Check Out Our Blog | Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning

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

Which Costs More to Run: A Boiler or a Furnace?

February 4, 2025

When it comes to heating your home, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of running your system. Boilers and furnaces are both common heating choices, but which one is more affordable to run? The answer depends on several factors, like the size of your home and how efficient the system is. At Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Peoria, IL, we can help homeowners like you weigh the pros and cons of each heating system to find the most cost-effective option for your needs. The Efficiency Piece: Boilers vs Furnaces When comparing costs, one of the

Are Heat Pumps Any Good In Winter?

January 3, 2025

Heat pumps, unlike other heating systems, consume no fuel. They’re all electric and rely on heat energy in the outdoor air to keep homes warm. When most homeowners hear that, they immediately assume that heat pumps are a warm-weather technology. After all, how can you heat a home using the heat from freezing winter air? Here’s what you need to know about today’s heat pumps and whether they can handle the Illinois winter. Where Heat Pumps Get Their Heat To understand heat pumps, it helps to think of the concepts of heat and cold like a

Blog

Contact Our Specialists