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Reducing Winter Heating Expenses in Illinois

November 7, 2024

Does the price of your winter heating bills have you stressed out? There are some simple ways that you can cut back on your heating expenses. Your home will remain comfortable, cozy, and safe all season. Seal Your Home Regardless of how old your home is, you are likely to have some cracks and gaps that allow cold air to seep into your home. Also, warm, conditioned air is escaping into the outdoors. Sealing up these areas using materials like spray foam, caulk, and weather stripping can create a tighter home envelope that will save you

The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Heating Systems

October 4, 2024

A wide range of modern heating technologies are available. Let’s explore their advantages and disadvantages and why they may or may not be the ideal choice for your home. Furnaces Forced-air furnaces are still the most common way to heat American homes. Fuel-burning furnaces are the most popular. They cost more initially than electric furnaces but save money long term. That’s due to fuel costs and, potentially, energy incentives. Furnaces provide a hot heat that many people find comfortable. They also deliver consistent heating output no matter the ambient temperature. Furnaces are

Is a Ductless Mini-Split System Ideal for Your Home?

September 4, 2024

With the growing popularity of ductless mini-split systems, many homeowners are exploring whether this option suits their needs. These versatile systems offer a unique solution, particularly for homes without existing ductwork or newly renovated spaces like basements and attics. Whether you’re considering a ductless mini-split for its energy efficiency, ease of installation, or ability to provide targeted heating and cooling, understanding its benefits can help you make an informed decision. What’s a Ductless Mini-Split System? A ductless mini-split system is a heating and cooling system that provides efficient climate control without requiring ductwork. This system

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Allergy Season

August 6, 2024

Allergy season can be difficult if you have allergies to pollen, grass clippings, mold, or pet dander. Even if that’s not the case, it can still be hard on your respiratory system. Keep your home safe by improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). Here are some ways you can boost your IAQ. 1. Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly Your HVAC system’s air filter does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping the air in your home clean. When it is in place, it will remove much of the pollen, dust, dander, and

The Role of Dehumidifiers in Illinois Summers

July 17, 2024

Humidity and heat are hallmarks of an Illinois summer. Although staying indoors will keep you out of the heat, the humidity will likely follow you, making for a miserable and even dangerous living situation. Fortunately, dehumidifiers are here to help, and they have several uses beyond simply making your home easier to live in. How Dehumidifiers Reduce Humidity Dehumidifiers circulate the air through cool coils to remove excess moisture. Cool air condenses on the coils, and the moisture drains away or drops into a collecting tank. The dried air warms to room temperature and then

How to Calibrate Your Thermostat for Optimal Summer Comfort

June 13, 2024

The thermostat plays a critical role in the function of your home’s air conditioner. It tells you how well your air conditioner maintains the set thermostat temperature when it works properly. To ensure it works reliably, you can use these six tips to calibrate your thermostat for optimal summer comfort. 1. Check the Thermostat’s Accuracy Before you calibrate your thermostat, we will check its accuracy in reading the air temperature in your house. To do this, we will turn on your air conditioner and let it run for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes,

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems in Illinois

May 8, 2024

As a homeowner, you want to create a space that is comfortable and inviting for yourself, your friends and your guests. One of the easiest ways to do this is with an energy-efficient HVAC system installed in your house. Let’s take a look at a few of the potential benefits of taking such action. Save Money Now and in the Future You can save money today because an energy-efficient system will drastically cut down on your heating and cooling bills. If you have a furnace or air conditioner in your home that was installed before 2005,

Understanding SEER Ratings and Why They Matter in Illinois

April 5, 2024

HVAC units get a workout in homes in the Central Illinois area, and people often worry about efficiency and cost with their systems running so much. If you’ve ever looked at the ratings for heating and air conditioning systems, then the SEER number was likely front and center. The SEER rating shows up on labels for HVAC units so that consumers can make apples-to-apples comparisons between systems. You may have questions about what the SEER number is and why it’s particularly important to folks who live in this part of Illinois. We have answers. Here’s what you need to know.

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Illinois Homeowners

March 27, 2024

With spring on the horizon around central Illinois, it’s time to begin thinking about preparing your air conditioner for the heat. As you transition from heating your home over the winter, there are some key maintenance tasks that will ensure you maintain your system’s efficiency while reducing your cooling bills and the wear on your system. Use this checklist as your guide to hit all of the important HVAC maintenance tasks before the summer heat settles in. Stow Humidifiers It’s common to use a humidifier to help improve your home’s air quality over the winter, but

The Importance of Proper Insulation in Cold Climates

February 14, 2024

If you live in Central Illinois or its surrounding regions, you are aware of the extreme cold during the winter months. You are also aware of how crucial it is to maintain a cozy and warm house. However, did you know that adequate insulation has uses beyond keeping you warm? There are various advantages of using appropriate insulation in cold areas that you should be aware of. Reduced Energy Costs Lower heat loss from your home is one of the key advantages of having adequate insulation. Your energy bills will decrease as a result of

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