 

Turn Off the Power Supply

With your new filter on hand, it is time to learn how to change the AC filter and replace the old filter. The first step is to turn off the power supply or unplug it from power. 

Remove the Old Filter

Next, you want to remove the old filter. You will have to remove the cover on your AC unit to remove the old filter. We have seen several cases where homeowners did not remove the air filter and added a new filter in addition to the old dirty filter, causing their AC unit to be damaged and stop working. 

Install the New Filter Correctly

You want to make sure you are installing the new filter correctly. It will often have arrows to guide you in which direction to receive the air and which direction it should be pointing. Make sure the filter fits, and the cover for the AC unit snaps back into place easily.

Turn Back on the Power Supply

Now turn the power back on and enjoy cleaner air! You have just successfully learned how to change an AC filter.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Air Filter

Now that you have just learned how to change an air conditioning filter, here are three tips to keep your air filter cleaner so you do not have to replace it as often.

Clean Your Air Ducts

This can be as simple as vacuuming out the openings of your air vents in each room. We recommend a professional air duct cleaning at least once a year.

Dust Your House More Often

Especially if the pollen count is high, dusting and vacuuming hard-to-reach places in your home can prevent dust from getting into your air ducts and ultimately getting stuck in your air filter. 

Vacuum and Wipe Down Your Air Conditioner

Keeping your actual AC unit cleaner can keep your air filter working well for longer.

Conclusion: Ensuring Optimal Air Quality at Home

If you want to increase the air quality inside your home, you should invest in a HEPA air filter. These filters will keep smaller dust particles, smoke, and pollen out of your air. This will improve allergies and keep your home smelling fresh.

Learning how to change the air conditioner filter is the first step in a full AC maintenance checklist.

If you have any questions about how to change an AC filter, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert at Klondike Air. Our professional HVAC technicians are here to help homeowners in Orange County, CA, and the surrounding areas.

This blog was originally published at https://klondikeair.com/how-to-change-the-air-conditioner-filter-in-your-house/

[sceletaflores]

slippin' and slidin' all over you!

pair: logan howlett x fem!reader

wc: 4k

contains: 18+ SMUT MDNI, swearing, sweating, mutual masturbation, sweat licking (i don't know???), not-so-dry humping, p in v, JUST THE TIP RAHHH, creampie, fingering (fem!recieving), oral sex (fem!receiving), come swapping, come eating, literally over four thousand words of pure nasty smut, this is gross lowkey, idk i'm h*rny, porn w/o plot, no use of y/n.

nat’s note: very much not the winner or even an option of the poll i posted last week but...shhh don't hate me. it’s october and over 80 every single day, what the fuck is that? only good thing that came from this heat is thoughts of nasty sweaty sex with logan. once again shoutout to my wonderful husband @ebodebo for reading this over for me (i successfully changed her vendetta against sucking up some man sweat...which was the real point of this fic tbh) go give her fics some love if you're a slut for ghost! kisses!

logan forgot to fix the ac...

It's too hot out to be alive. 36°C and sunny.

One of the hottest days in recent memory for Alberta, and you're really feeling it.

"Remind me," you say slowly, the first words spoken in almost ten minutes. "How many times did I ask you to fix the air conditioner?"

"Don't start," Logan says from his spot across the room. His head is tipped back to rest on the couch cushion, eyes slipped shut.

You ignore him, lazily rolling your head to the side to look at him through squinted eyes, your brows furrowed in thought. "Was it ten? Or maybe thirteen?"

Logan huffs a breath, slow and heavy, but he doesn't move--doesn't even open his eyes. “I said don’t start,” he mutters again, though there’s the faintest edge of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

"Don't worry baby," you say, voice pitched lower in a terrible impersonation of Logan. "I'll get to it, promise. Won’t get too hot for another couple months."

Logan finally cracks an eye open, just enough to give you a sideways glance, his mouth twitching with amusement. "You done?"

You hum noncommittally, the sound lingering in the air like the lazy summer breeze doing nothing to cool the temperature outside. Your gaze slips down the side of his face to trace the jut of his jaw, then lower to the sweaty column of his neck. 

Both you and Logan lost most of your clothes earlier in the day, too hot to bother wearing anything but underwear. You trudged around the house like zombies until you finally gave up on trying to be productive, you both ended up in the living room. 

All the windows are cracked open, trying in vain to let in any cool air. You claimed the armchair closest to the fan, refusing to be anywhere near Logan and the massive heat wave he constantly gives off.

Logan’s on the couch, stripped down to the thinnest pair of sleep shorts you’ve ever seen. His chest is bare, glistening with a thin sheen of sweat that mats the dark hair dusted along his pecs to his skin. 

You can’t help the way your eyes follow the drops of moisture that slide slowly down the contours of his abs. A low heat starting to swirl through your gut when it disappears into his happy trail.

It's funny. When you basically peeled yourself off your mattress this morning, sex was the absolute last thing on your mind.

Now, as your eyes glide over the strong expanse of Logan's body on full display, you're having second thoughts.

Maybe it just comes with the heat. That sort of slow, syrupy feeling that slides along your overheated skin to pulse pleasantly between your thighs.

A bead of sweat slides down the length of your spine slowly, falling until it soaks into the damp waistband of your panties. You try to not notice how Logan is halfway across the room, not touching you.

You fail.

“It’s just a shame, though,” you start, fingers idly toying with the hem of your tank top. “If it was cooler, I could come over there.”

You slide a leg up, letting it rest against the wooden rest, newly exposed skin gleaming under the sunlight filtering in. 

The move isn't lost on Logan. You see his jaw clench slightly, the tiniest shift in his posture.

"Something you wanted?" Logan asks, his voice going low and teasing. "Looks like you've been gettin' yourself all worked up over there."

“Just thinking,” you reply, shifting slightly on the sticky leather of the chair.

Logan’s fingers twitch at his sides, his chest rising and falling with slow, measured breaths. His eyes slide the rest of the way open, his gaze heavy and lingering as it ventures down to where your thin shirt sticks to your skin, outlining every curve.

“Oh yeah?” he prompts, his voice a little rougher now. “Thinkin’ about what, baby?”

“You,” you say easily, fingers slipping down to your thigh. You bring your other leg up, perching it against the opposite armrest. Your thighs spread wide enough that you know Logan has a full view of the wet spot growing along the gusset of your panties.

The hitch in Logan’s breath has you stifling a smug smile, taking your bottom lip between your teeth as you watch the way his chest starts rising faster.

"That's real sweet, sugar," he drawls, an unimpressed look on his face as he drags his eyes back up to your own. "But if you're tryin' to get me over there, you're gonna have to do better than that." His voice slides through the air heavy and warm like molasses.

You bite back a grin, enjoying the slow game that's unfolding between the two of you. 

"Maybe I don’t want you to come over here," you let your fingers trail a little lower, just to the edge of your panties, teasing. “Maybe I like you right where you are.”

Logan’s brow raises, his thighs tensing before he spreads them just a touch wider. The fabric of his boxers goes taut over the strong muscle, riding up to expose even more hairy skin to your greedy eyes.

"You're playin' with fire, kid," he warns.

The tent in his shorts is obvious now, the hard length of his cock pressing against the fabric where it lays across his thigh. Your other hand twitches by your side at just the sight, your pussy throbbing with the sudden need to be filled.

"Am I?" you murmur, your fingers slipping beneath the waistband of your panties, just enough to make sure he knows exactly where this is headed. ”It’s not like you’re going to do anything about it, you’re too busy pouting."

With a deliberate slowness, you slide your fingers lower, brushing against your clit with just enough pressure to let out a soft gasp at the contact. You arch your back slightly, relishing in the way the air feels against your skin, hot and sticky.

You want him to see how badly you need him—how his heat is the only thing that could truly satisfy the insatiable ache building between your legs.

Logan's nostrils flare, jaw tightening and eyes darkening at the sight of you teasing yourself. His restraint is slipping, and you can practically feel the tension building in the room, thick and stifling like the oppressive summer heat. 

But he still doesn’t move, doesn’t rush over like you expect him to. Instead, he shifts his hips slightly, spreading his legs wider and letting his hand fall on his thigh. 

You can’t help the way your breath quickens at the sight, the way his fingers drift dangerously close to his own growing bulge, teasing you just as much as you’re teasing him. 

You tilt your head to the side, gazing at him through your lashes. “You're really just gonna leave me hanging?” you goad, fingers circling lazily around your sensitive clit. “Come on stud, whip it out.”

Logan chuckles low, a sound that sends shivers through you. "Is that what you want, baby?" he asks, voice thick and taunting, a smirk curling on his lips. “You want me to whip it out for you?”

“Yeah,” you murmur breathlessly, biting your lip as you maintain eye contact, your breath starting to come in short bursts. “I need to see you, Logan. Need to see how hard you are for me.”

“Need to, huh,” he muses slowly, fingers finally grazing over the hard length of his cock. “What’s in it for me?”

“How about this?” You slip your hand out from your ruined panties, fingers glistening with your own wetness as you hook your thumbs on either side and drag them down your legs.

You let the soaked cotton fall to the floor, leaving you completely exposed to him.

Logan’s pupils dilate, an inky black completely swallowing the warm hazel. He licks his lips slowly, the tip of his tongue running along his teeth like he wants to sink them into you. His cock twitches visibly beneath his shorts, the growing tension in the air between you thick enough to choke on.

“Fuck,” he breathes out, his voice low and gravelly, more of a growl than a word.

You smile, shifting in the chair to give him an even better view, your legs spreading wider. "Yeah?" you purr, running your fingers over your slick inner thigh, feeling the heat radiating from your own skin. “You like what you see?”

Logan swallows hard, his hand finally slipping beneath the waistband of his shorts, palming his cock as he watches you. “You know I do,” he says, voice rougher than before. 

You let your hand trail back down to your clit, rubbing it in slow, teasing circles as you hold his gaze. “Then show me, Logan,” you whisper, your voice almost a plea now. "I wanna see you."

Logan lets out a low, rumbling groan, his fingers making quick work of shoving his shorts down enough to free his cock. It springs free to slap lewdly against his stomach and you can’t help the moan that escapes your lips at the sight.

He strokes himself slowly to start, his eyes locked on you, watching your every reaction, feeding off the way your chest rises and falls in quick, shallow breaths.

"Like this?" he asks, his tone taunting as he strokes himself from base to tip, his thumb swiping over the head with a low hiss. “That what you wanted?”

Your breath catches in your throat at the sight of him, straining and in his hand. The sight of his thumb brushing over the tip of his cock sends a hot, electric pulse through your body, your hand between your legs moving in time with his slow strokes.

"Yeah," you whisper, voice trembling with need. "Just like that."

You slip your hand lower, sliding two fingers inside yourself with a low moan. Logan groans like he’s the one being touched, his hand speeds up, eyes glued to where your fingers disappear in your slick heat.

His cock leaks pre-come over his knuckles each time his fist passes over the dripping head, the wet sound of it mixing with the low hum of the fan and your own breathy sighs.

"You look so fuckin' good like this honey," Logan groans, his voice rough, strained. "All spread out, playing with that pretty pussy for me."

You whimper at his words, your body aching for more than just your own touch. You need him, need the feel of his rough hands on your skin, his mouth, his cock—anything.

Your fingers move faster, slipping deeper inside with each pump, but it’s still not enough. The stretch is nothing compared to taking Logan, to the feeling of him carving a place for his thick cock inside your pussy, hitting that spot inside you that your fingers can’t quite reach.

Your hips buck up towards your hand, your back arching off the chair as your free hand clutches the armrest tightly.

Logan’s pace quickens, his fist pumping his cock with a new urgency, heavy balls bouncing with every rough tug.

“God, look at you, such a needy fuckin’ thing” he growls, chest heaving as his gaze flicks between your flushed face and the glistening mess you’re making of yourself like he can’t decide where to look. “You want it bad, don’t you?”

"Please," you whine, desperation creeping into your voice. Too keyed up to draw this out any longer. “I need you inside me, Logan. I can’t take it anymore.”

Logan groans, a sound that rumbles deep in his chest. His hand falters slightly on his cock, squeezing hard around the base as your words push him dangerously close to the edge. His jaw clenches, eyes raking over you, and with a growl, he stands. 

