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.

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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

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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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How to Choose the Right Heating System for Illinois Winters

January 9, 2024

With Illinois’s notoriously cold winters, choosing the right heating system for your house is an important matter. Knowing the ins and outs of various heating systems will help you make the most informed decision possible, especially given that each type has its own set of perks. Here’s a look at the most energy-efficient heating options in Illinois. Geothermal Heating By drawing on the Earth’s constant temperature for heating and cooling, geothermal systems significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to power your heating and cooling needs. While geothermal systems may require a greater initial investment, they

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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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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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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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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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Guide to Keeping Your HVAC System Running Efficiently

February 14, 2023

HVAC efficiency is about so much more than simply reducing your utility bills, although that’s critical with variable utility costs. Even more so, efficiency is about keeping your home comfortable, reducing the number of repairs, and extending the system’s service life. Use this guide to consider some of the best ways to improve your system’s HVAC efficiency. Change Your Air Filter Foremost is keeping an eye on your system’s air filter and replacing it when it gets visibly dirty. Once contaminants are visibly collecting on the filter surface, it restricts airflow into your system, making it

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Do Heat Pumps Require More Maintenance Than a Furnace?

November 17, 2022

Which Requires More Maintenance: A Furnace or Heat Pump? It’s no doubt that heat pumps offer incredible benefits with superior efficiency. However, there are several aspects beyond efficiency to consider when installing a new heating system, including how much maintenance it will require. Discover why maintenance is important and the differences between maintaining a furnace and a heat pump. Why Do HVAC Systems Require Maintenance? The first thing to understand is why HVAC systems require maintenance in the first place. Whether you’re talking about a furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner, all of them

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