What’s Involved in Multi-Zone Heating and Cooling?

July 20, 2022

With single-speed heating and cooling, your HVAC system heats or cools your entire home to a single set point. There are, of course, disadvantages to this: You may heat or cool unoccupied rooms, and the set point may not correspond with everyone’s sense of comfort. This is where multi-zone heating and cooling can come in. Ducted Multi-Zone HVAC Systems The process of creating multiple zones is easy. You get to decide how many zones there are and what each zone covers. For example, in a multi-level home, you could make each level a zone, or you could create more zones within each level. Every room can be a zone if you wish. To every zone, you get a thermostat, and these thermostats connect to a central control panel. You would then add dampers inside the ductwork. When, with the proper thermostat adjustment, you tell the HVAC system to heat or cool a particular zone, the dampers will open the ducts to that zone while closing off the ducts to the other zones. The Need for a Variable-Speed System We can’t recommend zoning off your home if your HVAC system runs at only one speed. The reason is that single-speed systems...

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The Low Down on HVAC Dampers

June 16, 2022

An HVAC damper is a movable plate found in the ductwork that controls airflow and redirects it to different parts of a building. Concerning their operation, HVAC dampers work like a valve in a dam. The dampers are installed near the end of distribution pipes and usually block air in the ducts. The dampers open to distribute heated or cooled air to different parts of your home to achieve optimal conditions based on your settings. They close to block air from entering certain parts. HVAC dampers can be operated manually or automatically and are mainly used in zoning systems. Read on to learn the different types of dampers. Blade Dampers Blade campers are made of thin metal plates to stop or control airflow inside HVAC systems. There are two types of blade dampers: parallel and opposed blade dumpers. The latter has blades moving parallel to each other, while the former’s blades move in the opposite direction. Louver Dampers Louver dampers consist of parallel blades for regulating airflow. They are compatible with any duct size. Many homeowners prefer them because of their high blocking ability. Butterfly Flat Dish Butter flat dish dumpers comprise a round blade, a central hinge, and a...

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Top Causes of AC Leaks

May 17, 2022

The smell of mold and water puddling around the air conditioner are some warning signs of a leaky unit. Water leaking from your air conditioner indicates an underlying issue. Here are reasons why your AC unit may be leaking water. Clogged Condensate Drain Line Dust and dirt particles that pass through the condensate drain line can clog it. Over time, the buildup of dust and dirt mixes with the moisture from the AC unit and sticks to the inside of the drain line. The mixture prevents the condensation from draining to where it should. Consequently, the drain line backs up and overflows out of the air conditioner. Low Refrigerant When the refrigerant levels are low, it lowers the pressure inside of your air conditioner. Therefore, the evaporator coil freezes and creates a wet mess when it thaws. If you notice bubbling or hissing sounds, you may have an AC unit leak because of low refrigerant levels. Also, if the unit isn’t cooling your home properly, it may be time to check the refrigerant levels. An HVAC professional can detect the leak and fix it early before you pay for a new air conditioner. Air Filter Needs Replacement A dirty air...

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Installing a Smart Thermostat

April 19, 2022

Switching to a smart thermostat can have a significant impact on your energy use and on the energy bills for your Peoria, Illinois home. This device takes the accuracy and efficiency of programmable thermostats a step further by giving homeowners access to learning technologies that collect critical data all the time. With built-in motion sensors and the ability to track your usage habits, a smart thermostat will become increasingly adept at adjusting itself. You can use this device to track changes in your energy use, limit energy waste, and identify the ideal temperature range for your home at all hours of the day and night. However, before you can experience any of these benefits, you’ll need to have your smart thermostat properly installed. Location Still Matters Although the capabilities and performance of smart thermostat remains unrivaled by both standard thermostats and programmable ones, poor placement of a smart thermostat will still negatively impact its functioning. No thermostat should be installed too near: A large window or other source of natural light Radiant flooring Heat-emitting appliances It’s also important to put a smart thermostat for a central HVAC system in a central location. If you have a zoned central heating system,...

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How Do You Assess Your New Home’s HVAC System?

March 18, 2022

Moving into a new home can be an exciting development in your life. As you’re cleaning up the rooms and unpacking your belongings, don’t forget to complete a thorough check of your heating and cooling system. Your family needs constant temperature control to stay safe and protected against extreme highs and lows. Keep these essential tips in mind when assessing your new home’s HVAC system. Personal Assessment While you were likely told basic information about your furnace and air conditioner, you may not know how well they function. Walk around your new home to determine if there are any hot or cold spots. Ensure your thermostat is reading the correct temperature and displays your preferred settings. Check every window for drafts and air leaks. Once you’ve examined the home, move downstairs to assess the heating and cooling system. Evaluate the unit for any odd noises or unpleasant odors. Search for signs of rust, corrosion, or water damage. Any obvious issues should be immediately reported to your local HVAC company. Schedule a Professional Examination Call a professional technician to appraise your heating and cooling system. Use your assessment to point out any areas of concern. An expert will be able to...