The last threads of his restraint snapping.

 He crosses the room in two long strides, towering over you where you sit. His cock swollen and hard, sways between his legs with every step, glistening with pre-come that drips to the floor. His eyes, hooded and burning, drink you in as he reaches down, yanking your hand away from your slick heat.

“Thought you said it was too hot to move,” you tease breathlessly, unable to quit egging him on even when your legs start to tremble with need, spreading wider to welcome him.

Logan ignores you, tugging your hand to his lips. Your breath catches in your chest, a weak moan escaping you as he takes your soaked fingers in his mouth. His tongue swirling along your skin to taste you, his eyes never leaving yours as he does.

“Changed my mind,” he growls, strong hands rough and possessive as they drop your wrist and haul you out of the chair so he can spin around, collapsing into it with you in his lap. The wood gives a warning creak beneath you but neither of you care.

Not when his mouth is on yours, hot and demanding as he slides his tongue past the seam of your lips. The heat radiating off his body is suffocating, but you welcome it—craving the weight of him on you.

You melt against him, feeling the hard planes of his body against yours, every inch of him alive and pulsating with need. Logan’s hands find their way to your hips, fingers digging in just enough to send a rush coursing through you.

It’s intoxicating, the way he devours you, his hands exploring every inch of your back, grasping and pulling you impossibly closer. 

The hard jut of his cock presses against your thigh, a thick plane of heat that makes your pussy throb with need. You shift your hips, grinding down on him in messy circles.

“You feel that?” he growls, lips brushing against your ear. “That’s all for you, darlin’.”

“Need you,” you whimper, grinding down against him faster, desperate for the friction that sends pleasure rippling through you. “Please, Logan, I need you inside me now.”

“Hold on, baby,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky, sending sparks all up your spine.

He dips his head, capturing your lips again, while his hands roam hungrily down your sides, fingers curling around your thighs to urge your legs open wider. “You wanna tease me, you’re gonna have to get off just like this.”

Logan angles his hips so that his cock slips between your drenched folds the next time you roll your own down.

The hot, slick glide sends electric shocks of pleasure racing through you, your body responding instinctively to his touch. You gasp against his lips, fingers tangling in his hair as you push down, desperate for more.

“God, you’re so fuckin’ wet,” he growls, his voice dripping with lust as he watches your movements with hungry eyes. “Just for me, huh? She’s droolin’ just for me.”

You nod breathlessly, chasing the friction, craving the feel of him so close. You lift your hips and rock back down again, the blunt head of his cock brushing against your swollen clit, and you feel your body pulse in response. 

“More,” you plead, leaning in to nibble at his lower lip. “I need it.”

Logan pulls away, shaking his head with a wicked grin. “Come on, tough shot,” he says, giving your ass a quick smack and kneading the tender flesh in his hand roughly. “You’re gonna come like this, you can do it baby.”

You whine, dropping your chin to your chest. Your hands find his shoulders, nails digging crescent moons into the strong muscle. Your chest slips slickly against his, the front of your tank almost entirely soaked with sweat.

Yours or his, it doesn't matter. The white cotton turned transparent enough that your breasts are on full display, nipples hard and visible.

You watch a single bead of sweat make its way down the length of his throat. It trickles down and down and down until it dips between the pronounced muscles of his chest.

You duck your head, dragging your tongue up the valley of his pecs. A deep moan bursts from your lips, pussy drooling more slick over Logan’s cock at the coarse feel of his thick hair on your tongue, at the heady taste of his sweat filling your senses.

Logan groans, hands tightening their hold on your waist. The dull ache his strength leaves behind is enough to let you know that two hand shaped bruises will be blooming over your skin by tomorrow morning. 

“Come on, girly,” he encourages, nipping at the sweaty column of your throat, the sharp points of his teeth scraping along the sensitive skin deliciously. “Fuck me, give it to me good.”

Your hips speed up, his hard cock sliding through the slick folds of your cunt faster. The tip bumps against your clit deliciously with every move, smearing pre-come along the way to add even more to the mess between your legs.

“Gonna fuckin’ fill you up,” he groans, breath puffing warm and hot agasint the slick skin of your lips. “Pump you so full of my come you’ll be leakin’ for a goddamn week.”

He shifts underneath you, the tip of his cock catching on your entrance just enough for it to push inside on the next grind of your hips.

The barely there fullness has you coming with a sharp cry, nails roughly dragging down Logan’s back hard enough to leave red welts that heal as you go.

The pain mixing with the pleasure of finally getting to feel the warm, wet suction of your pussy has Logan coming with a rough shout of your name. He throws his head back, hands tightening their grip on your hips enough to have your bones grinding together as he pumps you full of his come. 

“Logan…” you mewl, your pussy fluttering over the tip of his cock, greedy little clenches like you're trying to suck him the rest of the way in. Drunk on the way his release paints your insides, how you can feel each thick spray coating your walls to claim you in the rawest way.

Logan pulls back just far enough to meet your gaze, his eyes dark and smoldering as he watches you squirm in his lap.

"You’re not tapping out on me already, are you?" he teases, his voice rough and gravelly. "I thought you were tougher than that."

A weak, breathy laugh escapes you, but it’s cut short when he applies just a little more pressure, making your thighs quiver. "Not tapping out," you manage between shallow breaths, your head falling back against the chair. "But you’re—fuck—you’re insatiable."

Logan smirks, leaning in to nip at the sensitive skin of your throat, his teeth scraping just enough to send shivers coursing through you.

"When it comes to you, baby?" he murmurs against your skin, the heat of his breath fanning over your pulse point. "Fuckin’ always."

A lazily smile takes over your lips as you tighten your core and push, the rest of Logan’s come leaking out over his fingers. Logan groans, pressing his forehead to your shoulder to try and ground himself.

His cock throbs where it sways heavily between his thighs, still hard and ready to go even after he just came. His hand slips down your body, thick fingers running through the creamy mess of come and slick to messily push it back inside you.

“Fuckin’ shit, honey,” he groans lowly, pressing his thumb to your clit. “You’re gonna kill me.” 

Before you can respond, he stands again, gently placing your trembling form back into the chair and dropping to his knees in front of you.

Your breath hitches, legs widening despite the way your pussy shakes with overstimulation, like you can’t help but spread your legs for Logan anytime he wants.

Logan smirks up at you from between your legs, his lips already ghosting over the inside of your thigh. "Look at you," he growls, voice low and filled with lust. "Still so needy."

The slick heat of his tongue runs along your folds, lapping at the mess he just made of you. You let out a sharp gasp, thighs trembling as your fingers weave into his hair, tugging him closer.

The sensation is overwhelming—the rough, demanding pace of his tongue as it swirls around your clit, teasing you, while his hands grip your thighs with bruising force. Keeping you exactly where he wants you, keeping you spread open for his tongue.

Your body arches off the chair with a loud cry, every nerve alight with raw pleasure as he feasts on you, his growls vibrating against your sensitive skin.

"Fuck! Logan," you moan breathlessly, head falling back as you try to keep up with the sensations he's pulling from you.

The heat that was pooling low in your belly reignites, stoked by the way his tongue flicks faster against your clit, each stroke sending you higher.

Logan doesn’t let up, his tongue delving deeper, drinking in every moan, every shaky gasp as he drives you closer to the edge. He moans into your pussy, his own arousal clear in the way his hips buck into the air, seeking any kind of friction.

You tug on his hair harder, desperate for more, for release. "Logan, please," you whimper, your voice barely above a whisper, thick with need.

"Atta’ girl," he rasps, his voice thick with desire as he watches your face contort with pleasure. "So fuckin’ pretty like this. You gonna give me another one, baby? Gonna come for me again?"

Every lick, every rough squeeze to your thighs, every teasing stroke sends you spiraling closer to that edge you’re dying to reach again. You can feel the heat radiating off him, his breath hot against your soaked skin and driving you wild.

“Logan, I—” You gasp, fingers tightening in his hair, urging him closer, closer, closer. “I’m so close—”

His eyes flick up to meet yours, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, nose and jaw glistening in your juices.

"Give it to me," he growls, the rough rasp of his voice sending a shiver through your overheated body. "I wanna feel you come on my tongue."

It’s all the encouragement you need. With a strangled cry, your body tenses, thighs quaking as the orgasm crashes over you.

Logan keeps his mouth on you, tongue working you through every pulse, drawing it out until you’re trembling and gasping, your body boneless in the chair.

When you finally come down, panting and spent, Logan pulls away. With one last kiss pressed over your clit, he makes his way up your body, not dropping eye contact as he settles over you.

His hand comes up to your face, thumbs meanly hooking into either side of your cheeks to gently force your mouth open. You part your lips willingly, the heat still radiating between you, a mix of lingering pleasure.

Logan leans in, and the intoxicating scent of sweat and sex surrounds you as he spits what he collected from between your legs back into your own mouth. 

Your cheeks burn with shame, a broken moan ringing through the space between you. Your glassy eyes stare into Logan’s, his own gaze so intense and all consuming you fight the urge to squirm.

"Swallow," he commands, unwavering. 

You hesitate for just a moment, caught off guard by the pure audacity, but the way his eyes darken with hunger makes your resolve crumble. With a breathless whimper, you obey, tasting the remnants of your own pleasure mingling with his, the act both humiliating and intensely arousing.

Logan watches you closely, his gaze never straying as you swallow, a dirty smirk creeping onto his lips. “That's my girl,” he praises, his tone thick with satisfaction.

As the taste lingers on your tongue, you can feel the weight of Logan’s stare like a physical touch.

“Think you can handle another round?” he teases, his voice low and sultry. “I don’t plan on letting you off that easy, kid. Not with all that mouthing off earlier.”

You catch your breath, shaking your head in exasperation. “You’re relentless,” you whisper, a hint of laughter in your voice, though your body betrays you, already craving more.

“Only for you, baby” he replies, brushing the strands of hair plastered to your sweaty forehead behind your ear. “Only for you.”

tags are now in the comments! if you want to get tagged for any of my works just fill out this form!

mini nat's note: i started my period today chickens...that explains it...

[epiphainie]

what if at some point, for some reason, buck gets worried that tommy's actually going to get sick of him and his annoying habits, so he tries to reign them in. and tommy's just like. i love every part of you. give me my annoying boyfriend back.

oh imagine after a double date chimney saying something like "you're worse than your sister, i think tommy considered slapping a hand on your mouth about 10 times at the end of the movie there" and maddie giggling about buck finally finding someone who puts up with him. buck freezes, then smiles, and then gets fucking fixated on what they said because he didn't realize he was annoying tommy. tommy always humors his questions when they watch movies together and even asks buck if he wants to join him eventho he knows it's not really buck's thing, and maybe he sighs sometimes but buck didn't realize it was because of him!

so obv this cooks in buck's beautiful brain for the next couple of days with him being hyperaware of anytime he opens his mouth uselessly. so when their next off-day arrives and tommy asks if he wants to watch a movie together, he hesitates, thinks about coming up with an excuse and leave tommy to his me-time, but he can't say no to the prospect of cuddling tommy, and he wants to prove to himself he can be non-annoying. he can just sit and be quiet like everyone.

and he tries. anytime a question or a comment pops into his mind, he holds it back, literally swallowing down his words. he wants to ask who killed the doctor guy but as chim always says "you sit and watch and information gets revealed" he gets reminded of a call they were on with athena during the cop chase scene but it's not relevant or immediate and tommy's really interested in what's on the screen.

but tommy's obviously clocked into buck's behavior, within maybe the first 10 minutes, because it's not like buck to be so damn quiet ever, let alone during a movie. he sees his jiggling knee and the multiple times he opens and closes his mouth. he asks if buck's okay, buck says yes he's just watching the movie, and tommy lets it go but he doesn't forget. the next day, he realizes buck's not reading out loud whatever wikipedia hole he found himself in. the day after that he notices buck being quiet in the car even when tommy's intentionally taking the wrong exits.

when he realizes buck's biting his lip to keep himself from complaining about the mess tommy left in the living room in his attempt to change the filters in their AC intake duct, he asks what's going on. buck's eyes get big and he starts blabbing about how he always appreciates tommy's help around the house and he thinks tommy's a wonderful driver and he really respects tommy's me-time with his movies and he never wanted to annoy him and and--

anyway tommy kisses him and tells him to give him back his boyfriend, the one who needs to be kissed to be shut the fuck up and who gets an irritated line between his brows, and who irritates tommy back <3

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

He's My Man (Part 3)

Summary: Russell's returned and it appears that the reader's past employment problems are behind her. But when a shirtless Russell invites her into his home and their flirting rises to new levels, the reader will have to grapple with a new reality she doesn't know how to deal with. Russell Shaw might just be the first good guy after all...

