How Can I Make My Old Gas Furnace More Efficient?

July 18, 2024

Maintaining an efficient gas furnace is crucial for keeping your home warm during the cold months without breaking the bank on energy bills. If you have an older gas furnace, there are several steps you can take to improve its efficiency and ensure it runs smoothly throughout the heating season. Schedule Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance is essential for the efficient operation of any gas furnace, especially older models. Scheduling annual check-ups with a professional technician helps identify and fix any issues before they become major problems. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of your system. Change Filters Frequently Dirty filters can significantly reduce the efficiency of your furnace. We recommend checking your furnace filters every month and replacing them at least every three months, or more often if they appear clogged. Clean filters allow for better airflow, which improves the furnace’s efficiency and helps maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Seal Ductwork Leaky ducts can cause heated air to escape, leading to energy loss and decreased efficiency. Inspect your ductwork for any visible leaks or damage and seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant. Ensuring your ducts are properly sealed can...

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How Can I Tell If My HVAC Blower Motor Is Bad?

June 5, 2024

A malfunctioning HVAC blower motor can disrupt your home’s heating and cooling system, leading to discomfort and potential damage. At , we want to help you identify the signs of a failing blower motor before it causes significant issues. Here’s how you can tell if your HVAC blower motor is bad. 1. Weak or No Airflow One of the most obvious signs of a bad blower motor is weak or no airflow coming from your vents. If your HVAC system is running, but you notice little to no air coming out, it could be due to a malfunctioning blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the ducts and into your living spaces. When it fails, the airflow is significantly reduced or stops altogether. 2. Strange Noises Unusual noises coming from your HVAC system can also indicate a problem with the blower motor. Listen for grinding, squealing, or banging sounds. These noises can result from worn-out bearings, a loose belt, or other internal issues within the motor. If you hear any strange sounds, it’s essential to have a professional inspect your system to prevent further damage. 3. Inconsistent Temperatures A faulty blower motor can lead to inconsistent...

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How Do I Prepare For a Furnace Installation?

May 15, 2024

Are you gearing up for a new furnace installation in your home? Proper preparation can help ensure a smooth and successful installation process, allowing you to enjoy efficient heating and comfort. Here’s how you can prepare for a furnace installation: 1. Choose the Right Furnace Before installation day, work with your HVAC contractor to select the right furnace for your home. Consider factors such as heating capacity, energy efficiency ratings, fuel type (gas, electric, or oil), and any additional features you may need. Your contractor can recommend the best options based on your home’s size, heating needs, and budget. 2. Schedule a Professional Assessment Arrange for a professional assessment of your home’s heating system and ductwork. A qualified technician can determine if your existing ductwork is compatible with the new furnace or if any modifications are needed. They will also ensure that your home’s electrical system can support the new furnace’s power requirements. 3. Clear the Installation Area Clear the area around the existing furnace and the designated installation space. Remove any obstacles, clutter, or furniture to provide easy access for the installation team. This includes clearing a pathway from the entry door to the furnace location. 4. Make Room...

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How Does Ductwork Get Damaged?

April 8, 2024

Ductwork, the unsung hero of your home’s comfort system, plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and regulating temperatures. But just like any other component, it’s not immune to wear and tear. In this blog, we’ll explore the common culprits behind ductwork damage and what you can do to prevent it. 1. Age and Wear Over time, ductwork naturally deteriorates due to age and constant use. The materials may degrade, joints can loosen, and seals may crack, leading to air leaks. This wear and tear can compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system, resulting in uneven heating or cooling and increased energy bills. 2. Poor Installation Improper installation is a significant factor in ductwork damage. If the ducts are not sized correctly or installed with care, they may be prone to leaks, kinks, or damage from pressure imbalances. It’s essential to hire experienced professionals, like us at , to ensure that your ductwork is installed correctly the first time. 3. Moisture and Humidity Excess moisture in the ducts can lead to mold and mildew growth, which not only damages the ductwork but also poses health risks to you and your family. Leaky ducts or high humidity levels can...

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Is It Better To Leave The AC On All Day?

March 5, 2024

Have you ever wondered whether it’s more energy-efficient to leave your air conditioner running all day or to turn it off when you’re not home? It’s a common question that many of our customers here in Peoria ask us. Let’s dive into this topic and shed some light on it! Understanding Energy Efficiency First things first, let’s talk about energy efficiency. As a homeowner or business owner, it’s essential to find ways to keep your energy consumption in check, not only to save money but also to reduce your carbon footprint. Your air conditioner plays a significant role in your energy usage, especially during the hot summer months here in Peoria. The Myth of Leaving the AC On Some people believe that leaving the AC on all day is more energy-efficient than turning it off when you’re not home. However, that’s not entirely accurate. Running your AC non-stop can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, resulting in higher utility bills. The Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat One of the best ways to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while maximizing energy efficiency is by using a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set specific temperature preferences for different times...

