March 14, 2024

Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Quality

When we think about air quality, we often picture smog-filled city streets or industrial areas. However, the quality of the air we breathe indoors can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Understanding the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality is essential for creating a healthy living environment. Outdoor Air Quality Outdoor air quality refers to the cleanliness of the air in the environment outside of buildings and structures. It is influenced by various factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and natural sources such as pollen and dust. Pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. Government agencies and environmental organizations often monitor outdoor air quality using air quality indexes (AQI) to provide information on pollutant levels and associated health risks. While outdoor air quality can vary depending on location and weather conditions, exposure to pollutants can be reduced by limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and using air filtration systems indoors. Indoor Air Quality Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the cleanliness of the air inside buildings and structures, including homes, offices, schools, and other indoor environments. While...

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February 5, 2024

Common Reasons Why Your Furnace is Making Noise

Is your furnace suddenly making noises that have you concerned? Normal furnace operation features clicking or tapping sounds as it ignites and turns off. However, when your unit makes strange noises during the entire operation, it indicates an underlying problem. So, why is your furnace noisy? 1. Banging Sounds A banging sound is commonly a sign of an ignition problem. When the thermostat signals the furnace to start a new cycle, the gas valve opens up. The ignition system should ignite the gas immediately. Sometimes, this process fails due to a faulty ignition system. Some gas leaks into the combustion chamber. When the fuel is finally ignited, the gas in the chamber burns suddenly, creating a banging sound. Be sure to contact a furnace repair professional before this gets any worse. 2. Screeching or Squealing A loose blower fan can drag its blades against the furnace causing screeching or squealing sounds when the furnace operates. A worn-out or slipping blower belt also makes high-pitched noises during operation. 3. Whistling Sounds Whistling sounds are a result of the furnace forcing air through blocked components. This may apply to air filters, ductwork, or vents. When cleaning the internal components does not solve...

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January 5, 2024

Can Replacing Your AC Unit Save You Money?

At first, AC replacement might seem unnecessary, especially if your system hasn’t shut down permanently. However, in the long run, you will end up saving more money when you replace your old, malfunctioning air conditioner. Read on to discover why experts recommend replacing an old, faulty AC and how that can protect your finances. Fewer Repairs Like with most equipment, you can expect some repairs as your system ages. However, for an AC nearing the end of its life, the frequency increases. As a result, you will find that you’re spending a lot on system repairs. Although it might seem cheaper compared to a new AC installation, in the long run, you might find that you’ve spent more than half the cost for a new system. A new AC unit will require little to no repairs, saving you money in the long run. Lower Utility Bills An AC on its last legs will struggle to achieve your desired temperatures. As a result, it will have to be on for longer hours, which translates to more energy consumption and high energy bills. In contrast, a new AC is more energy efficient, allowing you to save on energy bills. According to the...

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December 13, 2023

4 Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Your Boiler

Boilers are one of the most essential and costly home appliances. They generate heating and hot water for your home quickly and efficiently, but they will need replacement at some point. Knowing how long a boiler typically lasts is essential to plan your expenses properly. We will be discussing the factors that affect the lifespan of your boiler. 1. Maintenance If you skip regular maintenance, such as annual service, your boiler may become less efficient, leading to frequent breakdowns and a shortened lifespan. Furthermore, keeping your boiler in optimal working condition throughout its lifespan is essential by scheduling professional maintenance services, such as cleaning the boiler and replacing worn-out parts. At , we offer heating repair, heating installation, heating maintenance, boilers and heat pump services in Granite City. 2. Quality of Water The water quality is another important determinant of how long the boiler can serve. High levels of minerals make the deposits form very fast, thus shortening the boiler’s life span. Water softener will help to prevent mineral deposits. However, the most appropriate approach should be a water quality check to confirm that your boiler is using the right water. 3. Installation Installing your boiler also plays a crucial...

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November 18, 2023

Is it Better to Repair a Furnace or Replace it?

Your furnace hasn’t been acting right lately, so it’s time to call for service. As you pick up the phone to dial, you may wonder, “Should I repair or replace this furnace?” To help you decide, consider the following factors. Frequency of Service Calls An occasional repair visit is no big deal, but frequent repair needs can really try your patience. If you’ve dialed our number so often that you have it memorized, it may be time for a new unit. You’ll get greater reliability with a furnace upgrade. Plus, your new model may come with a promising warranty. Cost of Repairs Some repairs are minor and don’t cost much to fix. Others come with a heftier price tag. That’s when you may start to think seriously about a new unit. Experts often suggest that you take the price of repairs into account when deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace. Opt for a replacement when the repair bill is going to be at least 50% of the price of a new model. Age of System Furnaces can last for many years, but they always wear out eventually. If yours has been around for a long time, then a...

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October 18, 2023

How often does a furnace need to be serviced?