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Choosing the Best Furnace Filter

February 15, 2022

Having a high-quality air filter in your furnace can ensure that you have clean and fresh air circulating throughout your home. There are a few things to consider when choosing a filter and several pros and cons to weigh. Different Rating Systems All filters come with an efficiency rating. The main rating system is the MERV number, which is somewhere between 1 and 20. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a measure of how many particulates a filter can remove from the air. You’ll want to get a filter that has a MERV number that is at least 10 to ensure high performance. Understanding Different Types of Filters There are several different styles of filters to choose from. Most furnaces take filters that are 1 inch thick. These filters need to be replaced every one to three months. Filters can come in pleated and non-pleated models, with pleated filters being more efficient at particle removal. You can also choose between getting disposable or washable filters. Choosing to wash your filters as they get dirty can allow them to last longer. Furnace Performance Many high-efficiency filters can negatively affect the performance of your heater. Their increased efficiency levels...

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The Key Differences Between a Heat Pump and a Furnace

January 12, 2022

If you live in Peoria, Illinois or surrounding areas, then you are aware of the importance of a properly functioning heating system during the winter. When it comes to heating your home, you have two popular choices: heat pumps and furnaces. Both of these items have a similar lifespan but operate very differently. The comparison below will help you decide which option best suits your needs. How Heat Is Produced In a gas furnace, heat is produced by burning fuel such as propane or natural gas. An electric furnace functions by blowing air across heated elements. A heat pump operates by drawing heat from the outside air and transferring this heat into your home. The outside temperature is not a factor in whether a heat pump functions or not. Furnaces Are Better in Colder Climates Since heat pumps draw heat from the outside air, the colder the outside temperatures are the less efficient they become. Because a furnace generates heat, it is ideal for colder climates. Furnaces Are Quieter While both heat pumps and furnaces can make some noises, heat pumps are typically noisier. The noise usually comes from the air handler as the compressor cycles on and off. This...

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Heating Your Home: What Size Furnace Do You Need?

December 20, 2021

Do you want to stay warm this winter? If so, then it is time for a furnace upgrade. The colder it gets outside, the more important your furnace becomes. And with so many options out there, how do you know which size best fits your needs? Here is everything you need to know about furnace sizes so that heating your home doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing. What Is the Right Size Furnace for Your Home? To get the right size of furnace for your home, you should know how many BTUs your house needs. The best way to figure out what size of a furnace you need is by measuring the square footage of your home and figuring out its heating load. You may also need a larger furnace if you have a home with more than one level. If your house is on the smaller side, consider buying a 90% furnace instead of an 80%. If you are looking to save money and energy this winter, then upgrade from an older gas or oil system that’s over 12 years old to a new high-efficiency model. What Should I Know About Furnace BTUs? BTU stands for British Thermal...

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How to Prepare Your HVAC System for a Snowstorm

November 19, 2021

It’s important to be prepared for winter weather, including snowstorms. By being proactive, you can keep your home safe and comfortable even when snow piles up outdoors. Insulation and Weatherization Make sure that your home is properly insulated and weatherized. By sealing air gaps and having enough insulation, your HVAC system will perform much more efficiently. This includes having your ducts sealed and insulated. Proper weatherization will help prevent drafts and cold rooms. Regular Heater Maintenance Have preventative maintenance performed on your heater every fall before winter strikes. The technician will clean it, lubricate moving parts and look for potential problems. A well-maintained heater is much more likely to get you comfortably through a snowstorm than one that has been neglected. in Peoria, IL, performs heater maintenance. We’re known for doing outstanding work at a fair price. Outside Vents When snow and ice start piling up, make sure that your home’s outdoor vents are clear of obstructions. This goes for both your heater and water heater vents. This will help your HVAC system operate efficiently and safely. Change Air Filters You should change the filters in your HVAC system at least every few months throughout the winter. Buy a couple...

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Why Is My Heater Constantly Running?

October 13, 2021

It’s nice to have a warm home when the outside temperatures dip, but sometimes, it can get too hot inside. There are some situations in which a heater simply doesn’t turn off. This can become quite expensive, and it can also lead to premature wear and tear on your heater. Here are some reasons your heater may not be turning off. Bad Thermostat One potential cause of the issue is a bad thermostat. When a thermostat has a broken switch, faulty wiring, or a damaged heating sensor, it won’t be able to effectively communicate with your heater. We can take a look at the thermostat to see if it’s the culprit. We can either repair a damaged thermostat or replace it, depending on the circumstances and your preferences. The good news is that a new thermostat might be a big upgrade for you, and it could make it easier to conserve energy. Instead of the thermostat, though, it could actually be a dirty filter. If hot air is getting blocked by dirty filters, your heater will have to work overtime to achieve the same effect. If you’ve set a high temperature, the furnace might run continually. We’ll take a close...

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