Masterlist

Pairing: Russell Shaw x reader

Word Count: 3,500ish

Warnings: language, gun shot injury mention, smidge of angst, fluff

A/N: That ending though 👀

__________

The sun was shining high when you woke, streams of light filtering in through the large windows. You hummed as you sat up, Colter typing away at his laptop outside. There was no sign of Russell though, a frown forming on your face.

He hadn’t left already, had he? He’d promised to tell you what happened back home.

You quickly changed in Colter’s bedroom into your joggers and AC/DC shirt, deciding to try Russell’s gifts out. The bra felt amazing, especially after wearing the same dirty one for a few days in a row. Even the lilac underwear was softer than you expected. 

Outside you shrugged on one of Russell’s flannel’s, pouting when you saw his car was gone and yours was in it’s place.

“Morning,” said Colter, nodding towards where a cup of coffee laid waiting for you next to your chair.

“Hey,” you said, taking it without sitting. “I didn’t mean to sleep so late.”

“Not a problem. You haven’t been getting much lately.” You glanced around and noticed he was packed up for the most part, probably itching to get on the road. 

“You have a new case?” 

“Yeah. Oregon, not too far,” he said. He reached into his pocket, holding out your car keys. You wearily took them, Colter glancing over the top of your head. “I told him to stick around but he wanted to make sure it was ready for you.”

You raised an eyebrow, Colter shrugging.

“Apparently Russell has a place 45 minutes from here. Some cabin on a lake? I didn’t know he had a house. But uh, he hasn’t been there in awhile and he went on ahead to clean and stock up or something. He wants you to head up there so you can talk.”

“Oh. That’s…sweet.” You chugged back half your coffee, Colter eyeing you suspiciously. “What?”

“Nothing. Go have your talk.” You hummed, taking another sip. “You don’t owe him anything you know.”

“I know. We’re just friends.” Colter smirked. “You want to go down that road, Shaw? I can’t help but notice you and Reenie got that whole enemies to lovers vibe-”

“And that’s enough of that conversation,” he said, standing with a stretch. He reached into his pocket again, tossing you your phone. “Russell said it’s safe to carry again. Call if you ever need anything, Y/N.”

“Have I grown on you, Colter?” you teased. He rolled hie eyes as you handed him your empty mug. 

“Maybe. I’m working on the having friends thing.” 

“Well, you Shaw boys aren’t conventional but you’ve grown on me,” you said, opening your arms. “Come on. Let’s hug it out.”

“This is why I don’t do friends,” he half grumbled when he stepped into it, rubbing your back once more. “Hey and if you do think you want to try rewardist work, call me. We’ll talk, figure out a safe way for you to do this stuff.”

“What makes you think I won’t just go back home and do what I was before?” you asked. 

“Did you really want to do that crap again?” You frowned, shaking your head. He stepped back, pushing you towards the streamer. “That’s what I thought. Go pack. I’m sure Russell will be looking for you soon.”

One Hour Later

After leaving Colter with a promise to stay in touch, you arrived in a small town on the edges of a lake. It took a few minutes but your GPS eventually found the right road to head down. You had to question it when it told you that you’d arrived at your destination. The cabin Russell supposedly owned look more like a very expensive rustic mini-mansion some rich people would vacation to on the weekends.

Still, you pulled into the driveway and found Russell’s beat up car there. Cautiously you exited your car and went up the steps of the front porch, ringing the doorbell twice. A large wood door whipped open and you’d gotten your wish.

There was Russell before you. Damp hair slicked back, a few water droplets trailing down his broad chest and disappearing into the waist band of his navy sweatpants. You could see his tattoos scattered across his arm, a few on his wrist and thumbs and good god, how long had you been ogling his body?

Your head snapped up, Russell cockily leaning with one arm up against the doorframe wearing a satisfied smirk.

“Oh, please. Look all you want, babe.” You huffed and stormed past him, fighting the urge to turn around and see what his ass looked like in this skinny little joggers he had on. Nope. You had more self-control than that.

“You wish,” you said, surprised at the mixture of modern and rustic touches inside. “So you squatting here, Shaw?”

“I wish,” he chuckled, walking past you into the kitchen area, the smell of sandalwood and vanilla luring you to follow after. “I picked this place up after I got out of the military for cheap. Been renovating it room by room for the past decade.”

“Marble countertops?” you asked, rattling your knuckles against the white and silver veined surface. Russell leaned against the island, his biceps flexing with the movement. “I thought you said you aren’t made of money.”

“Maybe I want you to like me for me and not my wallet,” he said, looking at you through his eyelashes. “You know how much that visit to that little boutique set me back?”

“Oh, I think you can afford it,” you said, smiling as you slipped behind him, ruffling his damp strands. “Next time you want to buy me lingerie, just be a big boy and say so.”

“Here I was being thoughtful with no ulterior motives,” he said, standing and putting a hand to his chest. He frowned, closing his eyes in feigned pain. “I’m hurt, Y/N.”

“You can be thoughtful and at the same time admit you’d like to see what your choices look like.” He dropped his hand smiled.

“I really did buy them without expecting anything. I was there and thought a girl like you deserves something nice in her fucked up life.”

“I know, Russell,” you said quietly, offering him a smile. “I honestly do appreciate it.”

He nodded before going to his fridge and taking out a pair of waters, setting one on the counter near you. “You’re welcome. And if you were ever so inclined to want to show off my fashion choices, I suppose I could suffer through.”

“You’d really take that hit for the team wouldn’t you,” you teased. He hummed, crossing his arms.

“It’s a heavy burden but one I’m willing to bear.” You rolled your eyes and laughed quietly, slipping away before you got any closer to a half-naked Russell. 

You pretended to meander around the house, enjoying the openness compared to Colter’s airstreamer. A large fireplace sat in the corner and you could see through the glass doors to the back covered porch that another sat out there as well. 

“I made up the guest room.” You spun around, Russell pointing down a hallway. “Fresh sheets. Towels. I thought maybe you’d want to take a real shower and relax before you decide your next move.”

“Next move, huh.” You crossed your arms, looking out the back windows as dark clouds rolled in over the lake. “That your subtle way of saying I can’t go back home?”

Russell’s smile fell, quickly replaced with a neutral non-chalence you saw right through. He padded across the hardwoods over to your side, watching the clouds with you.

“I meant what I said last night. You’re safe. No one, and I mean no one, will ever come after you again. Go freshen up and we’ll talk after. I promise.”

“Fine. But only because Colter’s shower sucks.” You knew Russell was holding back something but you’d let it slide for the moment. A hot, long shower sounded amazing.

Forty minutes later you exited the guest suite with freshly washed hair, smooth legs and clean clothes. Alright, maybe they were Russell’s clothes he’d laid out on the bed for you but you weren’t complaining. 

“How was it?” he asked when you found him on the covered back porch, a hard rain coming down.

“I hate to sound like a girl but that was so much nicer than your brother’s tiny ass shower stall,” you said, enjoying the cool air on your flush skin. Russell refrained from saying anything about the black Stones shirt you had put on or the way you were drowning in his sweatpants. You ran your fingers through your hair, Russell watching you try to tame the mess it’d become. “You didn’t happen to pick up any hair ties or scrunchies when you clearly went to the store and got me stuff, did you?”

He reached into his pocket with a smile and a dark green scrunchie appeared on his wrist, your eyes wide. “Wait, really?”

“I’m smarter than I look,” he said. You nearly asked for it when you decided to turn around, presenting your back to him.

“Can you handle a messy bun?” you asked. A spark rang down your spine as he gathered up your hair on top of your head, gently pulling it together and securing it. You patted it when he finished, Russell taking a bow to an imaginary crowd. You put a hand on your hip, shaking your head. “Okay, how the hell do you know how to do that?”

“I could tell you but I’d have to kill you.” You rolled your eyes. “I learned it at special ops school.”

“Russ.” He laughed, taking a seat on the outdoor couch, arm over the back of it.

“I have a kid sister. I used to do her hair and shit when she was little.” You grinned, Russell holding up a finger.

“Don’t. Say-”

“Aw. What a good big brother you are,” you teased, sitting down next to him. Russell’s eyes glinted with a retort but he settled for letting his fingertips dance over your bare neck. Your breath hitched, Russell, cocking his head. “I can’t concentrate on what we need to talk about if you’re going to keep doing that.”

“Does that mean you don’t like it?” he asked, his body inviting you to tuck itself in right under that open arm. He grazed his fingers oh so lightly over your neck again and fuck, you wished he’d just grab hold and smash your lips to his already.

“You think just cause you’re sweet and thoughtful and hot and save a girl, you’ll win her over with your horrible flirting, just like that?” He leaned in close, so close you felt the heat radiating off his breath.

“I already won and she knows it. She just likes making me chase her.” You shivered when he thumbed over the back of your neck, a cocky smile on his face. “And she is a woman worth chasing so I will as long as she wants me to.”

You leaned in just when he pulled away and stood up, taking a seat in the chair opposite you with a big, stupid, cocky as fuck, smile on his face. 

“Fucker,” you growled. Russell only smiled harder. “You’re gonna pay for that.”

“Oh, I pray I do,” he said, putting his hands behind his head, licking his lips. Your eye twitched, Russell chuckling deeply. “That’s my little queen of darkness I adore.”

“We will continue this conversation later,” you said, cutting him off. Russell nodded, taking the zip up from nearby and unfortunately tugging it on over his bare chest.

“So,” he said, shoving his hands in the pockets, taking a deep breath. “You want to know what happened after you left.”

“That’d be nice, yes.” Russell pursed his lips, turning his head towards the downpour. “Russell. Come on.”

“I know you want details but I’m sorry, that’s not happening.” Your jaw dropped as he held up his hands. “You have had enough violence and death in your life. Now, I will answer your questions but I will use my discretion. You do not need…you don’t need that crap anymore. Please.”

Russell dropped his hand, leaning his elbows against his knees. When he looked up, his green eyes were somber and your heart did that flipping thing again.

“Are they all dead? The whole crew?” you asked quietly. He nodded. “That was like twenty five guys.”

“...Technically, they killed each other off. That’s why you didn’t hear about it in the news. Police are keeping it quiet.” 

“How…you tricked them?” you asked. He nodded again. “You’re sure all of them-”

“Every last one. Sides were drawn. Elpine and some of his crew got involved too, killed in the crossfire. There’s no mafia left there. No one will ever look for you again if you decide to go back.”

“If?” you asked. Russell shrugged.

“You were forced to do a job you didn’t want. You don’t want to patch up scummy guys off the street. You get to live the life you want to now. You can do that back in Virginia…or you can do a clean slate. Start over somewhere new.”

“You mean here. Stay here with you,” you said. You stood up, going to the railing, a cold breeze hitting you.

“This is a safe place and you can take as long as you need to figure out what you want to do.” You felt him behind you, his hands settling on your arms. “I have enough. I don’t want to be a private contractor forever. I am more than happy to walk away and start fresh myself.”

“Russell, you are asking a lot.”

“No I’m not.” You frowned, closing your eyes. “Despite…I’m not asking you to pick me. I’m not that crazy. I know we’re still figuring each other out. I’m asking you to pick yourself. I’m asking you to trust now that I am not like those people you worked with. You never have to pick me if that’s what you want and there are no stings attached. Ever. Just don’t go back there. Start over somewhere where life will be kind to you.”

He rubbed your arms once before you felt him move away. You glanced back over your shoulder, Russell going to the fireplace and squatting down in front of it. A moment later, flames appeared and he was tossing a few logs from nearby inside.

