How to Read HVAC Gauges

July 16, 2020

HVAC gauges can be a valuable tool for telling you how a system is functioning. These tools are very useful for troubleshooting any heating or cooling system with refrigerant. However, it can be a little tricky to tell what the gauges all mean at first glance. To actually get useful information, you will need to learn how to read these gauges. Reading Analog Gauges The most common type of HVAC gauge is simply the classic analog readout. This style has needles that swivel around to tell the level of pressure in the AC system. The blue gauge will tell you the low-pressures while the red gauge will tell you the high-pressures. In addition to low-pressure and high-pressure chamber gauges, some gauges will also have a readout for the compressor output. Keep in mind that the base numbers will give you some information, but a lot of the data will rely on additional variables like the temperature of the refrigerant. When using an analog gauge, you may need to do some calculations to get a full picture of the system’s condition. Reading Digital Gauges Reading a digital gauge is even simpler. These gauges can calculate values like subcooling and overheating automatically....

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How Does Air Filtration Work?

June 16, 2020

Many people believe that indoor air is cleaner than the air outside. However, this is often not the case. Your indoor air may be full of small particulates, invisible gases and even tiny microbes. The air filters that are placed over your air system intake vents remove some of these particles, but utilizing an additional, complete filtration system will provide better purification by removing more of the common pollutants present in your indoor air. Small Particles Small particles are constantly circulating throughout your home. These minuscule particles are made up of dust, fibers, pollen, pet dander, allergens, fungal spores, bacteria and other types of tiny substances. Much of this will be trapped by your traditional air system filter, but a lot of the finer dust will pass through and recirculate. Over time, these particles will accumulate as they continue to be passed through your air system. An additional portable or whole-house filtration and air purification system will use more specific and higher-quality filters to trap these particles. The options range from pleated filters to electrically charged filtration, and they do an excellent job of removing a much higher percentage of particles from your indoor air. Gases and VOCs Besides the...

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How to Reduce AC Power Consumption

May 13, 2020

Your air conditioner will be working hard to keep you and your family cool this summer, so you want to make sure it does its job efficiently. The following steps can help you lower your AC’s energy consumption. Change the Air Filters The filters on your return air vents trap dust, dirt, and other pollutants so that they don’t enter your air handler. Once they have reached their capacity, though, they become an obstacle to airflow. Your AC will strain to reach the set point, causing your energy bills to rise. Replacing the filters is a basic DIY task. If you’re using pleated filters, change them out every 90 days unless you own pets or someone has asthma or allergies. Clean the Evaporator Coil You don’t want the evaporator coil, which is located in the air handler, to be covered in dirt. This is one of the big reasons for filters. Despite the protection offered by them, the coil will still become caked with dirt over time. You’ll want to clean this component with a mixture of warm water and detergent. You can spray this on the coil and then wipe it down with a soft bristle brush. Purchase a...

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Ways to Prevent Sickness With Indoor Air Quality Products

April 17, 2020

Indoor spaces can create a situation in which infectious diseases can spread easily. Both viruses and bacteria can be airborne and can be spread person to person within a confined space. A variety of air purification systems can help you keep the air in your home clean and safe to breathe so that you can have peace of mind. Air Purification Systems Air purification systems can either be installed in the ductwork of your home or placed individually throughout your house. They work by moving the air through various filters in order to remove particles that could be harboring bacteria and viruses. HEPA filters are considered some of the best options for home air filters. UV Lights Installing UV lights in your HVAC system can inactivate both viruses and bacteria. The high-energy rays of the UV light can disrupt the DNA and RNA of viruses and bacteria and make sure that they can’t reproduce. Proper HVAC System Maintenance Properly maintaining your HVAC system can also help keep bacteria and viruses at bay. HVAC systems will run heated or cooled air through an air filter before releasing it back into your home. Regular maintenance for your HVAC system can ensure that...

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Are Mini-Split Units Good for Heating Purposes?

March 12, 2020

As more homeowners and businesses search for energy-efficient heating solutions, mini-split systems are receiving increased attention. At , our Peoria-area customers often ask us whether mini-split systems can heat their homes as efficiently as a traditional HVAC system. Our answer is a resounding yes! Keep reading to learn more about how your home or business can utilize a mini-split system for effective, energy-efficient heating. Mini-Split vs. Traditional HVAC Systems Traditional HVAC systems utilize a furnace or heat pump to warm air. A fan circulates the warmed air throughout the space via a network of ducts. Unlike a traditional system, mini-split systems do not have ducts. They consist of a main outdoor unit and several indoor units placed throughout the home or commercial building. When temperatures drop, a ductless heat pump distributes warm air into the home and disperses the warmed air through refrigerant lines. Advantages of Going Ductless Mini-split heating systems are ENERGY STAR-compliant. Therefore, they are far more efficient than the current U.S. government-recommended energy efficiency guidelines. Because mini-split systems are ductless, they are not susceptible to the leaks that often occur in traditional systems due to damaged and separated ducts. Not only will these systems save you money...

