What Are the Major Parts of an Air Conditioner?

April 6, 2021

Can you name two major parts of your air conditioner? If you are like most people, you may be able to get one but probably not more than two. Not being an HVAC professional, that is totally fine, at least until something in your system goes haywire. Air conditioners are often forgotten members of your home until they stop working. When something does break, it consumes both your thoughts, time, and pocketbook. When you know a little about your system, you can trust that your repair technician is being honest. Understanding How Your System

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Is It Normal to Smell Gas Near a Furnace?

March 16, 2021

During the cold winter months of the year in Champaign, IL, your home’s gas furnace will frequently cycle. If you happen to be standing near the furnace when it turns on, you might notice the faint odor of natural gas. Your nose can detect this odor at a concentration of just 10 parts per billion. If you notice the odor, it’s important to know whether or not it’s normal. Here’s what you need to know about when it is and isn’t normal to smell natural gas by your furnace. What Causes the Natural Gas Odor?

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How To Test Indoor Air Quality For Mold

February 4, 2021

You already know how outdoor air quality affects your health, from allergies to other more serious concerns, such as asthma. Concerns about the effects of poor air quality may subside once you go inside your home since you’ll feel safer from bacteria, dust, viruses, and other airborne particles. Unfortunately, issues with poor air quality exist inside many Champagne homes. Airborne particles enter through open doors and windows, heating and cooling systems, poorly insulated attics, gaps around door and window frames, and many other places. You may be aware of common particles inside your house, such as dust and pet dander,

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5 Benefits of Energy-Efficient Heating System

January 21, 2021

The cold winters in Champaign, IL, mean that you’ll spend a lot of money to heat your home. If you’re tired of paying higher and higher utility bills, but you don’t want to sacrifice your comfort, an energy-efficient heating system is a wise choice. When it’s time to get a new heating system, here are five ways you’ll benefit from an energy-efficient replacement. 1. Fewer Breakdowns and Comfort Disruptions One of the most frustrating parts of owning an older heating system is frequent breakdowns. As a heating system reaches its life expectancy of 10 to 12

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Best Practices to Minimize Wear and Tear On HVAC Systems

December 18, 2020

An HVAC system is expensive, so it would only make sense to want to prolong its life for as long as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to minimize unnecessary wear and tear on your unit. The following practices will do just that and also increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit. 1. Regularly Change Air Filters While air filters may seem relatively simple and not important to the function of your system, they are one of the most important parts for efficiency. They remove dust and debris from the air as

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What Should Be on My Pre-Winter Furnace Checklist?

November 19, 2020

The colder months provide many options for those who enjoy winter season activities. Cold weather, however, doesn’t make life comfortable for those hoping to stay warm. Thankfully, homes with fully functioning furnaces could make it seem like spring never departed. When the furnace doesn’t perform as desired, things could become decidedly uncomfortable. Effectively preparing for the winter may keep homeowners in the comfort zone. Even the best furnace may require some assistance, so here’s a partial checklist of things to help you get the furnace and your home ready for the winter. Change out

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What is two-stage heating?

October 20, 2020

Two-stage heating means the heating unit has more than one heating output level: low during the milder days and high during the cold winter days. It also has a low-power option. That’s why it’s able to maintain consistent comfort efficiently while using less energy. In short, two-stage heating technology allows your system to adjust the heating output automatically. This way, you get consistent comfort throughout your home. Read on to learn more about the two-stage heating system and why you might consider using it. How a Two-Stage Heating System

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Decoding Common HVAC Terminology

September 19, 2020

The HVAC industry has terminology unique to it. If you know these terms, it will help you make an informed decision when buying a heating or cooling system, addressing indoor air quality and more. HVAC HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This is the system that heats and cools your home, such as a furnace and air conditioner. It also provides ventilation, so your home has fresh air. ACCA Many HVAC industry professionals are members of ACCA, which stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This is a professional organization

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How Are Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Related?

August 9, 2020

Aside from your water supply, the air supply in your home is one of its most important features. After all, if the air in your Champaign home suffers in quality, you and your family could wind up with any number of respiratory, neurological, or cardiovascular diseases. With so much at stake, it’s important to understand all the different components of indoor air quality. One of the most important components that determine indoor air quality is your HVAC system. It Filters the Air Even if you have fans in your home, the most effective piece of air-moving

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Why Does My AC Unit Need an Air Filter

July 14, 2020

When you’re working in dusty conditions in Champaign, IL, it’s important to wear a mask to protect your nose, throat, and lungs. In the same way, your air conditioner needs its own “mask,” known as an air filter, to protect its sensitive internal components. Here are a few ways that an air filter helps your air conditioner perform at its best. Protects the Condenser Coil The condenser coil on your air conditioner is a crucial part of the cooling that takes place. This coil is responsible for removing heat from the air as it passes

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