“Russell.” He hummed, adjusting a large log with a sharp poker. He kept his back to you for a long beat, slowly rising and setting the poker aside. When he finally looked at you, his face was neutral, void of any signs of how he actually felt. You fidgeted, tugging down the hem of your shirt awkwardly. “Put aside the flirting. You and me…it’s not going to work out.”

“You’re sure about that, are you?” You scoffed, Russell holding up his hands. 

You stormed over to him, stabbing a finger in his firm chest. “I am not whatever you think I am. I’m not a damsel looking for her white knight to come save her. I didn’t ask you to take care of my problem. You decided to do that, not me. I don’t owe you anything.”

He slowly blinked, staring down with the tiniest hint of a smirk. 

“Why are you always fucking smiling?” you growled. 

“Well if you’re going to be the grumpy then I got to be the sunshine.”

“We’re not a fucking trope! I-I don’t need you. I don’t need you to buy me things. Or do things for me. Or offer to let me stay in this beautiful house. I’ve spent my whole life alone. There is no such thing as a good guy. All you want is in my fucking pants so let’s just fuck and get this fucking thing over with so I can go the fuck home.”

Russell’s eyebrows raised. He nodded, crossing his arms. “I’m not fucking you.”

“What? That’s…you’ve been flirting the second we met!” 

“Oh, we’re past the hookup stage. We do this, it’s cause we’re the real deal.”

“Insufferable,” you muttered, going inside, pacing back and forth in the family room. To your extreme annoyance, Russell didn’t follow you. He just sat out there next to his fireplace, watching the rain come down. He really wasn’t going to talk to you about this? He was going to ignore you?

You huffed, wandering throughout the house and finding it frustratingly gorgeous. While it certainly leaned masculine as did most rustic style homes single men lived it, it felt…cozy. There was a warmth to it, even in the large expanses, that you hadn’t felt since you were a child. It was built almost like a retreat, Russell’s safe place away from the world.

You sat down on the top set of the stairs, frowning with your head in your hands.

Was there such a thing as a good guy? No, Russell wanted you for sex. A quick fuck. Maybe a fuck buddy at most but that was it. Right? He was a single man in his forties. Ex-military and he still did contracted black ops work. He was a trained killer. A deadly weapon hidden under a boyish smile and pretty face. There was no way he was a good guy that actually wanted a normal life.

“Do you always talk to yourself?” Your head snapped up, Russell giving you an awkward little wave from the landing a few feet away. You groaned, wiping your face off when you felt the trickle of tears on your cheeks. Russell stepped up and stopped, sitting down a few steps below you, close enough to reach out and grab your hand. 

“I should go,” you said. Russell simply held out his open palm, your own hands now held in your lap.

“Whether I’m good or bad, I’ll leave that up to somebody else to decide. I don’t live my life in the black and white. But I can tell you if I only wanted to screw you, I would never have invited you to my home.” You stared down at your lap, closing your eyes when his callused thumb wiped under your eye, pushing away a rogue tear. “You ain’t a damsel. You’re my queen of darkness, remember?”

Your lip twitched up briefly, Russell letting out some satisfied little sound.

“I meant what I said earlier. Stay. Rest. Figure out your next move on your own time. If me being here complicates that, I can duck out.”

“No.” You grasped his wrist, flicking open your eyes. His palm felt so hot to the touch, your heart skipping when he grazed your skin. “Stay here.”

“Okay then,” he said. He stood, leaning over and kissing your forehead. Then he was moving down the steps, whistling a peppy tune. “I’m going to make us some grilled cheese and tomato soup. Love me some grilled cheese.”

“Wait!” you called, following him down the stairs. Russell spun around at the bottom, smiling up at you. “Why…I…I-I don’t understand. You’re really just going to let me stay here? Without committing to anything?”

His face fell, brow furrowing. “You’re really starting to scare me, Y/N. When’s the last time there was someone decent in your life?”

“I’m not sure anymore,” you said quietly. “The idea of someone like you being so kind crosses a lot of wires in my head.”

“That’s why you keep freaking out when I’m not a dick and give you space.” You nodded, fidgeting with the bottom of your shirt again. He smiled, reaching up, offering his hand again. You let yours slip into it, Russell lacing your fingers together. “Well, I ain’t like other men, sweetheart. I promise you that.”

“Why me?” you asked, taking a step down, putting you at eye level with him. “I mean, why wouldn’t you want someone normal?”

“A normal girl sounds boring. Now queen of darkness? That sounds like a woman that’s badass enough to put up with me. Let’s stop freaking out, go make lunch, and let me try to help you what you want to do, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Perfect.” He pecked a kiss on your cheek, pulling you along after him. “So. Has a man ever cooked for you?”

You shook your head, Russell frowning. You yelped when he picked you up and sat you on the kitchen counter, caging you in with his muscular arms on either side.

“Alright then Y/N Y/L/N. I’m about to make you the best goddamn lunch of your life.” Before he could move, you wrapped your legs tight around his waist, keeping him so, so close. Russell’s gaze turned heated, eyes darkening. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” you breathed out, Russell leaning in close.

“Don’t take me unless you plan on keeping me. Based on our previous conversation, we are not there.” Slowly, you unhooked your legs, Russell straightening, looking you up and down, eyes no less dark.

“Russ?” He stared at you, licking his lips.

“Fuck it.”

And then he slammed his lips to yours, stealing your breath away in the goddamn best kiss of your life.

_________

A/N: Read Part 4 here!

[witchygagirlwrites]

Ace & Upstead- Part 2

Jay Halstead x Reader x Hailey Upton (Reader nicknamed Ace)

Part of Ace Verse

You find out news that rips your world apart and you know you can't tell Jay and Hailey. Will, however doesn't mind confronting them.

Warnings: Mention of someone considering ending a pregnancy (DON'T YELL AT ME YET)

You loved waking up with Hailey curled up to you and Jay snuggled up to you both. You had been living with them for a few months, when your lease came up for renewal you simply didn’t renew it. You were spending more time at their place than yours anyways. Jay had a storage unit that he offered you for anything that wouldn’t fit in their place that you wanted to keep and you sold your furniture.

They were everything you’d never even known to dream of. Having one person to love you like that was something you honestly never thought you would achieve, then to have two amazing people to fall in love with you? Two amazing people want you the way they did? It was unreal. At times you were waiting for the dream to end, for the gotcha to happen. Yet it never did. They truly were in love with you.

Whether it was curling up on the couch, dancing in the kitchen or something as simple as a quick kiss before a raid. Small ways to show you that they meant it when they said they loved you. That was what terrified you so damn bad when you got to work, sat down at your desk and realized the date. 

You were four days behind on starting your period. Normally that wouldn’t be a big deal but you were regular. Hell you and Hailey took your pills together every morning. Jay used condoms. You couldn’t possibly be pregnant. 

You looked across the bullpen where the two of them were doing reports, the conversation about that very subject filtering through your mind:

 “We are nowhere near ready for kids” Hailey laughed and Jay nodded in agreement. You cut your eyes up at Adam “Oh, I agree with Hails. One day maybe but any time soon, that is a negative” “It would take a lot of planning before a baby could ever be brought into the mix, it would flip our entire world upside down. Change everything. Somethings we just aren’t ready to give up” Jay laughed as you took a sip of your beer and nodded. 

“And if an uh oh happened?” Adam asked, looking at Hailey and she laughed around her beer “Um? Cry, a lot..pass out? Wake up, cry some more?” Jay started laughing and pointed at her with his beer “That, same answer” you laughed “Same goes for me” 

_____________________

“Yo Ace?” you were thankfully broke out of your thoughts by Kevin calling you. You looked up and he nodded to the steps. “We gotta go reinterview that witness” you nodded “Ok” 

You walked over to Hailey’s desk “Hey baby” she looked up and smiled “Yeah?” “I’m rolling with Kev” you told her and felt your heart flip when she said “Be safe” you walked around her desk to press a quick kiss to her lips. She smiled against your mouth. 

When you pulled away from her you walked over to Jay, “Be safe baby” he told you before pressing a kiss to your lips. “Always” you told him and followed Kevin down the stairs.

After you left the witness you cut your eyes at Kevin when the two of you got to a redlight “Can we stop at that CVS on the corner?” he nodded “Of course” you smiled “Thanks, just gotta grab some period supplies” he nodded “Two women in one house, I imagine you do” you winked at him “It runs out fast”

He turned his blinker on when he got to the corner and turned into the CVS. “I’ll wait out here” you laughed “You don’t wanna shop for tampax?” he shook his head “You got that sweetheart. Grab me a drink?” “I got you” you told him with a smile and climbed out of the car. You tried to ignore how your heart was pounding in your ears. You were indeed buying Hailey more tampons because you knew she needed them but you were also doing something else while you were inside.

__________________

You headed for the feminine hygiene aisle as soon as you got in the store. You grabbed the box of tampax then scanned the shelf. When your eyes landed on the EPT test, your hands shook when you reached for it. You took a deep breath and headed for the front. You grabbed you and Kevin both a soda.

The lady scanned everything and after you paid you cleared your throat “Is there any way I can use your restroom?” she eyed your purchases before saying “Seeing which one?” you shrugged “Basically” she nodded “Normally I’d have to make you leave the bag up here but since you have that detective shield, I’ll let it slide this time”

She reached down and handed you a key “It’s back near the pharmacy” “Thank you” you headed for the back of the store and shot Kevin a text that the register was messing up and it was gonna take a few extra minutes. Of course he was ok with it and just texted back Take your time

_______________

You laid the test on top of the toilet paper dispenser after peeing on it and finished using the bathroom then fixed your pants and washed your hands. You had just finished drying them when the alarm went off on your phone. You tried to ignore the urge you had to puke before you walked back into the stall and picked up the test, you dropped it the moment you looked at it and stood there staring down at the two pink lines like it was something that was going to come to life and rip you limb to limb.

You were pregnant. Fuck, how had you gotten pregnant? Jay and Hailey didn’t want kids right now, even if they did, Hailey should be the first to have Jay’s child. She’s his wife. You couldn’t be pregnant. They didn’t want this, they wouldn’t want you. They would hate you for this.

You had to get your emotions under control. Just lock it down. You had to, for the two people you loved. You had to be strong.

When you walked up the stairs to the bullpen you headed straight for your desk. You couldn’t look at Hailey or Jay. You may fall apart. The moment you sat down it seemed,  Jay stood up and walked over, sitting on the edge of your desk “Hey princess, what ya doing?” you kept your eyes on your reports as you said “Just reports Jay” 

You kept your voice steady, despite the storm going on in your heart and mind. “Are you ok?” he asked and you raised your eyes to look at him “I’m fine” he nodded slowly then leaned closer, lowering his voice “Ace, baby I know you” you nodded and didn’t mean to but snapped at him “I said I’m fine Jay. Please let it go” 

You saw the look of hurt in his eyes when he said “Ok but you know you can talk to me right?” you nodded “I know” you tried to soften your voice, you didn’t want to let on anything was wrong. He nodded and stood to walk back over to his desk. You didn’t miss the way him and Hailey shared a look but you were already planning in your head. You wouldn’t do this to them.

Hailey had tried to talk to you too and you had managed to keep your voice softer with her and tried to convince her nothing was wrong. You waited until about thirty minutes before everyone was due to get off to head into Voight’s office.

You knocked on the open door and when he looked up you asked “Can I talk to you boss?” he nodded so you stepped in and closed the door “I feel really sick and I don’t want to worry Jay and Hailey. Any way I can take off and maybe get some medicine in me?” he nodded “Go ahead kid” 

__________________

You walked back out of his office and grabbed your jacket then headed for the stairs, ignoring Jay and Hailey’s confused looks. You walked down the stairs and out to your truck. You had to move fast but you could get it done.

The moment you got into your truck you called the La Quinta to see if you could get a reservation for a few nights. You needed a place to stay until you could get your head on straight. You would find a clinic tomorrow or the following day. You wouldn’t wait long.

You moved through the apartment with your overnight bag on your shoulder.You already loaded your two duffle bags. Anything else you could come back for in a week. You would call Voight in the morning for a furlough. You reached for the handle and felt your heart hit your feet when it turned. 

_______________________

“Ace?” Jay and Hailey both spoke at the same time. Their eyes went from your face to the bag on your shoulder. “Baby, what’s going on?” Hailey asked.