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How To Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace

February 13, 2020

Is your furnace pilot light off? That can be a major problem. In this article, we want to help you with three quick and easy steps to relight your furnace pilot light so that you can attempt to get your heater running again. 1. Look Closely for the Furnace’s Instructions Label The first thing to do is to examine the instructions label on your furnace if you can find it. Look all over the front and back of your unit. There should be instructions there to help guide you in the process of lighting your furnace pilot light. You also might try to Google the name and model number of your furnace, along with the word “instructions,” if you cannot find the label on the heater yourself. If all else fails, in Peoria can help you. Just give us a call, and our team will answer any questions you may have. 2. Switch the Pilot Light Off Near the very bottom of your furnace, you should see a button that says one of three things. It will either say “Pilot,” “Off,” or “On.” Find that button and turn it to the “Off” position, but that is not all you have...

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How To Save Money With a Whole-Home Humidifier

January 5, 2020

During the heating season, most of our customers are looking for ways to save money and conserve energy while remaining warm and comfortable. At , we deliver energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions to households in Peoria and the surrounding areas. One solution we recommend is installing a whole-home humidifier to save on your heating bill. Why Humidity Is Important Dry air cools you down by removing moisture from your skin. Therefore, maintaining humidity in the air will make your home feel warmer. As a result, you’ll be content setting your thermostat a few degrees lower. To keep your home comfortable, you should maintain an indoor humidity level between 35% and 50% during the months of colder weather. In addition to saving money on your energy bill, having a humidifier will also reduce dry skin, chapped lips, cracked hands and sinus irritation. Your houseplants will also benefit from having sufficient moisture in the air. Installing a Humidifier for Your Whole House There are two types of home humidifiers: portable and whole-home. Whole-home humidifiers are installed directly into your HVAC system by a licensed technician. These humidifiers work by blowing air over a moistened filter. Apart from its one-time installation, a whole-house humidifier requires...

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Gas vs Electric Furnaces

December 17, 2019

Homeowners regularly face choices when it comes to the care of their property. When a furnace dies, for example, and questions arise about what type of model would be the best replacement option, deciding on whether to buy a gas or electric furnace might be puzzling. Choosing the right one involves understanding the differences between the two. Determining the Costs Not surprisingly, many homeowners weigh costs before choosing a furnace. Staying with a budget makes sense since you don’t want to spend more than you can afford. With that said, you should look at the “big picture” regarding costs. An electric furnace usually comes with a lower price than a gas one. The price could even be significantly lower. However, other costs come into play and not only ones associated with installation. For instance, gas fuel isn’t as expensive as an electric power source. Over time, though, a gas furnace may prove less costly due to reduced power expenses. The Lifespan Question Asking, “How long will this furnace last?” is a crucial question. Once the furnace expires, it becomes time to get a new one. With a gas furnace, expect the system to last about two decades. An electric furnace,...

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Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off?

November 7, 2019

You may have noticed that your furnace will stop running mere seconds or minutes after it begins a heating cycle. This is generally not enough time to circulate hot air around a home, and it could be a sign that there is a problem with your furnace or other heating components. Here are some common reasons for short-cycling: The Air Filter Could Be Dirty A dirty air filter may cause your furnace to get too hot. When this happens, a safety switch will turn the furnace off to ensure that it doesn’t sustain significant damage. The folks at in Peoria can inspect your furnace to determine the cause of a short cycle. If necessary, a service technician can change an air filter or take other steps to fix a short-cycle issue. In some cases, this may include installing a new furnace, thermostat, or heat pump. The Furnace Could Be Too Large for the Home Larger furnaces tend to be able to heat homes more quickly. However, if your home gets warm too fast, the furnace could shut down before it gets through an entire heating cycle. If the furnace shuts down, the home may get cold relatively quickly as well....

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Furnace Safety 101

October 17, 2019

In Illinois, you rely heavily on your furnace. Cold temperatures are uncomfortable and dangerous. Not being aware of furnace safety is also dangerous because it can lead to fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, running a furnace safely is easy. Here’s everything you need to know about furnace safety. Your Furnace Needs Professional Cleaning Every Year Vacuuming the outside of your furnace and the vents in your home — a maintenance task that you should do once a month — isn’t enough to properly maintain your furnace. It also needs professional cleaning once or twice a year. Because of the cold climate in Chicago, we recommend twice a year. You can have your furnace professionally cleaned through furnace maintenance. Other helpful tasks are completed during professional furnace maintenance, such as inspection of the internal components and lubrication of moving parts. offers furnace maintenance in Peoria, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. We use top-quality products and employ NATE-certified technicians. Clogged Air Filters Can Cause Fires Your air filter needs to be changed as frequently as every month. How often you need to change the air filter depends on your furnace’s make and model. Check the manufacturer’s details to know how often...

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