Why You Should Replace Your 20-Year-Old AC

July 26, 2023

With the summer heat on the way, homeowners in Peoria, IL, know they need their home’s AC ready to go. For those with aging AC systems, this naturally leads to questions about whether it’s time for a replacement. But many homeowners are reluctant to replace their working AC systems, even if they’re more than 20 years old. However, that’s what they should do, and here’s why. Massive Efficiency Gains On average, a 20-year-old residential AC system will have a SEER rating of 10. Today, you can’t legally purchase a central AC with a SEER rating below 14. That means replacing your old AC with a new one guarantees you a minimum 28.6% energy efficiency gain. And if you want even more efficiency, you can easily buy a new AC with a SEER rating of 20 or higher. Increased Reliability No matter how well you’ve maintained your aging AC, it’s bound to break down soon. That means you could face the prospect of spending a small fortune on repairs just to avoid facing the summer heat without AC. By installing a new AC now, you can prevent that and guarantee that you’ll have reliable AC for many summers to come. You’ll...

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Possible Reasons Why Your AC Is Running But Not Cooling

June 12, 2023

There are several reasons why your AC may fail to work. The bad news is that it may fail to work when you need it the most. If your AC fails to blow cold air into your home, do not panic, as it does not always mean it has run into a complex problem. You can do some simple troubleshooting when a problem occurs. Here are some reasons why your AC runs but does not blow cold air. 1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings If your house is getting a lot hotter, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. Check the temperature setting and ensure it has not been adjusted. Furthermore, the thermostat may display inaccurate temperature readings, which means you will be wasting much energy trying to keep your home at optimal temperatures. Erroneous thermostat readings also mean that it cannot control the temperature inside your home effectively. 2. Dirty Air Filter Your AC has an air filter that prevents airborne particles from being circulated inside your home by filtering them out. It also ensures that the components of the system are clean. A dirty air filter restricts normal airflow, resulting in warm air circulating in your home. In...

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AC Tune-up: What’s Included in an AC Service

May 15, 2023

Air conditioners require regular maintenance, just like any other mechanical system in your home. During an AC tune-up, a technician will inspect and clean several key components of the system. Here are the basic components of an AC tune-up: Cleaning the Evaporator and Condenser Coils The condenser coils and evaporator coils are responsible for releasing or absorbing heat from the air in your home. If the coils get too dirty, they will become less efficient, and your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home. Inspecting Electrical Connections The electrical wiring and connections in your AC should be inspected and tightened to ensure they are not loose. This helps reduce the risk of a short circuit or other electrical problems leading to expensive repairs. Checking Freon Levels The technician will check the refrigerant levels in your unit. If the levels are low, Freon can be added to get your system back up and running at peak efficiency. In some cases, the Freon may need to be replaced. If there are any leaks in the line that carries the refrigerant, the technician will locate and repair the leak. Testing Thermostat Accuracy Your thermostat is responsible for controlling when...

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Tips for Establishing the Right Maintenance Schedule for Your AC

April 24, 2023

Maintaining a high-performing and efficient air conditioner in your Peoria, IL home starts with diligent care. From regularly changing dirty air filters to scheduling AC tune-ups, there’s much to keep track of. To make things a bit easier, the following are several tips for establishing the right AC maintenance schedule. Check Your Air Filter, AC Condenser, and Air Vents Monthly Filter changes are one of several AC maintenance tasks that homeowners can easily manage on their own. You should check your AC air filter once each month. If this component is covered in a thick buildup of lint-like debris, replace it with a clean one. This is also a good time to inspect the air registers, air vents, and air grilles throughout your home. These may be coated in lint-like material, too. If they are, use your vacuum cleaner and its hose attachment to suction this debris away. You can also wipe these components down with a damp cloth. When you’re done with your monthly AC maintenance indoors, take a quick trip outside. Make sure that your air conditioner’s condenser has no less than 2 feet of clearance on all sides. Trim back all bushes, trees, and other foliage growing...

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Is the Ductwork in Your Home Bad?

March 17, 2023

There’s a blower motor inside the furnace of your HVAC system. It’s designed to move heated or cooled air from your furnace into the air ducts that are installed throughout your home. That air then passes out through the vents in your various rooms. If something is wrong with your air ducts, there are a few problems that can develop. This includes higher bills resulting from energy inefficiency. Having your ducts inspected can help determine if they’re in need of repairs or maintenance. In the meantime, here are some warning signs to watch out for. Uneven Temperature Distribution The temperature inside a house should be consistent. When some rooms are hotter or colder than others, a problem with the ducts might be to blame. There could be loose or damaged ductwork near the affected room, resulting in poor air distribution. Strange Sounds From the Air Ducts Noise shouldn’t be coming from inside of your air ducts. If you notice whistling noises from the ducts, this could indicate that there’s debris or obstructions inside your ductwork. Whistling could signal that the ducts require repairs, as the noise may reflect air escaping through damaged sections. Odd Smells You should never ignore odd...

