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Should You Install a Gas or Electric Furnace?

December 3, 2025

Is a gas or electric furnace better? The answer to this question might be another question along the lines of, “Better for what?” There are advantages and disadvantages to both gas and electric furnaces. Before deciding which kind you should install, you need to understand all those advantages and disadvantages and consider what’s most important to you. How Do Gas and Electric Furnaces Work? Gas and electric furnaces are similar in many ways. They both heat air and distribute it throughout your home or commercial building via ductwork. They both regulate temperature with a thermostat. However, there is

What Is Considered An HVAC System Emergency?

November 5, 2025

Bloomington, IL has a humid continental climate. With warm, wet summers and frosty winters, every heating and cooling problem can feel like an HVAC emergency. But while some issues warrant the extra cost of after-hours HVAC service, others do not. Read on to find out what qualifies as an HVAC emergency and what to do when urgent problems arise. Extreme, Unsafe Temperatures In winter, Bloomington temperatures can dip as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If your heater won’t turn on, schedule heating service right away. Living in a house with no heat could lead to burst pipes or

What Are The Symptoms Of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

October 7, 2025

The air you breathe indoors can hide unseen threats. Bad smells, mysterious allergies, and constant dust can all signal trouble. At Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Peoria, IL, we help homeowners spot these hidden issues and restore fresh air in every room. An Increase in Allergy Symptoms Sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and a runny nose often point to seasonal allergies. However, these symptoms can also indicate an indoor air quality problem. When these symptoms persist even after closing doors and windows and staying inside, airborne irritants may be the culprit. Dust mites nesting in carpets can trigger allergies. Pet dander circulates

Can It Be Expensive to Use a Fireplace?

September 5, 2025

Having a home with a fireplace can create a great ambience for relaxing on a cold winter’s night. However, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to wonder if they should use their fireplace as their main source of wintertime heat. Below, our heating services team will assess the costs associated with a fireplace and whether it’s a viable home heating option for your household. Types of Fireplaces One of the biggest factors that will play a role in the total cost of running your fireplace is the type of fuel you use. There are generally three types

Ways To Save on Air Conditioning Costs in the Summer

August 6, 2025

When the heat outside cranks up, your AC often does the same indoors. Using innovative options to stay comfortable without overworking your system can prevent your energy bills from rising similarly. At Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Peoria, IL, we help homeowners fine-tune their cooling habits and make adjustments that lead to real savings. Use Fans to Give Your AC a Break Fans don’t cool air, but they circulate it through your space, which makes your body feel cooler. That helps because it means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable. A ceiling fan

Which Is Better For My Home: Heat Pump vs Mini-Split?

July 9, 2025

When it comes to getting an HVAC system for your home, you have many options. Two of the most popular are the heat pump and ductless mini-split systems. Below, we’ll discuss what each of these systems is and help you determine the best one to fit your needs. Heat Pumps Heat pumps are a dual-purpose HVAC system that can allow you to enjoy comfortable heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Heat pumps have an indoor air handler unit, ductwork, and an outdoor condenser unit. During the summer months, your ductwork will bring hot

What Are The Most Effective Cooling Systems?

June 3, 2025

When you decide it’s time to invest in an air conditioning system for your home, there are many options out there. Understanding which ones are the most efficient can allow you to minimize your energy expenses while enjoying optimal comfort in your home. Below, we’ll discuss the different units so that you can make a better-informed decision about which one is appropriate for your household. Types of Cooling Systems There are three types of cooling systems you can purchase, which include a central air conditioner, a heat pump, and a ductless mini-split system. All of these

Differences Between A Whole-Home Dehumidifier And Humidifier

May 5, 2025

The humidity in the Peoria, IL area can vary from day to day and throughout the year. This can impact your indoor humidity, along with things like cooking and bathing. When humidity levels in your home are too high or too low, this can cause issues like allergies and physical discomfort. Luckily, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that can help control indoor humidity. Indoor Relative Humidity Levels The relative humidity in your home should always remain between 35% and 50%. If you allow levels to rise, this can promote the growth of mold. High humidity can

Can I Deduct A New HVAC System From My Taxes?

April 2, 2025

Upgrading your HVAC system is a big investment, and tax benefits can help make it more affordable. Depending on the type of system you install, you may be eligible for tax credits or deductions that help offset the cost. If you’re getting a new HVAC system, it’s a good idea to see if you can get any tax benefits. Tax Deduction vs Tax Credit A tax deduction lowers your taxable income, limiting the amount of your income that’s subject to tax. A tax credit, on the other hand, directly lowers the amount of taxes you owe.

Should You Get Your Indoor Air Quality Tested? What You Need to Know

March 1, 2025

Dust, mold, and other tiny particles can float around unnoticed yet still trouble your health. Indoor air quality testing can give you answers, but you might wonder if it’s worth it. That’s something the team at Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Peoria, IL, helps homeowners like you figure out every day. Knowing what’s in your air can help you make choices that lead to a cleaner, healthier home. When Dust and Allergens Take Over Do you know that feeling when you wake up with a scratchy throat or your eyes water before you’ve even stepped outside? You might blame pollen or the

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