You swallowed hard, you had to do this. You loved them with everything. This was the only way to keep any of them loving any of you.  You had to make sure they wouldn’t want you back. “I knew this would never work in the long term. I don’t know why I ever let my place go. I’ve been looking for a new one. I’m going to be staying at the La Quinta until I can find a new one. Jay, I’ll take over paying for my storage unit”

“Baby, we’ll fix it. Whatever we did, we can make it right” Jay promised, taking a step towards you and when you flinched away from him he froze, you may as well have slapped him with that reaction and that made your heart fall to your feet.  “What happened?” Hailey asked and seeing them both with tears in their eyes broke your heart further. “I love you both with everything, please know that. I just can’t do this” you pushed past them, practically running to your truck when they both came behind you, calling your name.

You stopped at the driver’s side door to throw your bag in, they were stopped a couple feet away. “Just come back in, talk to us” Hailey begged and you shook your head “Love each other Hails, please” you looked at Jay “I love you Jay” and looked back at her “I love you too Hailey, just let me go”

You climbed in your truck and pulled away. You couldn’t stop the tears when they started. You knew you couldn’t have a baby by yourself, you damn sure couldn’t hide it from them so that quite literally pushed you into a corner. You only had one option. 

You had to get rid of the only proof you had that they’d ever loved you. That was the only way to at least still be capable of the three of you being in the same unit. You just had to get through it. They didn’t need to know. They would never know.

_________________

Once you got to the La Quinta and you checked in you sat on the bed in your room staring at the wall. You couldn’t sleep. You’d gotten used to having Hailey and Jay right there. 

You were pregnant. You had to get rid of it. In the blink of an eye your life had flipped upside down. You slowly laid down on the bed, willing sleep to take you. You just wanted to be unconscious. You wanted to wake up and this entire thing be a horrible nightmare.

You must have finally dozed off because your phone alarm went off, waking you up. You fumbled for it and hit Voight’s number. After a moment he answered “Yeah Ace?” “Um I need a week furlough?” he was quiet for a moment then asked “Any particular reason?” 

“Personal issues” you muttered and he made a sound of acknowledgement. “Ok, see you in a week”

You laid your phone down and ran a hand down your face.

“What could have pushed her away?” Hailey asked Jay, the two of them hadn’t slept much. They were used to you being there. “I honestly have no idea” Jay whispered.

Hailey pushed herself out of bed, headed into the bathroom. She stopped when she saw the new box of tampons. If you were planning to up and leave them, why buy her tampons? Why tell them you still loved them?

None of this made sense. You were happy that morning. All of you were happy. What had gotten into your head? “FUCKING RUZEK!” she hollered and Jay slid around the corner, his eyes wide “You think the other night in Mollys? When he was asking all those questions about our plans for the future?”

Hailey nodded “Did you not see her face when he asked if we had a chance to marry her if we’d divorce each other to do so? She looked horrified” Jay felt anger flicker to life in him “I’ll fucking kill him” “Not if I get to him first”

Jay and Hailey stormed into the precinct. Trudy stopped them at the front desk “You two know why your third took a furlough?” they looked at each other, their anger worsening  “No, but we have some idea” Trudy nodded “Well fix it. She’s my favorite. I want her back” 

_________________

They headed for the gate, taking the steps two at a time, Hailey even keeping up with Jay despite the height difference. “ADAM” They both hollered and he turned with a smile that quickly dropped “What did I do?” “You fucking caused Ace to leave us you son of a bitch” Jay lunged for him but Kevin grabbed him.

“Woah, I didn’t do that!” Adam defended and then Hailey made a jump for him “All those damn questions made her doubt her place with us!” and Kim grabbed Hailey, dragging her back.

“What the hell is going on out here?” Voight asked, coming out of his office to two of his detectives, holding the other two off from killing the fifth “I don’t know boss. I swear I didn’t do shit to Ace!”

Before anyone could say anything else Will came storming up the stairs then. “Will?” Jay sounded confused before his brother snatched him out of Kevin’s hands and slammed his back into the wall “YOU STUPID MOTHER FUCKER”

Everyone took a step back because Will was the calmer Halstead, his temper didn’t flare like this. Kim let Hailey go so she stepped closer to her husband and brother in law. Will looked from Jay to her “You two told her you loved her. You swore to her that she was just as important to you as you were to each other” “She is” Jay told him and Hailey nodded “She is Will”

Will shook his head and leaned close to Jay “Why did I bump into her leaving a clinic an hour ago with a prescription for mifepristone and misoprostol, crying her fucking eyes out?” “Will, what is that?” Hailey asked and he laughed bitterly “A first trimester abortion cocktail” 

“What?” Jay’s heart felt like it had been dipped in ice. Abortion? You were pregnant? You weren’t even going to tell him? Weren’t even going to tell Hailey? He looked at Hailey and shoved Will away from himself before they both ran for the stairs. You were staying at the La Quinta. They’d flash their badges if they had to in order to get your room number. Maybe you hadn’t done it yet, maybe they weren’t too late.

Part 3

[vixxiesims]

ꕤ teya lannister

lady teya lannister, 128 AC

teya lannister was born to jason and johanna lannister in the spring of 111 AC. she was their first child and eldest daughter. johanna had many a miscarriage before the birth of teya, jason had started to arrange to wed another if johanna kept failing to give him a child. her birth was a miracle, if you asked her parents.

lady teya lannister, 128 AC

teya lannister was more than her parents were expecting. she learned to ride young and was taken with horses from childhood. she often snuck off to lannisport, trying to see if she could hide well enough in any of the ships to have them set sail with her. they never left the dock, her personal guard cerion clegane had made sure of that.

she was known to cause trouble around casterly rock. climbing the cliffs, riding her horse too fast through the courtyard, shooting arrows in the middle of the night. johanna was never amused by her antics, she'd expected more from her daughter. they had a strained relationship, and half the time jason paid his daughter no mind; he had wanted a son.

lady teya lannister, 128 AC

when she came of age, johanna had wanted the best match for her. teya had sabotaged anything her mother arranged. wether it be near-missing the poor boy with an arrow, or being to loud with her own ideas around his parents. so, she was still a maiden at the age of eighteen, not by her mother's lack of trying.

to remedy this, she was sent to kings landing in 129 AC. her uncle tyland lannister had gone with her, to take over his brother's duties on the small council. johanna had hoped that teya would learn how to be a lady -- that any noble house would take notice of her and ask for her hand in marriage.

omg heyyy. so, i decided to do a little intro to my hotd self insert. i'm so seriously mentally ill and insane i want you guys to know that my brain is absolutely rotted. anyways, i haven't used tumblr in years so if my posting style changes don't mind that at all. ALSO, i've decided to use a diff filter for my pics so they'll be looking more similar to this from now on.

thats all bye <3

[zero-and-crew]

1, 8, 14, 17, 20, 28, 42, 54 - :3c🃏

1. What's your favorite thing in your room?

Other than Skull Beary (<3) id have to say either the eyeball or the creeper fridge, tbh. Or our bones! But Slull Beary Takes the cake for fictive reasons :)

8. Favorite coping mechanism?

Uhhhhh, hm. Well. There's always ignoring the problem!

14. What's something surprising about you?

I'm gay. (/JOKE)

A lot of people (irl) tend to get really surprised when I slip through and say something really mean. Honestly sometimes I surprise myself, and most of the time it's unintentional. But sometimes I'll say something like, okay here's. An example (suicide mention)

We all know Connor Murphy kills himself in Dear Evan Hansen. Well, when we went to see it live the other night, The Bitch in our system commented on the reaction to Murphy's suicide in a sort of "i relate in a way" kind of a way. And then I just said something along the lines of "Well, unlike Connor, everyone was happy you died."

It wasn't intentional. Just kinda happened. Shocked him lol. Similar instances have happened around irls, where I've said something brutal without realizing.

17. do you want any tattoos? if so, where, what and why?

YES YES YES PKAY SO LIKE. ough obviously I want a wing tattoo on my back, it'd be really cool.

shentezzu has also shown some anatomy drawings of her peri and irep too, and like. There's this kind of star pattern that's on *Peri*'s back, but not ireps. But irep wears it on his jacket......... It'd be a lil cool to get, tbh.

I'd love to get his piercings too,, ough. especially the tongue one.

and another idea was suggested by an irl, getting a little fairy / anti-fairy crown (and mayhaps matching wand..) near the ear .

20. What's your ideal date?

Oh that's hard. I dunno really, I guess it depends? I'd rather it be a chill date, and not something overly fancy or anything. I'm a food whore so maybe add some food /silly

Tbh I think just vibing and having a good time would be good enough for me :) also a hammock will make anything better instantly.

28. What are you best at?

Doing things out of spite. We're actually like, slightly functional now because I changed a lot out of spite. Our bathtub is usable, we have a water filter. We drink water at HOME now too, Alex was complaining that the soda tastes bad now even. Teeth habits improved etc.

All because I got pissed off by how Alex was running things before lmao

42. What's one thing you wanna do but haven't done yet?

Cleaned our room, or. Our side of the house in general. Also, cut back on some of our subscriptions. For fun I'd have to say getting a tattoo though, we've tried to save money but we only have like... 300 bucks for it? And the artist were looking at is a bit pricey.

54. What's your best hottake?

Well. I have a lot of those, apperantly. Like, Peridale sucks, or Irep isn't abusive. Uhhhhh what else have I said. Oh, AC isn't abusive either. That's one, weirdly. Or that Chloe isn't actually a bad character. But those are all FOP ones for real life id have to sayyyyy

Sometimes you have to be bored. It sucks ass, dick and balls, but it's a good skill to have. Especially if you want to have an office job, or a job in customer service during the slow season.

I've been bored most days at work lately, for hours on end and it SUCKS because I have to put up with people I don't like while doing so, but it's whatever I get paid to do it. And, I know if I keep talking or try to doodle it keeps the bad things away :) until something actually happens, like work to do or a random knife attack. Or I suddenly gain the power to nuke my workplace and go home early /silly

[almostscentedtimemachine]

Energy Effectiveness Matters: How Correct Air Conditioning Service Can Conserve You Cash

Introduction

In today's world, where energy expenses are ever-increasing, making sure that your cooling system runs effectively is more crucial than ever. Correct a/c service not only extends the life expectancy of your system however also significantly minimizes energy expenses. Energy effectiveness matters, and comprehending how to preserve your HVAC system can cause substantial savings. Throughout this short article, we'll check out the value of regular air conditioner upkeep, discuss typical a/c issues that arise without appropriate care, and look into how you can maximize your https://g.page/r/CaQaVmfOlArYEBM/ energy performance.

Energy Performance Matters: How Appropriate Air Conditioning Service Can Save You Money

The Significance of Energy Efficiency

Why Needs to You Care About Energy Efficiency?

Energy performance isn't simply a buzzword; it's a need in today's economy. By using energy-efficient systems, you can substantially decrease your monthly utility expenses while decreasing your carbon footprint. Research studies have actually shown that homes can conserve numerous dollars annually by optimizing their a/c systems.

Sustainability: Lower energy usage directly translates to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Cost Savings: Effective home appliances take in less electricity, leading to lower bills. Enhanced Comfort: An efficient HVAC system preserves constant temperatures throughout your home. Understanding Your Air Conditioning System

What Makes Up an Air Conditioning Unit?

To appreciate how proper a/c service conserves you cash, it's vital initially to understand the components of an air conditioning unit. Here's a breakdown:

Compressor: Circulates refrigerant through the system. Condenser Coils: Release heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. Evaporator Coils: Absorb heat from inside the house. Expansion Valve: Manages refrigerant flow. Air Handler/Fan: Disperses cooled air throughout your home. Common HVAC Issues That Cause Inefficiency

What Are Some Signs of a Malfunctioning AC?

Many homeowners ignore alerting signs until it's far too late. Here are some typical indications that recommend you might need air conditioning repair:

Inconsistent cooling Unusual sounds (hissing or banging) Increased energy bills Moisture around the unit Strange odors

Ignoring these symptoms might lead to expensive repair work or complete system failure.

