How Often Should You Schedule an AC Tune-Up?

March 15, 2023

Think of your air conditioner as being similar to your car: to make sure it runs smoothly and reliably for many years to come, it needs some regular attention and care. Instead of oil changes and tire rotations, your AC needs an annual tune-up. This routine maintenance appointment will keep your cooling system effective, efficient, and reliable all summer long. At Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we’ve completed many AC maintenance jobs over the years for homeowners in Champaign, IL. One question we’re often asked is, “how often should I maintain my AC?” Here’s what you should know. How

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Understanding the Role That HVAC Dampers Play in Zoned HVAC Systems

June 20, 2022

Homeowners in Champaign, Illinois with existing ductwork were once the envy of their neighbors. Having ductwork installed post-construction to support central HVAC can be an incredibly costly endeavor. Ductless mini-split heating and cooling systems forever changed this. Now, people living in houses without ductwork can enjoy whole-house comfort, too. Moreover, they’re often admired for the greater flexibility, efficiency, and customized comfort that their ductless systems supply. Fortunately, automatic HVAC dampers make it possible for those with central heating and cooling equipment to also zone their homes for efficiency. What Are HVAC Dampers? With a standard central

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Sleeping With Windows Open: Does It Save Energy?

April 19, 2022

Many people have heard of or even remember the sleeping porch. This was an adjunct to a house that had screened-in windows on three sides that let in a breeze and allowed for a comfortable sleep back in the days when home air conditioning was uncommon. Some homes still have sleeping porches. Folks who live in apartments or more modern homes may wonder if simply opening a window instead of automatically turning on the AC can save energy, which translates into saving money. The answer is a bit complicated. Open Window vs. Air Condition The

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8 Signs That It’s Time to Install a New Air Conditioner

February 14, 2022

Air conditioners are an essential element of a pleasant indoor living environment in Champaign, IL, but they aren’t built to operate forever. If you see indicators that your air conditioning system is nearing the end of its useful life, you may want to take steps to save for a new AC unit before it becomes an emergency. Let’s look at eight indicators that your air conditioner needs to be replaced. 1. Increasing Utility Bills If your power costs are rising but you haven’t changed how you utilize your AC unit, it may no longer be functioning

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What Is a Thermostatic Expansion Valve?

October 20, 2021

When your technician says that the problem with your heating and air conditioning system lies with your system’s thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), you might wonder what that actually means. Understanding the importance of the part that broke makes it easier to understand why the technician recommends that you get it fixed immediately. What Does the Thermostatic Expansion Valve Do? Your system’s TXV precisely regulates the rate at which liquid refrigerant travels to the evaporator. Your HVAC needs the flow controlled to the evaporator for optimum efficiency and to prevent too much refrigerant from flowing and flooding

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How to Identify the Best AC System for Your Home

August 17, 2021

You should be careful when choosing an AC system since not every one will be perfect for your home. If you are not cautious when selecting a unit, you might end up with one that is not able to cool your space. You might also end up buying an AC system that requires a lot of energy, making your electricity bills go high. To choose the best AC system, you first need to know the types of air conditioning systems that are available. You also need to know the kind of homes in which each

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A Guide to Thermostat Modes/Settings

July 19, 2021

You probably have noticed the various modes on your thermostat, but you might not know what they mean. With the state of technology evolving at a mind-blowing rate, there’s more than just an on-and-off switch to improve the atmosphere in your home. To catch up with the continuously growing needs, air conditioner manufacturers have constantly been updating the features of their products. Essentially, this improves the efficiency of the air conditioners and improves their inner workings. We’re going to explain the various modes of thermostat operations and what they can do for your home. Once you

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What Is the Ideal Temperature for Home Air Conditioning in the Summer?

June 15, 2021

As the hot summer weather rears its ugly head again, your home’s central air conditioning unit will be working all day long to keep your family feeling comfortable. When it comes to your power bill, you’ll likely want to keep it as low as possible while still enjoying all the comforts that indoor air conditioning has to offer. Fortunately, there is a happy medium that every homeowner can find with their air conditioning system. Is There Really an Ideal AC Temperature? The ideal thermostat temperature is going to be different for every home. Each person has

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How Many Watts Does an Air Conditioner Use?

May 16, 2021

Summers in Champaign, IL, are hot and humid. To keep cool at home, you’ll rely on an air conditioner. There are many types of air conditioners, and each of them requires a different amount of electricity. Electricity use is measured in watts per hour, and it’s important to know how many watts your cooling system uses. This information allows you to predict your electricity bill and keep track of your unit’s energy efficiency. Keep reading to learn about how many watts different types of air conditioning systems use in order to cool and dehumidify a house.

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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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