Furnace maintenance is an important part of home care that homeowners must take seriously. Regular inspections and tune-ups can help prolong the lifespan of the furnace, improve efficiency, and provide a safer living environment. On the other hand, not taking the time to hire professionals to service your furnace can result in significant problems. Frequency of Servicing The common recommendation for furnace servicing is to have it inspected and tuned up once a year. Scheduling this annual checkup, usually before the onset of winter, is advisable as it prepares the heating system for the colder months ahead. Here are some other factors that can impact how often you need to schedule a furnace checkup. Age of the Furnace Older furnaces tend to need more frequent servicing compared to newer models. The parts will wear down as a furnace ages, and it may require more regular attention. Type of Fuel Used Different fuels burn at different rates and may leave varying amounts of residue. Furnaces using oil might need more frequent cleaning and inspection than those using natural gas or electricity. Usage Patterns A furnace that is heavily used during long and cold winters might need more frequent servicing. On the...

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September 14, 2023

Should a 25 Year Old Furnace Be Replaced?

Is the gas furnace in your home around 25 years old? If so, it is high time that you start considering a replacement. Most gas furnaces will need to be replaced after around 15 to 20 years, so if your current unit is older than this, then you’ve already gotten as much out of it as you can really expect. Even though installing a new furnace is a fairly substantial investment, an upgraded replacement can provide many benefits to your home. Improved Efficiency and Lower Fuel Costs One major benefit of replacing your old furnace is that your new unit is almost guaranteed to be more energy efficient. A 25-year-old furnace is likely only a low- or medium-efficiency unit with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of only around 80%. Even if you installed a new furnace that was also rated at 80 AFUE, it is still certain to work better and use less energy. This is simply because the energy efficiency and effectiveness of all gas furnaces tend to decline as the appliance ages. If you were instead to opt for a high-efficiency condensing furnace with an AFUE in the mid to upper 90s, you could save a significant...

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August 15, 2023

The 4 Major Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollution is a major concern in many homes and buildings due to its health risks. For this reason, it’s important to know what the four major indoor air pollutants are. Here is a breakdown of the most common indoor air pollutants that affect your home’s indoor air quality, and their sources: 1. Excess Moisture Poor ventilation, plumbing leaks, or high humidity can cause excess moisture. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of health problems. It can also cause structural damage to the building. To protect indoor air quality, it is important to ventilate the area and keep humidity levels in check properly. 2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are chemicals emitted from various sources, including paints, solvents, furniture, and cleaning products. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and other health problems. Proper ventilation can help reduce the presence of VOCs in the air. These chemicals should also be used cautiously, and proper disposing methods should be implemented. 3. Particulate Matter Particulate matter comprises tiny particles that can be inhaled and cause health problems. These particles come from various sources such as dust, pet dander, and smoke....

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July 10, 2023

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC

HVAC is a technology used in commercial and residential buildings to provide comfortable indoor temperatures. HVAC systems include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless split systems, air handlers, evaporator coils, and thermostats. Different HVAC systems are designed for different types of buildings depending on the climate, size, and type of construction. This article will discuss ways commercial and residential HVAC systems differ. Size and Complexity Commercial HVAC systems are much larger and more complex than residential systems. They can handle a larger load and must be able to provide heating and cooling to more people. Commercial HVAC systems rely on multiple units and a series of ducts connected throughout the building to accommodate larger commercial buildings. Residential HVAC systems are much smaller and simpler in comparison. They use a single unit placed outside the home. Manufacturing and Installation Commercial HVAC systems require more robust components, higher energy output, and complex ductwork. The installation and maintenance of commercial HVAC systems also require a specialized skill set and experience, given their complexity and size. In contrast, residential HVAC systems are easier to install and maintain due to their simpler design and smaller size. These systems come in different types, each with unique...

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June 7, 2023

3 Reasons To Replace Your 20-Year-Old Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is designed to make your home comfortable when the outside heat is unbearable. However, like any other appliance, AC units age and lose their efficiency with time. Determining the best time to replace your old AC can be complicated. If your AC is about 20 years old, you might wonder whether it makes any difference to replace it. Here are some advantages of replacing a 20-year-old AC that you may find worthwhile. 1.Increased Energy Efficiency One major reason to replace an old AC is to improve energy efficiency and lower overall utility bills. An old unit becomes inefficient because of wear and tear from being used regularly. Newer AC systems are engineered to be energy-efficient, which can significantly save your energy bills. They may save you over 20% on your cooling costs. 2. Avoid Regular Repairs Throughout the lifespan of your system, you may need to schedule repair services for minor issues as they are cheaper than buying a new system. However, if your system is 20 years old, you may start scheduling repairs often. If the repair requires the replacement of a large and costly part, you should start considering replacing it. Constant repair costs may...

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