Benefits of Regular air conditioning Maintenance Preventive Procedures Save Money

Regular upkeep can prevent minor concerns from intensifying into major issues requiring pricey repairs or replacements.

What Does Routine Maintenance Include? Changing Filters Cleaning Coils Inspecting Ductwork Checking Refrigerant Levels Testing Thermostat Settings

By investing in routine upkeep, you're essentially protecting yourself versus unanticipated repair costs.

Cost Ramifications of Neglecting Your A/c System

How Much Can Poor Upkeep Expense You?

[esotericfaery]

Quick Update: Venus Currently in Aquarius & Her Epiphany-Type Gift to Me

I decided to ask women on Reddit of all places, if I fit somewhere gender / sexual identity wise.

Though I didn’t know that ace was short for asexuality, that’s where I’m at. A few people said things that really helped click it into place for me. I feel like a huge weight is off and that dating any man all of these years was socially & media-pushed brainwashing which I’ve finally finished deprogramming myself from. I know I’m not a weirdo, and I feel more like my natural self than ever. I don’t care if people will judge.

Transiting Venus in socially conscious Aquarius is exactly conjunct to the degree my natal Saturn (responsibility & mature stability), Mercury (sharp-mind, concise communications), Descendant (the way I want others to view me as regards dating etc.) and Vertex (fate). They’re opposite my natal Ascendant, which is the purest conception of oneself through a cosmic filter.

I’m REALLY starting to like how easy it is for me to work with and resolve things through this anaretic opposition which is well known to be, intense to say the least. The anaretic placement is one at 29°-30°. It’s at the cusp of a sign and / or house (for me it’s both). This type of critical degree indicates karmic completion; an ending in the areas of that sign / house, and in the 1st and the 12th for this situation, this is purely self-identity and the intuitive faculties melding together.

Venus in Aquarius is an amiable social butterfly, but doesn’t have any interest in too much of that mushy stuff. She’s a logical choice to help me resolve my self-identity. My natal Venus in Leo (in the 5th house of, among other things, dating), will be forever changed because of this. My natal Venus has sextiles to the above oppositions placements. The sextile is ease without trying; before I knew Astrology, I would never understand why it was so easy for me to get male attention, and yet it never ended up feeling right in the long run.

Dating was performative for me; the typical Pisces Ascendant thing about naively being of service to others, to the point of becoming a doormat, coupled with Aries Ascendant on the other side of the cusp; reckless choices involving sexuality.

With the 12th house involved, as that’s a deeply mysterious house and for some odd reason people find mystery to be sexy, that’s another reason that when I was dating, it was easy for men to become infatuated with me.

It’s all resolved. Now, I look at men, and they’re just women with flat chests LOL. Now I can just admire anyones looks as art, and mistaken bodily “needs” won’t cloud my judgement.

I’m seeing more in my transit chart which explains this, but I won’t make this post too long.

Gratitude to my supportive Ancestors, Venus, and all involved in helping me find freedom from societies expectations.

[funnuraba]

H5N1 update of the day that I know no one wants to think about: a Michigan farmer has released information about the actual conditions of an infected farm for the first time. (Report is here.) Turns out:

All along, the CDC has been severely downplaying how ill the cows are getting; some are dying of dehydration, others having spontaneous abortions

FARMERS HAVE NO IDEA THE DISEASE IS AIRBORNE. They're focusing only on fomite transmission. As a result, the infections are spreading to every cow despite the efforts this one farm made to keep them safe. Workers on the farm are all being constantly exposed to the airborne virus, with no safeguards except washing their hands.

I would expect the CDC to keep outright lying to us, failing to track H5N1, and failing to tell anyone about the actual ways to prevent spreading this incredibly dangerous pathogen. Fomite transmission will probably be a thing, but you also need high quality respirators and protection for your eyes. Trust me when I say the CDC doesn't care if you live or die at this point. You all are gonna have to spread this information on your own. Find non-CDC sources who are already doing the work on Covid. Human-to-human transmission is coming, and it'll be happening for a while before we know it's here.

Other good things to have around besides respirators, your number one best friend, always make sure you're getting a good seal;

CO2 detectors: the higher the CO2, the more infectious viral particles lingering in the air will become. For example, airplanes are a major source of infection that tend to have horrific CO2 levels, sometimes in the 2000s. (You're shooting for somewhere around 600, I believe; this does not mean there's zero risk of infection! If you unmask near someone infectious, with good CO2 levels, you can get infected!) Aranet is the Covid Conscious standard, but there are also cheaper brands out there. Focus on circulating air by opening windows or doors.

Air purifiers with HEPA-grade filters. These clean particles from the air. (Also good for pollen, pet dander, wildfire season, etc.) Wear an N95 when you clean or change the filter. For Covid you want something that cleans five times an hour; I don't know if H5N1 will be the same.

MERV-13 fabric: you can place this stuff over vents in your home to act like a respirator for the vent. I've seen someone say lower levels like MERV-10 work just as well, but can't confirm. I've also seen people using these as curtains for their doors in situations where non-maskers live in the same house; I can't confirm that works either.

Your HVAC or heat pump or whatever you have: For Covid this should be set to ON, not Auto, which will keep recirculating the same air. This also goes for your car's AC and heat. ON, not Auto!

An elastomeric mask: These are more hardcore reusable masks with P100 filters better than the N95s. Make sure you think your purchase through; I got a P100 a while back, but it turns out it doesn't work with my glasses! I did wear it around the house when I got Covid, though.

KNOWING YOUR PETS CAN ALSO CATCH IT AND SPREAD IT: Keep your cats inside and your dogs WAY AWAY from dead animals or birds, period. Pets have been catching Covid and suffering the same aftereffects this entire time. Cats exposed to H5N1- infected raw milk have a 100% death rate so far!

[splitminiusa]

My Ductless Heat Pump is Not Cooling My House

The most common reasons for a mini split to not blow cold air in the summertime are the wrong thermostat settings, a refrigerant leak, or a clogged condenser coil. Each of these problems requires very different solutions — and costs. Proper maintenance prevents most of them. Your mini split should keep your home at a constant temperature no matter how hot it gets outside. But, if something’s wrong with it, the air coming through the air handlers may not feel cool. Or, there’s no circulation at all.

Wrong Thermostat Settings

Leaving your system on a winter thermostat setting, or using the wrong features, can result in no air coming through the air handlers. Or warm air when you want cooling. Ensure each air handler’s thermostat is set to “Cool” and “Auto.” If it’s still on “Heat, or if the temperature is set too high, you won’t get any cooling. Meanwhile, “Fan Mode” circulates the air without heating or cooling it.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter in each air handler catches dust and dirt from the air as it enters your unit. When that filter gets too full, it won’t allow the air to pass through. When warm air doesn’t pass all the way through the system, it doesn’t get cooled. Clean your air filters once a month whenever your mini split is running. And, every three months when it’s not. If the filter is visibly clogged or very dirty, it’s been too long between cleanings.

Refrigerant Leak

If there’s a refrigerant leak, then there’s nothing moving the heat out of your air handler. Warm air enters the system, doesn’t get cooled, and recirculates at the same temperature. Related: The Signs (And Risks) Of A Mini Split That’s Not Installed Properly. Call your HVAC company if you notice a hissing sound or chemical smell near your heat pump or air handlers. You won’t see any refrigerant because it will be warm and in gas form.

Clogged Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is the part in the air handler that draws the heat from the air as it passes through the unit. But, the coil can get clogged with tiny particles that make it past the filter. Mold and bacteria buildup are also very common. These contaminants prevent air from passing over the coil, which means there’s no way to remove the heat from it. Once again, the result is the air recirculating without any cooling.

If you’ve never had your mini split cleaned before, start there. It’s a different service than a repair, and often cheaper. And, since a dirty system also causes other problems, which we’ll talk about in a moment, the cleaning also addresses those other issues. If you’ve checked the filter and thermostat, and there aren’t any signs of leaks or other problems, start with a cleaning.

TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM YOURSELF

- Check the thermostat batteries. They might be dead. Pop in some new ones, and your AC should start right up.

- Reset the circuit breaker. Head over to the breaker box and see if any of the breakers have tripped. If one has, check for shorts in the wiring connected to that circuit. If there aren’t any shorts, set the breaker back into place. Your mini-split might start working again. If the breaker keeps tripping, consider whether other devices or equipment are connected to the same circuit as the mini-split.

- Check for ice on the coil. The system can shut off if airflow is so restricted that ice forms on the AC coil. In most cases, ice on the coil means it’s well past the time you changed your air filter. If there’s ice on the coil even though the air filter is clean, you may have other problems that require an HVAC professional.

[climatecomfortsolutions]

Common Signs Your AC Needs Professional Repair

If you've lived through even one southern Ontario summer, you know how quickly things can go from bearable to unbearable without a working air conditioner. Here in Kitchener-Waterloo, our summers can bring heat waves that push indoor comfort levels to the edge. You might think your AC is running just fine until suddenly, it isn't.

A common issue we see at Climate Comfort Solutions is homeowners ignoring the early signs that their system is struggling. Before you know it, you're left sweating it out while searching online for AC repair, hoping someone can show up quickly.

We want to help you spot the early signs of AC trouble before it turns into a full system failure. Let's walk through the most common indicators that it’s time to book an air conditioning service, and why acting early can save you time, money, and frustration.

It’s Blowing Warm Air

This one sounds obvious, but it’s surprising how many people overlook it. If your AC is blowing air that isn’t cool, even when the thermostat is set correctly, that’s a red flag.

Warm air can point to several issues:

A failing compressor

Refrigerant leaks

Duct problems

Please don’t wait and hope it fixes itself. You likely need air conditioning repair to determine the cause.

If your AC has become the loudest thing in your home, it’s time to call for AC repair in Kitchener and get it checked out before the damage worsens.

Your Home Feels Humid, Even with the AC On

One of the main jobs of your air conditioner, aside from cooling, is managing indoor humidity. If the air inside feels sticky or clammy, your unit isn’t functioning correctly.

Humidity issues can lead to:

Mold growth

Poor air quality

Discomfort and respiratory irritation

We often see homeowners in Kitchener-Waterloo think it’s just “summer air,” but the reality is that a properly working AC should keep that under control. It’s best to book an air conditioning service to restore proper function and improve your indoor air comfort.

Your Energy Bills Are Rising

If your energy bills are climbing, but your usage hasn’t changed, your AC may be working overtime due to internal inefficiencies.

Here’s what might be happening:

Dirty coils

Clogged filters

Leaky ductwork

Failing components

You’re not only paying more, but you're putting unnecessary strain on your system. A thorough air conditioning repair can help restore efficiency and lower your bills over time.

The AC Keeps Turning On and Off

Frequent cycling, also known as short cycling, occurs when your AC turns on and off more frequently than usual. This puts extra wear and tear on the system, reducing its lifespan.

This can be caused by:

A faulty thermostat

Electrical problems

Incorrect unit sizing

Refrigerant issues

This is a problem we often see in Kitchener and Waterloo, especially in older homes with aging units. It’s a good time to search for AC repair and get someone out to take a look.

Uneven Cooling Throughout the House

Do you have one room that feels like a fridge and another that feels like a sauna? That’s a sign your AC isn’t distributing air properly.

Uneven cooling can stem from:

Poor insulation

Blocked or leaky vents

Duct issues

An improperly sized unit

This is a common complaint we hear during air conditioning service calls, and we can usually resolve it with a system inspection and targeted repairs.

Water or Moisture Around the Unit

Any pooling water or signs of excess moisture around your AC unit are a sign that something’s off. It could be a blocked drain line or, in some cases, a refrigerant leak.

Moisture problems can quickly escalate into:

Water damage

Mold growth

Component rusting

Don’t ignore moisture near your indoor or outdoor unit. It’s better to call for air conditioning repair before it turns into a bigger issue.

The Thermostat Isn’t Responding Properly

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the unit itself, but with the thermostat. If your thermostat is:

Not reading the right temperature

Unresponsive to settings

Showing error messages

…it might be time for a repair or replacement. We've seen several homes in Kitchener-Waterloo where the thermostat was the root of the cooling problem.