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What to Expect From Your HVAC Contractor

February 1, 2024

When it comes to ensuring the comfort of your home, partnering with the right HVAC contractor is crucial. At , we understand the significance of this decision, and we’re here to guide you on what to expect when hiring an HVAC professional. The Initial Consultation During our initial meeting, we take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns. Whether it’s a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning issue, we believe in open communication to grasp the nuances of your situation fully. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have and provide a clear outline of the services needed. Thorough Inspection and Assessment Once we’ve gathered the necessary information, our skilled technicians conduct a comprehensive inspection of your HVAC system. This step allows us to identify any existing problems, potential issues, or areas that could benefit from improvement. We believe in transparency, so we’ll walk you through our findings, explaining the necessary repairs or upgrades in a way that’s easy to understand. Customized Solutions Every home is unique, and so are its HVAC needs. At , we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we tailor our recommendations to your specific requirements, taking into account factors like your home’s...

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How Poor Air Quality Impacts Infants

January 8, 2024

A baby’s immune system is incredibly sensitive, which means that poor indoor air quality can harm his or her health. Therefore, if you are a new or expecting parent, it’s essential to take steps to make the air in your home as clean and healthy as possible. Sources of Poor Indoor Air Quality You don’t have to be messy to suffer from poor indoor air quality issues. If you have a pet, it will likely shed a lot of hair, fur, and dander into the air and onto various surfaces around your house. If you have flowers or other plants in the house, they may release pollen into the air. Finally, if anyone has smoked in your home recently, particles could circulate your home for days or weeks. Therefore, even if no one has smoked around your baby, it could still result in serious health issues down the road. Health Issues Related to Poor Indoor Air Quality Your baby may develop asthma symptoms or experience an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or other particles. Furthermore, your baby may be more likely to get sick from germs in your home. Everyone in your home could be more likely to develop breathing...

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Is It Necessary to Replace a 25-Year-Old Furnace?

December 13, 2023

If your Peoria, IL, home has a 25-year-old furnace, it may still work reliably. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about replacing it. On the contrary, there are a variety of reasons why it might be a good idea to procure a new furnace. Improved Efficiency On average, a furnace installed 25 years ago would have been about 78% efficient when brand new. However, your 25-year-old furnace is far less efficient than that due to wear and tear. A new furnace will give you a major efficiency boost, saving you significant sums on your heating bills. Reduced Repair Costs Furnaces tend to suffer more frequent breakdowns within the final two years of their lifespans, and few furnaces make it beyond 30 years of use. That means your 25-year-old furnace is bound to start breaking down soon and cost you more to keep running than is worth spending. If you replace it now, you can avoid getting trapped in an endless cycle of breakdowns and repairs. Improved Comfort Even though the technology that makes furnaces work isn’t new, there have been significant improvements to how they operate over the years. That means a new furnace should offer you superior...

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What is the cheapest method of heating a home?

November 17, 2023

When it comes to heating homes in the Peoria area, one of the most pressing concerns for homeowners is which heating solution is the cheapest. Use this guide to understand your heating options and the variables that will affect which will cost the least in utility expenses. Variables That Affect Heating Costs The options typically considered for heating a home include gas furnaces, electric furnaces and heat pumps. Of these options, there are three primary factors that will affect which system will cost the least to operate. System Efficiency For furnaces, the efficiency rating is AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency. This essentially considers how much heat the unit produces compared to what it loses through exhaust. From this perspective, electric furnaces are always more efficient than gas units. However, heat pumps beat both electric and gas furnaces because they transfer heat rather than produce it. These units measure efficiency with HSPF or the heating seasonal performance factor. The heating seasonal performance factor is a ratio of how much heat a heat pump transfers compared to the electricity it consumes. Outside Temperature The outside temperature is a major factor in how much a system will cost to run. Once the...

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Do You Know the Most Common Problem With Furnaces?

October 18, 2023

During Peoria’s cold winter months, furnaces are essential for keeping our houses warm. However, problems may arise, as they do with any complicated system. The most common reason that furnaces break down might surprise you. It’s a dirty or clogged air filter. This seemingly small problem can result in a number of issues, but it is easily avoidable with regular care and upkeep. The Number One Problem: Dirty Air Filters A furnace’s air filter acts as a barrier against airborne particles like dirt and grime. The accumulation of these particles over time reduces airflow in your home. As a result, your home’s heating system will struggle to circulate warm air, which increases energy consumption, decreases efficiency, and may eventually cause system damage. An accumulation of harmful airborne particles also significantly harms your home’s indoor air quality and can lead to major problems for people with allergies or respiratory issues. What to Do About It The answer is shockingly simple: just change your air filters regularly. Experts advise checking them once a month and changing them at least every three months, depending on you circumstances. Pets or a smoker in the house will shorten their useful life. You should replace them...

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