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How to Maximize Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

July 19, 2021

When it comes to extreme summer heat, your best friend is your air conditioner. Your HVAC system contributes to your energy consumption, which is one reason that budget-conscious individuals avoid using it. However, there are methods to maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency while keeping the costs low. Here are four ways to make your air conditioner more efficient and to save energy costs. 1. Use a Programmable Thermostat A digital thermostat allows you to set the temperature when you are home and away. When you’re home, keep it at 78 degrees. That’s what the Department of

How To Reset Air Conditioning Unit

June 21, 2021

If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t think twice about your air conditioner. That is until it stops working correctly. Anything from a power outage to a component malfunction can stop your AC unit in its tracks. Fortunately, resetting your cooling system isn’t too difficult to do if you know the right steps. Turn Off the Thermostat and AC It’s not uncommon for a power outage to affect the functioning of your home air conditioning system. In fact, these AC units are constructed in a fashion where they’ll intentionally stop working to prevent major system

Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

May 13, 2021

If you’ve noticed a foul odor coming from your Humboldt Park, IL, home’s air conditioner or in the vents of your house when your air conditioner cycles, you may feel alarmed. While odors from air conditioners aren’t normal, they’re pretty common. Read on to learn about three reasons why your AC unit smells bad and what you can do to solve this problem. 1. Clogged Condensate Drain The condensate drain allows water that’s condensed out of your home’s air to drain out of the air conditioner and into your house’s wastewater system. The warm, dark, and

Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

April 5, 2021

When summer arrives, you won’t be using your gas furnace for months. You may wonder if turning it off can save you money. While this can save you money in some circumstances, it might not make sense. Old Gas Furnaces Old gas furnaces have a pilot light that’s always lit. The pilot light consumes natural gas, so it is costing you money when you leave the furnace on during the summer. Besides saving money, you’ll also lower your carbon footprint by turning your furnace off. Depending on the cost of natural gas, you may save about

How to Drain a Hot Water Heater

March 16, 2021

Draining a hot water heater is vital for the removal of buildup and making sure it performs efficiently. Below is a step-by-step guide for drainage. 1. Do a Quick Flush Turn the power off if you are using an electric heater so that you avoid shocking yourself. If it is a gas water heater, flip the switch to “Pilot” to avoid gas leakage. Look for a valve at the top of the water heater. Turn off the water valve. If you can’t see the valve, check the heater’s user

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally

February 5, 2021

People tend to think of air pollution as something that occurs outdoors. However, indoor air quality is often much worse than what can be found outdoors. There are several ways you can naturally improve your home’s air quality. Use a Doormat To prevent dirt and contaminants from entering your house, use a doormat. This can dramatically reduce the amount of dust, pesticides, and other pollutants from entering your residence. Place a shoe rack by the front door so that people can remove their shoes after cleaning their soles on the doormat.

How To Keep Snow Out Of A Furnace Vent

January 5, 2021

Winter might bring more than cold and windy temperatures here in Country Club Hills, IL. Snow entering the furnace vent could be potentially hazardous for homeowners. One hazard you could experience is the buildup of carbon monoxide that could form when furnace vents become blocked. Keep reading to find out how to prevent snow from entering your furnace vent. Clearing the Snow A furnace vent is meant to expel harmful gases created through combustion when the furnace is operating. Your furnace vent may be located near ground level. When snow falls, it could pile up to

Why Is My Home’s Indoor Air Quality Important?

December 3, 2020

Indoor air quality, also known as IAQ, plays a role in your health and the health of your family. Effects from indoor pollutants can show up immediately and years after exposure. When you know more about this issue, you can protect the ones you love. Common Health Concerns Breathing harmful air allows contaminants to enter into the bloodstream and organs. Asthma and allergies are common health issues that can be made worse by bad indoor air. Cancers and cardiovascular problems can also be triggered by polluted air in your home. Sources

A Primer on Two-Stage Heating

November 18, 2020

A two-stage furnace can produce two levels of heat. It outputs high heat when it’s cold outside and lowers the heat when the weather is mild. There are several advantages to two-stage furnaces. Improved Efficiency A conventional furnace always runs at full capacity. On the other hand, a two-stage furnace can operate at reduced capacity, which makes it more efficient. This is because when it’s running at lower capacity, it burns less fuel. You’ll then save money on your utility bills. Longer Lifespan A two-stage furnace experiences less wear and tear than

Is It Time to Upgrade My Furnace?

October 20, 2020

Winter weather is on the way to Country Club Hills, IL, which means now is the time to consider a furnace replacement. A new furnace is a big investment, so it’s important to choose the right time. Here are a few ways to determine whether you should you replace your home’s furnace. Reached Its Lifespan A well-maintained furnace has a lifespan of about 25 years. After this time, major components are likely to fail. For example, the heat exchanger my crack after all these years of use. Old furnaces aren’t as efficient as new

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