Foul Smells Coming From Vents

If you notice an unpleasant smell when the AC kicks on, don’t ignore it. It could be:

Burnt wiring

Mold in the ducts

A clogged drain

Any odour from your vents is worth investigating. Booking an air conditioning service can help clear up the issue and prevent potential health problems.

Your Unit Is More Than 10 Years Old

Even the best-maintained AC units have a shelf life. If yours is over 10 years old and needs frequent air conditioning repair, it may be more cost-effective to consider replacement. But first, a professional inspection can help determine if repairs are still worth the investment.

When to Call for Help

We understand that it's tempting to ignore minor issues, especially during a busy summer. However, delaying repairs can lead to higher costs and increased discomfort down the line. If you're experiencing any of the above issues, it's time to seek AC repair and consult an expert.

At Climate Comfort Solutions, we don’t just handle outdoor living; we also make sure your indoors stay cool and comfortable. Our trusted team can help diagnose, repair, and maintain your cooling system with honest, upfront advice. Whether it’s a quick fix or a deeper issue, we’ve got your back.

Serving the Kitchener-Waterloo Community

We live and work right here in Kitchener-Waterloo, so we understand the local climate and the kinds of issues our neighbours face. Whether your system is brand new or nearing the end of its life, regular air conditioning service can help extend its lifespan and keep your home comfortable all summer long.

If you're unsure whether your unit needs repair, don't hesitate to call us. It’s always better to have peace of mind than to be caught off guard during the next heatwave.

Final Thoughts

Your air conditioner is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Treating it with care and addressing minor problems early can prevent major headaches later on. Don’t wait for a complete breakdown to take action.

We’re here to help you stay cool, no matter how hot it gets outside. If you need an AC repair in Kitchener or want a routine air conditioning service, we’d be happy to take a look.

Let’s make your home the comfortable retreat it should be, efficient, quiet, and most of all, cool.

FAQs

1. How do I know if I need air conditioning repair or a complete replacement? If your AC is over 10 years old, needs frequent repairs, or doesn’t cool evenly, it might be time to consider a replacement. A professional air conditioning service can assess whether a repair will extend its life or if a new unit would be more cost-effective.

2. What should I do if my AC is running but not cooling my home? Check your thermostat settings, filters, and vents first. If everything appears normal and you’re still not getting cool air, schedule an air conditioning repair to inspect for issues such as low refrigerant, a broken compressor, or blocked coils.

3. Is it normal for my AC to make noise? Some light humming or soft cycling sounds are expected. However, if you hear grinding, banging, or clicking, it’s time to search for AC repair; those noises often signal parts that are loose, damaged, or worn.

4. How often should I schedule an air conditioning service? We recommend an annual air conditioning service, ideally performed in the spring before the onset of heavy summer use. This helps catch minor issues early and keeps your system efficient, especially in areas like Kitchener and Waterloo, where the weather can change quickly.

5. Do you offer AC repair in Kitchener and Waterloo? Yes, we proudly offer AC repair in Kitchener and throughout the Waterloo region. Our team at Climate Comfort Solutions is local and ready to provide fast, reliable service when your system isn’t performing as it should.

[southmenarchitecturalblog]

A Day In The Life Of A Solar Glazed Home

Imagine waking up in a house where the morning sun softly streams through the windows, bathing your room in a gentle glow — no harsh sunrays, no sweltering heat. Just light, comfort, and peace. This is what it’s like to live in a solar glazed home, where smart design meets daily life. From the first light of day to the evening wind-down, solar window glazing isn’t merely a feature; it’s an upgrade to your lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll explore a typical day from a homeowner’s viewpoint, illustrating how solar glazing enhances comfort, saves energy, and boosts overall well-being throughout the day.

A gentle wake-up

With solar glazing in place, bedrooms can now fill with soft, calming light in the early morning — no harsh beams or jarring brightness. East-facing windows equipped with solar films allow daylight to enter gradually, supporting a natural circadian rhythm that encourages a more restful, alert start to the day. There’s no longer a need for heavy blackout curtains. The soft light gently signals it’s time to rise, while clear outdoor views of gardens or skies can still be enjoyed without squinting or retreating behind blinds.

Breakfast in a sunlit kitchen

Kitchens and dining areas with large windows often face the challenge of becoming too hot during sunny mornings. Previously sweltering evening in the mornings, these spaces now benefit from solar glazing that lets in daylight without the heat or glare. Mornings become more pleasant, whether it’s sitting at the table comfortably without dodging sunspots or reading a tablet screen without reflections. The entire space feels more functional and welcoming, offering a cool and calm start to the day.

Focused work in the home office

Natural light is ideal for workspaces, but unmanaged sunlight can cause discomfort — glare on screens, overheating, and overuse of air conditioning. With solar glazing, these issues are dramatically reduced. Glare-free, softened daylight fills the room, keeping temperatures stable and reducing the need for constant AC use. This results in a productive, energy-efficient environment that also allows for a clear, uninterrupted view outdoors — making remote work or focused tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Lunch without the heat

Around midday, west-facing windows often invite in the harshest sunlight, turning dining areas into overheated zones. With solar glazing, the light is softened and the temperature remains steady, eliminating discomfort. Meals can now be enjoyed in a pleasant setting, free from sweaty afternoons or the need to close curtains. The space is transformed into a warm, inviting zone perfect for slowing down and relaxing during lunch.

A midday reset in the living room

Afternoon sunlight can make large-windowed living rooms feel like greenhouses, discouraging use during peak hours. Solar window glazing changes this dynamic by filtering and diffusing the light evenly across the space. The result is a consistently comfortable temperature and a golden glow that enhances the ambiance. The room becomes a perfect place to stretch, read, or unwind. Even indoor plants benefit from the soft, nourishing light — thriving in an environment that supports both nature and calm.

Exercise without the heat

Home gyms or exercise rooms with sun-facing windows often suffer from overheating, especially in the late afternoon. With solar glazing, these rooms receive energizing daylight without the stifling heat. There’s no need to lower blinds or skip evening workouts. The space remains usable year-round, offering motivation and physical comfort whether stretching, running, or lifting. What was once a room to avoid in warmer months now becomes an asset in the wellness routine.

Dinner without the discomfort

Sunset glare can make dinnertime frustrating, with blinding rays bouncing off surfaces or directly hitting seated guests. With solar-glazed windows, this becomes a non-issue. The lighting remains soft and stable, eliminating discomfort and temperature spikes. The dining experience is calmer and more relaxed, providing a serene environment to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy evening meals peacefully.

Cozy evenings without the mess

Without the need for bulky drapes or stacked blinds, interiors feel more open and visually tidy. This minimalist window treatment approach contributes to a sense of calm and order. Whether it’s watching a movie or curling up with a book, the room remains evenly lit without flickering shadows or sharp light contrasts. The ambiance is steady and soothing, even as the sun goes down, bringing a consistent, grounded atmosphere to evening routines.

Living in a solar glazed home

Solar glazing redefines the way homes interact with light and space. Rather than blocking out sunlight entirely, it offers the ability to welcome it in, on controlled terms. The daily benefits go far beyond aesthetics: improved comfort, better sleep patterns, reduced heat reliance, and lower energy bills all contribute to a more peaceful lifestyle. With no need for constant adjustments or heavy treatments, interiors remain bright, cool, and effortlessly serene. By simply rethinking the role of windows, solar glazing provides a solution that transforms homes into sanctuaries — spaces that feel calmer, brighter, and far more liveable without costly renovations or complex technology.

Thinking about solar glazing for your home? If you’re in Bangalore, enhance your living experience with solar window glazing in Jayanagar from Southmen. Choose from a range of high-performance options — including reflective films, tinted coatings, and clear UV-protection layers — tailored to your needs. Known for expert installation and premium architectural films, Southmen helps you create interiors that balance peace, energy savings, and sunlight beautifully. Let the light in — just the right amount!

Resource : Read More

[viciouslyraggedsphere]

The Most Effective Ways to Lower Your Cooling Bills This Summer

Introduction

Summer is here, and with it comes the sweltering heat that drives many of us indoors, seeking refuge in the cool comfort of air conditioning. However, with rising temperatures also come rising energy bills. If you've ever opened your monthly statement only to be greeted by a number that makes you gasp, you're not alone. Many homeowners have found themselves asking: How can I lower my cooling bills without sacrificing comfort? Well, fret no more! In this article, we’ll explore The Most Effective Ways to Lower Your Cooling Bills This Summer while keeping your home cool and enjoyable.

The Most Effective Ways to Lower Your Cooling Bills This Summer

When it comes to lowering cooling costs during the summer months, there are some tried-and-true methods that can make a significant difference. Understanding how your air conditioning system works, coupled with strategic planning and smart habits, can lead to substantial savings on your energy bill.

1. Regular Maintenance of Your Air Conditioning System

One of the best ways to ensure your AC runs efficiently is through regular maintenance.

1.1 Change or Clean Filters Regularly

Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Aim to change or clean them every month or as recommended by the manufacturer.

1.2 Schedule Annual Inspections

Consider hiring a professional for an annual HVAC inspection. They can identify potential issues before they become costly repairs.

2. Optimize Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat settings play a crucial role in energy consumption.

2.1 Use Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of day, reducing cooling when you’re not home.

2.2 Set Optimal Temperature Levels

According to experts, setting your thermostat at 78°F (25-26°C) while you’re home can effectively balance comfort and efficiency.

3. Enhance Home Insulation

Good insulation helps keep cool air inside and hot air outside.

3.1 Insulate Attics and Walls

Check if your attic has sufficient insulation; adding more could drastically reduce the workload on your AC unit.

3.2 Seal Windows and Doors

Use weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping.

4. Utilize Fans Effectively

Fans can help circulate cool air more efficiently.

4.1 Ceiling Fans vs. Air Conditioning

Using ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC allows you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F without losing comfort.

4.2 Portable Fans for Targeted Cooling

When you're in one room, using a portable fan can enhance comfort without needing to cool the entire house.

5. Block Out Heat from Sunlight https://tailoredmechanical.com/air-conditioning-services/ac-repair/

Sunlight streaming into your home can significantly raise indoor temperatures.

5.1 Use Curtains and Blinds Strategically

Close curtains during peak daylight hours to keep direct sunlight from heating up rooms unnecessarily.

5.2 Consider Reflective Window Films

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When Uneven Cooling Makes You Miserable, Get an AC Installation Service

There’s nothing more frustrating than walking from a freezing cold bedroom into a sweltering living room—especially when your air conditioner is supposed to be cooling the entire house. Uneven cooling is a common issue in homes, and while it may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can become a serious source of discomfort, inefficiency, and even higher energy bills.

If your home has hot and cold spots that never seem to balance out, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience uneven cooling due to outdated systems, poor ductwork, or simply the wrong type of AC unit for the home’s layout. Understanding the root causes of uneven cooling—and how to fix them—can help you reclaim comfort in every room. In many cases, the solution lies in getting a professional AC installation service.

Common Causes of Uneven Cooling

Uneven temperatures in your home can stem from a variety of issues. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Improperly Sized AC System

Air conditioners need to be properly sized for your home. If your AC unit is too small, it will struggle to cool larger spaces, leaving certain rooms warmer than others. On the flip side, an oversized unit may cool areas too quickly, cycling off before air circulates evenly throughout the house. This leads to inconsistent temperatures and increased humidity, making some rooms feel muggy and others too chilly.

2. Aging HVAC Equipment

Older air conditioning units tend to lose efficiency over time. Components wear out, sensors become less accurate, and the overall cooling capacity declines. If your system is more than 10-15 years old, it may no longer deliver the performance you need, even if it’s still technically functioning.

3. Poor Ductwork Design

Ducts carry conditioned air throughout your home, so their layout and condition play a major role in whether each room receives equal airflow. If ducts are leaking, blocked, or poorly routed, air won't reach all areas effectively. Some rooms may get plenty of cool air, while others are left behind.

4. Multi-Story Homes or Complex Layouts

Homes with multiple floors or sprawling layouts are especially prone to uneven cooling. Heat rises, which can leave upstairs rooms warmer, especially if the thermostat is located downstairs. Similarly, rooms with many windows or those facing direct sunlight often require more cooling than interior spaces.