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4 Cons of a Smart Thermostat

February 10, 2023

A smart thermostat reads a building’s patterns and adjusts heating and cooling to ensure optimal comfort and energy use. Nevertheless, the device has its fair share of disadvantages. The following are some cons of a smart thermostat. 1. High Upfront Cost The cost of buying a smart thermostat is usually higher than that of a manual or programmable thermostat. This high cost can make the thermostat unaffordable to some customers. Even though a smart thermostat can help save energy bills, recovering its initial purchasing cost can take a long time. 2. Security Issues As with any internet-connected device, a smart thermostat can pose security issues to consumers. The smart device can be a potential gateway for criminals to access your building’s network and your private information. Fortunately, manufacturers are making more secure smart thermostats to prevent malicious activities. 3. Hard to Install Unlike a typical thermostat, a smart thermostat is not easy to install. Besides dealing with exposed wiring, installing a smart thermostat also requires one to know its compatibility with different heating and cooling units. Certain settings also have to be made to get the device up and running. Hiring professionals to install a digital thermostat for you is...

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What are the 4 Major Indoor Air Pollutants?

January 19, 2023

Did you know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? While most pollutants come from the outdoors, some are generated within our homes and offices. These include radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, and biological pollutants. Let’s discuss these four major indoor air pollutants and how you can protect yourself from them. 1. Radon Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally. It is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in non-smokers and accounts for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Fortunately, radon levels can easily be measured with a radon test kit or professional help from a local radon mitigation company. 2. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from burning fuel. The most common sources are appliances such as boilers, stoves, and heaters that use combustible fuels such as oil, wood, or gas. Unvented kerosene space heaters also emit large amounts of CO into the air. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure all fuel-burning appliances are vented properly and that your home has working carbon monoxide detectors installed on each floor. 3. Biological Pollutants Biological pollutants include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and viruses...

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The Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Your Home

December 20, 2022

Many clients who call us to their Peoria homes are concerned about their household temperature. However, the technicians at know there is more to home comfort than the reading on the thermostat. Poor indoor air quality can heavily impact your quality of life. Dust and Allergens On a sunny day, you can watch dust floating in your air. The visible particles consist of fibers, hair and dander. On a smaller scale, you may also find pollen grains and other allergens. These substances can trigger cold-like symptoms and asthma issues in people who are sensitive. Installing more efficient air filters and air purification equipment will reduce the levels of these common irritants. Mold Spores Mold develops in any place there is extra moisture. Once a colony establishes itself, it sends off spores that allow it to grow larger. This organism will damage fabrics, stain your walls and give your home a musty smell. Some mold strains can cause allergic reactions and other health issues. Using ventilation fans in your bathroom can help prevent mold and mildew. However, the best mold prevention comes by controlling your home’s humidity. The team is happy to talk about our humidity solutions. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)...

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Dangers of Clogged Furnace Filters

November 18, 2022

Switching out your furnace filters regularly is a great way to protect your HVAC system from serious damage. A key function of these filters is to trap particulates. However, your filters also stop debris and lint from accumulating inside the HVAC cabinet. Here are a few of the ways a clogged filter can harm your furnace and even stop it from functioning. Increases Energy Consumption Your heating system requires a constant supply of air to be able to produce and distribute heat. When your HVAC filter is clogged, more debris can make its way into the system. Your furnace then has to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. Not enough airflow also increases how long your furnace has to run. This puts stress on the system, leading to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs. Freezes Evaporator Coils In a healthy system, internal condensation will dissipate as air moves over it. However, a clogged filter can cause this moisture to freeze on the evaporator coils. Once this ice starts to melt, it will drip down into the furnace, causing issues like mold or rust. If rust spreads to your heat exchanger, you may have to replace the...

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3 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Is Making a Banging Noise

October 20, 2022

When the Peoria, IL winter is in full force, it’s important that your furnace is running smoothly. After all, you’re probably relying heavily on the heating system to keep your household warm and comfortable. So, when the appliance starts behaving strangely, it’s always disconcerting. In some cases, a furnace that’s having mechanical problems will start making strange noises, which can indicate a variety of issues. One of the most common furnace sounds is a banging noise, and there are a few things that could potentially mean. 1. Dirty Burners Over time, it’s relatively normal for your furnace’s burners to become dirty. If not addressed, though, that can start to cause problems. If enough dirt and debris are allowed to build up, it can result in the furnace making a loud banging noise when the burners attempt to ignite. Essentially, these noises are small explosions that are taking place inside the appliance. Ideally, you should have your furnace’s dirty burners cleaned by professionals as soon as possible to prevent more serious problems from occurring. 2. Fan Blockage For your home’s furnace to push warm air around the household, it needs its fan to have a clear pathway and be working properly....

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