Best Practices to Minimize Wear and Tear On HVAC Systems

December 16, 2020

Having an HVAC system in Peoria, IL, means you’ll stay comfortable during the exceedingly cold winters and the humid summer months. Given the extremes of the weather here, your HVAC system is going to take a beating. To reduce this wear and tear, you must take care of it. Here are five ways to minimize the wear and tear on your HVAC system. 1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly When your air filters get clogged, your heating or cooling system has to work harder to push the air through. This puts unnecessary strain on your

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Why is the Heat Pump Making Odd Noises?

November 19, 2020

Homeowners rely on their HVAC system to work properly to heat or cool their homes. Some may have a general idea about the parts inside the system, and such knowledge could allow a homeowner to keep a lookout for problems. If something’s wrong with the system, noises and other out-of-the-ordinary issues may raise alarms. When the heat pump starts to make odd sounds, a resourceful homeowner knows that the system requires an inspection. Unfortunately, there isn’t one single cause to point at when the unit makes odd sounds, but an experienced HVAC technician may be able to

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6 Reasons Bigger HVAC Systems Are not Always Better

October 20, 2020

Many home and business owners mistakenly believe that purchasing the biggest HVAC system they can afford is always the best solution. This fact is especially true for individuals who are replacing an older system that did not adequately cool the home. The truth of the matter is that bigger is not always better when it comes to purchasing an air conditioning system. There are several reasons you come out much better by choosing a system with a size and design that is a match for the spaces you wish to cool. 1. Frequent On/Off Cycles

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Why Upgrading Your Insulation Is Not a DIY Job

September 20, 2020

Adding insulation to your Peoria home is one of the best investments you can make. Adding insulation will help to keep your home more comfortable, reduce your energy costs, and increase your home’s value. However, all of these benefits assume that the insulation is installed correctly. Therefore, to receive the maximum benefit from your investment, it’s wise to have the pros at Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. take-on your insulation installation project, even if you won’t get the satisfaction of doing the project yourself. Risk to Your Personal Safety Though the process of adding insulation is fairly straightforward, the places

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Eco-Friendly Heating & Cooling Tips

August 8, 2020

Your HVAC system can use as much as 50% of your home’s energy consumption annually. It makes sense to improve its operation while keeping your environment comfortable. Increasing its efficiency and reducing repair costs can put more room in your budget for other projects. We’ve put together a few eco-friendly approaches to enhancing your indoor air experience. 1.Go Programmable Replacing a traditional thermostat with a programmable one is a smart move. Programming your unit to turn off and on during certain times of the day can reduce your utility bill. It can also keep your environment

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Strange AC Noises and What They Mean

July 14, 2020

When working properly, your air conditioner should make minimal noise. It may just produce some light humming sounds while it’s operating. However, if you begin to hear an unusual noise coming from your unit, it may be time to contact your local air conditioner professional. Neglecting the mysterious sounds coming from your equipment could turn minor issues into major, costly expenses down the road. Certain noises could signal anything from the need for a simple tune-up to basic repairs. The sooner you can pinpoint the cause of the noise and resolve your air conditioner issues, the better.

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Summertime Indoor Air Quality Concerns

June 15, 2020

Warm summer weather increases the chances of opening your windows or running your air conditioner. Both actions can introduce irritating or even harmful pollutants into your indoor air. Whether you’re letting in a balmy breeze or cooling off in front of an AC vent, you must contend with numerous pollutants that increase during the summer months. Open windows let in pollen, mold spores, and fine dust particles. These elements then drift throughout your house and settle inside vents. When you shut the windows and turn on the air conditioner, the system blows pollutants back into the air that you breathe.

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Common Indoor Air Quality Myths

May 15, 2020

Indoor air quality may not seem like a big concern, but did you know that the air in your home is up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors? Poor indoor air quality is linked to symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, congestion, and allergic reactions. Here are five common myths you may believe about the quality of your indoor air and the truth behind them. 1. Air Pollution Is Only a Problem Outdoors You hear a lot about smog and air quality concerns in big cities, but did you know

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How Air Purifiers Can Fight Against Viruses and Bacteria

April 15, 2020

With so many advertisements pushing features that seem way too good to be true, it’s hard to trust any product on the market these days. Air purifier manufacturers who claim to have products that can kill airborne bacteria and viruses can seem like a lot to take in. So, is what they say true? Are these air purifiers really delivering on these promises? And if so, how do they do it? The Invisible Enemy: Viruses and Bacteria Before looking at how these systems are able to fight against these microscopic threats, you must understand the basics

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What Are the Most Important Rooms to Have an Air Purifier in?

March 29, 2020

The quality of the air you breathe when you spend time in your home is important. Pollutants, such as particulates or volatile organic compounds, can build up in an indoor space. This problem is especially pronounced during winter months when buildings tend to be sealed from the cold more often. Air purifiers are a great way to remove dangerous particles from the air in any type of situation. Strategic Placement of Purifiers The correct placement of an air purifier is important to ensure you have clean air to breathe. You’ll want to put units in the

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