5. Obstructed Vents or Dirty Filters

Sometimes, the fix is simpler than you'd expect. Blocked vents, closed registers, or clogged filters can all restrict airflow to certain areas. This leads to uneven cooling that worsens over time if not addressed.

The Comfort and Cost Impacts of Uneven Cooling

Uneven cooling isn't just a minor irritation—it can affect your home life in several significant ways:

Disrupted Sleep: Trying to sleep in a room that’s too warm can reduce sleep quality and leave you tired during the day.

Family Disagreements: It’s not uncommon for family members to argue over temperature settings when different rooms feel vastly different.

Higher Energy Bills: When your system works harder to maintain the thermostat setting, energy consumption spikes—especially if rooms aren’t cooling evenly.

Shortened AC Lifespan: Constant cycling and overuse can wear out your unit faster, increasing maintenance costs or forcing premature replacement.

Why You Should Consider an AC Installation Service

If you've already ruled out simple fixes like changing filters or unblocking vents, and your system is still leaving some rooms uncomfortable, it's time to consider an upgrade. A professional AC installation service doesn't just replace your old unit—it provides a tailored solution based on your home’s unique needs.

Here's what a quality installation service typically includes:

Proper Sizing and Load Calculation A certified HVAC technician will conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine exactly how much cooling your home requires. This ensures the new system is neither too large nor too small.

Ductwork Evaluation and Optimization The technician will inspect existing ducts and suggest improvements or repairs. This might include sealing leaks, rerouting ducts for better airflow, or even recommending zoned systems for homes with complex layouts.

Thermostat Placement and Control Upgrades In some cases, relocating the thermostat or upgrading to a smart thermostat can help achieve more consistent temperatures throughout the home.

Energy Efficiency Improvements Newer AC models come with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, which means you’ll get better cooling at a lower operating cost. Some systems also offer variable-speed motors and smart sensors that adjust performance based on conditions.

Getting an AC installation service from a licensed and experienced HVAC provider ensures that your system is customized, efficient, and future-ready. It’s not just about replacing an old unit—it’s about solving the problem at its root.

Other Solutions for Uneven Cooling

In addition to a full system replacement, you might also consider supplemental or complementary strategies:

Zoning Systems: These systems use multiple thermostats and motorized dampers to control airflow to different parts of your home independently.

Ductless Mini-Splits: Perfect for room additions or isolated problem areas, mini-splits provide targeted cooling without major ductwork.

Insulation and Window Treatments: Improving your home’s insulation and using thermal curtains can help reduce heat gain and keep temperatures stable.

These options may be recommended in conjunction with a full AC installation service, depending on your home's specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Uneven cooling can make your home feel anything but comfortable—and the longer it goes unresolved, the more it impacts your well-being and wallet. While temporary fixes may offer short-term relief, the real solution often lies in upgrading your system with professional help. A comprehensive AC installation service addresses the core issues, from system sizing and ductwork to airflow and efficiency.

If you're tired of tiptoeing through temperature zones in your own house, it’s time to bring balance back. With the right installation and expert guidance, every room can be your favorite room—comfortable, cool, and consistent all summer long.

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Why Your Old Air Conditioner Is Costing You More in 2025

Summer heat is hitting harder than ever, and homeowners aren’t just battling soaring temperatures—they’re also dealing with rising energy bills. In Winchester, Virginia, many residents are feeling the pressure. If your electricity costs keep climbing even though your AC usage hasn’t changed, your outdated cooling system could be the real culprit.

At Small Solutions Heating and Air Conditioning, we have observed countless families across Winchester grappling with the problems arising from air conditioning systems that are both inefficient in providing the necessary cooling and overly expensive to operate. Most families do not understand the impact that outdated air conditioning units can have on their energy consumption.

The Problem of Inefficient Air Conditioning Units

Air conditioning systems age just like any other machinery, and an older air conditioning system is similar to how an old vehicle burns more gas to cover the same distance. Parts begin to break down, the amount of refrigerant drops, and efficiency ratings lose their value. An air conditioning system that used to cool the home effectively now runs for long durations, making it much harder to maintain comfortable temperatures while consuming far more electricity.

Cooling systems made after 2010 have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 16 or higher, while systems made before 2010 have a rating of 10 or lower. This means that older cooling systems use 60% more energy than newer systems.  

Winchester's large humidity levels pose challenges to older cooling systems. Our summers force air conditioning units to function twice as hard, not just to cool the air but to remove moisture as well. Because older systems require more energy to cool air, they end up cycling for longer and consuming more energy.  

Warning Signs Your AC Is Wasting Energy  

Inconsistent Temperature Control - Your cooling system is working inefficiently if it has hot spots in certain areas of your home. If the system is cycling more frequently than it should, uneven temperatures and changes will occur throughout the house.  

Frequent Cycling - Pay attention to how often your system turns on and off. Frequent short-cycling in a quick succession wastes an enormous amount of energy and occurs when the system is improperly sized for your home.

Higher Energy Bills - Compare your current energy costs to the previous year during comparable weather. An increase in energy spending with no corresponding increase in energy efficiency often indicates the system is failing.

Diminished Airflow - Reduced airflow makes your system work longer to reach the set temperature. The longer your HVAC systems run, the more energy they require, which increases your electric bill.

How HVAC Maintenance Services in Winchester Help

Regular maintenance is the best strategy to prevent energy losses due to an aging cooling system. HVAC efficiency problems can be diagnosed and resolved long before they turn into expensive visits with regular checkups.

Inspection of All System Components - Comprehensive HVAC maintenance includes inspection of all system components. They check the refrigerant levels, clean the coils, tighten electrical connections, and check for good airflow. These issues, albeit small by themselves, left unchecked, accumulate and disrupt energy efficiency.

Cleaning and Replacing Filters - Dirty Air filters require more work to push air through the system, resulting in a 15% increase in energy use. Regular filter replacement as part of maintenance guarantees better system performance, more efficient operation, reduced power consumption, and smooth airflow.

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance – The evaporator and condenser coils make your machines work harder because they have to achieve a certain amount of heat transfer. Cleaning provides an excellent restoration of optimal heat exchange, which results in lower energy consumption. 

The Cost Benefits of AC Replacement Versus Repair

Many of the aging cooling systems seem to be a tough call for Winchester homeowners as they weigh in on repairing or replacing them. Although repairs seem financially cheaper, they always turn out to be overly expensive long term, in comparison to replacement.

When Repair is a Good Choice - Homeowners having a system less than 10 years old and with small problems usually do better off seeking a professional repair service. Refrigerant leakage, thermostat issues, or general wear and tear of older parts are easy to restore and quite cheap to fix, while also improving efficiency. 

When Replacement is a Must - Older cooling systems over 15 years are usually a candidate for replacement, as they tend to consume a lot of energy. Investing in a new high-efficiency AC unit is a guaranteed way to save energy and energy dollars, as the investment pays for itself usually within 5-7 years. 

Energy Efficiency: Modern AC Technologies

Cooling systems have advanced features nowadays that make the system much more energy efficient than older models. In order to make the system efficient, modern variable-speed compressors adjust their output in accordance with the cooling demand. Operation schedules are optimized by smart thermostats, ensuring maximum efficiency.

Integration with Smart Home Technology - New systems work with smart home devices and let users assess the home’s cooling needs concerning the household's daily activities and the weather. This kind of automated performance lowers energy use when it's not needed while keeping your home feeling comfortable.

Zoned Cooling Systems - Newer zoning technology lets separate areas or rooms in your house be cooled independently. It can lower energy waste in areas that are not used. This precision can save about 20  – 30 % in cooling expenses compared to the traditional single-zone systems.  

Professional Air Conditioner Repair Services In Winchester 

Ignoring noticeable signs of inefficiencies in your air cooling systems can lead to minor issues slowly evolving into great energy sinks, the longer you wait to call in an expert. Skilled professionals are able to find problems accurately and employ solutions that will restore great performance.  

Diagnostic Services

Professional diagnostic services will solve efficiency problems without masking them by identifying the root cause. This method is more effective as every solution is relevant to the problem at hand.  

Emergency Repair Services 

Malfunctioning systems in the scorching summer months can be quite uncomfortable and costly. Emergency repair services mitigate downtime while reducing damage that could impair efficiency for the long haul.

Selecting the Right HVAC in Winchester, VA

Fulfilling your air conditioning system’s servicing requirements with qualified professionals goes a long way in ensuring optimal results and long-term satisfaction. Look for providers with appropriate licensing and insurance, as well as local knowledge on Winchester’s climate challenges.  

Experience

Winchester’s climate has its own specific challenges, which require local knowledge and experience. The understanding of the regional weather patterns, humidity levels, and other common system issues gives providers the ability to deliver more effective solutions.  

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Select HVAC Winchester VA contractors who offer complete services, starting from routine maintenance to emergency repairs and system replacement. This approach maintains service quality and removes the headache of dealing with multiple contractors.  

Lowering Environmental Impact Through Efficient Cooling

Rather than the personal cost saving of an individual, cooling systems have great environmental value. These systems help in saving energy, which in turn decreases the carbon emissions and lowers the strain on the electrical infrastructure.  

Energy Refrigerants

Modern air conditioning systems are now equipped with environmentally friendly refrigerants, which have lower global warming potential compared to older refrigerants. With our newer systems, we are able to efficiently protect the environment from older system replacements.  

Benefits of Energy Grids

Cooling systems help eliminate electrical infrastructure peak demand, thus creating additional reserve for electrical infrastructure. This, in turn, supports grid stability.

Virginia HVAC Solution Strategy

Your home’s specific needs, budget limitations, and future objectives all play a major role in developing a comprehensive cooling strategy. A professional consultation will ensure you make the right decisions regarding maintenance, repair, or replacement, so you are not overspending.

Energy Audits

Energy audits span beyond the cooling system itself. An audit will illuminate insulation improvements, air sealing, or window upgrades that can work alongside efficient cooling systems for maximum energy savings.

Financing Options

Upgrading or installing a new cooling HVAC system is no longer a hassle because of the many financing options made available by contractors. With low-interest refinancing and flexible payment plans, energy-efficient HVAC upgrades are now accessible to more homeowners.

Conclusion

An old and outdated air conditioning system, coupled with worn components and obsolete technology, leads to a significant drain on energy efficiency and a rise in costs. Without proper maintenance, this aging system will continuously siphon funds, exposing homeowners to excessive energy consumption.

Upgrading the cooling systems alongside maintenance and repair offers a dramatic drop in cooling costs while improving comfort. Don’t let energy bills shoot up endlessly; enhance your home's energy efficiency today and enjoy optimal savings tomorrow.

Every homeowner in Winchester knows the challenges that come with overheating problems. Small Solutions Heating and Air Conditioning stands out since we have a reputation for tackling these issues head-on with our experienced technicians. Through our extensive solutions, we aim to maximize comfort, lower spending, and restore productivity. Reach out to us to book a consultation and find out the savings you can achieve through proper cooling system maintenance. 

Trusting professionals with advanced tools allows homeowners to enjoy the rewards of additional savings, tranquility, and better efficiency. Spend money on the right equipment and services to witness lower expenses and enhanced family comfort. Don’t wait until overheating drives your energy bills skyrocketing before investing in an efficient air conditioning unit.

FAQs

How can I tell if my AC is causing high energy bills?A sudden spike in your electricity bill—especially if your usage habits haven’t changed—is often the first sign. Other indicators include inconsistent cooling, frequent cycling, reduced airflow, and loud or strange noises from the system.

What is SEER, and why does it matter?SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system. Older units often have SEER ratings below 10, while modern units start at 16 or higher, using up to 60% less energy.

Is it better to repair or replace an old air conditioning unit?If your unit is under 10 years old and the issues are minor, a professional repair is usually the most cost-effective option. However, systems over 15 years old often consume more energy and are better candidates for replacement due to long-term cost savings.

How often should HVAC systems be serviced in Winchester, VA?It’s recommended to schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year—preferably in the spring—before the summer heat peaks. Regular servicing keeps your system efficient and helps prevent costly breakdowns.

Do new AC systems lower energy bills that much?Yes. Modern AC units with higher SEER ratings, smart thermostats, and zoning capabilities can reduce energy bills by 20–40%, especially in hot and humid regions like Winchester.