6 Effective Ways to Test the Energy Efficiency of Your Home This Winter

December 14, 2023

Winter weather in East Peoria, IL and the surrounding areas is consistently cold. Few days see the mercury rise above freezing, and many residential heating systems are constantly running. With the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reporting HVAC use as accounting for nearly 50% of the average energy bill, testing the efficiency of your home’s energy usage is a must. Fortunately, there are six easy ways to spot energy waste and resolve it. 1. Schedule Annual Heater Maintenance Having your home heating equipment professionally maintained is the easiest and most effective way to limit energy waste

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Get the Best Indoor Fireplace With These 7 Tips

November 14, 2023

Choosing the best indoor fireplace for your home is about much more than looks. You’ll need to consider fuel type, heat output, smart features, safety and so much more. To help you choose one that meets your needs and preferences, we put together a helpful guide. We recommend using this guide and consulting with a licensed heating technician to achieve the best possible results. 1. Fuel Type It’s important to choose the correct fuel for your indoor fireplace. Consider how your option will affect the fireplace’s atmosphere, maintenance needs and running costs before making a final

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What Are the Benefits of Using a Humidifier During the Winter?

October 10, 2023

Winters in East Peoria, IL, are known for cold temperatures, snow, and dry air. This can leave a person with itchy skin and a scratchy throat, in addition to making it difficult to keep houseplants alive during the winter. Many homeowners have seen the benefits of using a humidifier during the winter months to mitigate some of the impact outdoor winter conditions have on indoor air quality. There are compelling reasons to use a humidifier during the winter months. What Does a Humidifier Do During Winter Months? Humidifiers can add moisture to the air in your

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8 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Upcoming Winter Season

September 19, 2023

Winter can be a taxing time on your home in Peoria. Whether you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, or blustery winds, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is up for the challenge of keeping your family warm throughout the coldest months of the year. By taking steps now to prepare your system for winter, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your home is taken care of. 1. Replace the Filter Your HVAC system’s air filter is a crucial element in keeping your home comfortable. It traps dust, dirt, pet dander,

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How Many Times Should You be Replacing Your Air Filters on Your Home

August 14, 2023

Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining the air quality inside your home. They are designed to trap dust, allergens, pet dander, and other airborne particles, ensuring that the air you breathe is clean and healthy. A well-functioning air filter not only keeps the air in your home fresh but also helps your HVAC system operate efficiently. As a homeowner in Central Illinois, it’s essential to understand the significance of regular air filter replacements to ensure your family’s comfort and well-being. Factors Affecting Air Filter Lifespan The lifespan of your air filters can vary depending

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Find Out How a Geothermal Heating System Can Save You Money

July 24, 2023

Are you tired of the soaring energy bills that come with running traditional heating systems in your home? Are you looking for a cost-effective and more eco-friendly alternative? Geothermal heating systems are a popular choice for homes with a wide range of benefits. These innovative systems tap into the constant temperature beneath the earth’s surface to provide year-round comfort in your home while significantly slashing your energy costs. Understanding Geothermal Heating Systems Geothermal heating systems are also known as ground-source heat pumps since they work on a simple yet effective principle. They leverage the constant temperature

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Choosing the Right Type of AC Unit for Your Home

June 14, 2023

If you want to replace your existing AC unit or add air conditioning to your home, you have several options. Central AC units and ductless ACs can be fantastic options depending on the space you want to cool. To help you determine what type of AC unit is the best choice for your home, here is an overview of the various options and the pros and cons of each type. Central AC Units If your home has an existing ductwork system, you can choose between a central AC unit or a heat pump. Heat

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Factors to Consider When Buying a New Boiler

May 15, 2023

Boilers constitute a significant investment in your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. It is important to research the options available before deciding. With so many models and sizes of boilers available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Learn more about what you should look for when purchasing a new boiler: Efficiency Boilers come in different levels of efficiency. Higher-efficiency boilers use less energy and are more cost-effective in the long run, so selecting one with a high-efficiency rating is important. However, when choosing a higher-efficiency boiler, factor in the

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Easy Ways to Get Your HVAC System Ready for the Summer

April 11, 2023

With the first day of summer rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to get your HVAC system ready for the increase in temperatures. Working on getting your system ready now will help ensure that you can enjoy cool comfort all summer long. Plus, with your equipment all tuned up and ready to go, you can rest easy knowing that your unit is operating efficiently. This can help you avoid surprisingly high utility bills later down the line. Follow these tips from your friends at Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to help get your cooling system ready for the dog days of summer.

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Why Do Peoria, IL Residents Need an In-home Air Purification System?

March 15, 2023

A home air filtration system cleans the air in your home of potentially hazardous viruses, bacteria, and other impurities. It also makes it easier to keep your home clean and improves the performance of your air conditioning system, among other unanticipated benefits. Here are a few of the top benefits that you can expect when technicians from Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. install an air purifier in your Peoria home. Minimizes the Risk of Airborne Disease Many germs that make us sick can be present in our air; when someone sneezes or coughs, infectious droplets are expelled. Such

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