THE BIG READ · THE BUSINESSThe $25,000 Bond Isn't the Whole Story: California License Bonds and LLC Worker Bonds Explained
California's contractor license bond is $25,000, but it doesn't protect you, and LLCs owe a second $100,000 bond. Here's what each one actually covers and costs.
By Michael Senderovich · 8 min read
MONEYWhy Customers Who 'Already Know What's Wrong' Pay More: A Field Experiment Inside the Repair Market
A field experiment in the repair market found customers who self-diagnosed paid more, not less. What credence-goods pricing means for honest shop owners.
THE BUSINESSSell the Repair, Not the Replacement: A Consultative Playbook for the 2026 Customer
How to sell the repair, not the replacement, to cost-conscious 2026 customers: honest repair-vs-replace consulting that builds trust, repeat business, and referrals.
Departments
95 news · 81 guides · 7 interviews
Vornado Recalls 255,000 Tower Heaters After Eight Fires
Vornado recalled about 255,000 SRTH tower heaters after 8 fires and 32 overheating reports. The fan blade can detach and cause the unit to overheat and ignite.
HVAC
Furnace Blowing Cold Air: 7 Causes and How to Fix Each
A furnace blowing cold air usually has a simple cause, starting with a thermostat set to ON instead of AUTO. Here are the seven reasons it happens and how to fix each.
REPAIR GUIDES
5 Sentences That Protect Your Repair Business in Court
Five plain-English contract clauses that protect your repair business: scope of work, pre-existing conditions, liability limits, written change approval, and payment terms.
Why Is My AC Freezing Up? 6 Causes of a Frozen Evaporator Coil
An AC freezing up almost always comes down to airflow or refrigerant. Here are the six reasons a frozen evaporator coil forms, which fixes are DIY, and when to call a pro.
Read all 81 repair guides →Guides, news, and business tips for appliance repair and HVAC pros — every other Tuesday.