May 20, 2022

Does Closing Upstairs Air Vents Save Money?

Heating and cooling systems rely on a fan that sends air through the ducts and out the vents located in rooms. The process comes with costs, as monthly utility bills reveal. Homeowners might worry about costs and waste, and they may also worry about air released in upstairs rooms no one occupies. Many think closing the vents would save money, but the opposite might occur. Vents and Ducts Air has to travel through the ducts to the vents upstairs. Therefore, closing the vents does not reduce the energy required to produce that air. A closed vent may act like a brick wall and stop the airflow, but the pressure would force the air backward through the ducts. Even if the vents were in perfect condition, the process wouldn’t save much money. More than likely, closing the vents would create costly problems. Damage in the Ducts The leaks and holes inside the ducts could waste energy. If there is a loose connection or severe perforations, closing the vents would force air out of the holes, wasting money. Don’t assume the damage to the ducts has to be significant for the problem to occur. Even small holes will become a path for...

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April 18, 2022

Can a Smart Thermostat Reduce Your Energy Costs?

Can a Smart Thermostat Reduce Your Energy Costs? If you’re concerned about your cooling costs getting out of hand this summer, you’re far from alone. The scorching weather is just around the corner, and you’ll likely be relying heavily on your air conditioner to keep your Lincoln, NE household comfortable. However, there’s no reason that you can’t remain comfortable while also keeping your energy bills in check. One of the best ways to achieve exactly that is to purchase a smart thermostat. Smart Thermostats Are Programmable Quite a lot of energy gets wasted every year when homeowners leave their HVAC systems running for far longer than they actually need them to. You’re only human, and you probably have a lot on your mind. It’s understandable that you may sometimes forget to turn the thermostat off once you no longer need it running. Fortunately, having a smart thermostat takes that task off of your plate. All you need to do is set your preferred comfort levels, and it will only run your HVAC unit as often as is necessary to keep your climate where you want it. Smart Thermostats Learn Your Routines Perhaps the coolest thing about smart thermostat technology is...

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March 17, 2022

Is Buying a Used Furnace to Save Money Safe?

Everyone enjoys saving money whenever possible, and buying something used rather than new is often an economical strategy. However, it doesn’t apply to furnaces. One item that you should never purchase used is a furnace. Consider the following reasons why it’s wise to avoid the lure of saving some dollars by purchasing someone else’s heating headaches. It Can Be Harmful Whether you buy an electric or gas furnace, the used heating equipment could have pre-existing issues. There could be a problem with the heating coils, blower fan, or electrical wiring that might start a fire. If you buy a gas furnace, it might have leaks that could be hazardous. An older furnace that has not been maintained properly is more likely to become a real danger. It Won’t Be Covered Under Warranty Many furnaces come with a ten-year warranty. Furnace warranties provide protection to cover various components as well as labor. However, most furnace manufacturers declare that the warranty exclusively extends to the original purchaser and only to the residence where the installation was initially done. As a result, when labor and components are no longer covered under warranty, you are responsible for paying the repair costs and labor to...

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February 17, 2022

Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace

If you want your furnace to run efficiently and effectively for as long as possible, there is an array of tasks that you can perform. Most heaters are designed to operate for about 10 years before wear and tear on their parts make them prone to issues and unexpected breakdowns. Taking proper care of your furnace could extend its life expectancy. Scheduling Regular Furnace Maintenance An annual tune-up for your furnace can make it easy to catch any small issues before they develop into anything more serious. Technicians will examine each part of your heating system and get everything cleaned out. You can rely on them to perform an array of adjustments to optimize the overall functionality of your heater. Motors and moving parts will be lubricated to reduce wear on them, too. Replacing Air Filters Regularly It’s important to replace the air filters in your furnace as they get dirty. Thin 1- to 3-inch filters should be replaced at least every three months. Thicker filters can last for longer. Dirty air filters can reduce airflow through your home and put an increased load on your heater. This can reduce its life expectancy. Reducing Heat Loss in your Home Reducing...

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January 11, 2022

Top 4 Questions to Ask After a Heating Repair

Every homeowner needs to understand basic facts about their heating system and maintenance procedures. It’s wise to find answers to particular questions after a repair procedure. Your technician can help you understand how to keep your system running longer and safer. The following are some questions to ask your HVAC technician. 1. What Caused the Problem? Knowing the reason why the problem occurred can help prevent it from reoccurring. This is the best way to reduce the cost of repairs in the future. Find out if there was any way to stop the failure or reduce the effects it caused. Most breakdowns are preventable, while others result from regular wear and tear. Learning the difference can help you minimize the risks involved. 2. What Was the Solution? There are various repair solutions to a faulty heating system. They include the replacement of broken or worn-out parts. Find out which solution solved the issue. The answers you get can help you understand the problem better if it reoccurs in the future. 3. Is the Solution Long-Term? Not all repair solutions are long-term. Some problems call for system replacement. Short-term solutions are costly because the appliance is likely to break down shortly...

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December 20, 2021

5 Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

During winter, we all appreciate a pleasant, warm space. Imagine the disappointment when you find out your furnace is blowing cold air. Here are the five common reasons why this is happening. 1. Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly When you notice your furnace is blowing cold air, you should check the thermostat setting first. Sometimes your thermostat fan may have been switched from AUTO to ON, causing the fan to run continuously without producing heat. In this case, simply change the setting back to AUTO, and your furnace will start heating the air. 2. Low Battery In case you’ve had your furnace for a while and have never changed the battery, it might be blowing cold air because the battery is low. In this case, we recommend that you change the battery then restart your furnace. 3. Furnace May Have Run Out of Fuel If your furnace is oil-fired and your fuel runs out, the blower will continue circulating cold air even if the burners don’t produce heat. Check the tank to rule out this possibility. We recommend that you call us if the oil has run out, and we will fix that for you. 4. Furnace May Have Overheated If...

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November 20, 2021

What Furnace Temperature Should I Use During the Winter?

The wrong indoor temperature can make the colder months very uncomfortable. Keeping the temperature set at one spot on the thermostat is a good way to take away the chill. It can also work to keep utility costs down. Best Winter Thermostat Setting Energy.gov states the ideal setting for winter days is 68 degrees. The company suggests reducing the setting while you’re asleep or away from the home. This reduces overall heating costs and prevents your equipment from aging too fast. Thermostat Setting for Energy Efficiency Lowering the temperature by 7-10 degrees for at least eight hours each day will reduce energy expenses. This energy-efficient approach to home heating is easy to do. Just change the temperature before leaving home for work or errands. The lower the temperature setting, the more slowly the home loses heat. Do you want help getting your thermostat running properly for a Lincoln winter? has a team of qualified technicians available to maintain your furnace and heating controls. Let us know how we can support your comfort this winter. Thermostat Recommendations for Winter Installing a programmable thermostat is a smart way to manage your heating system. Add the capability of a control app on a...

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October 20, 2021

What’s My Optimal Sleep Temperature?

There are many factors that create the optimal indoor sleep environment. One of the most important factors is room temperature. When the room is at the right temperature, falling asleep and staying asleep is much easier to accomplish. About Optimal Sleep Environments Typical recommendations for sleeping suggest a room temperature of around 65 degrees is best. However, each body is different, and you could require a few degrees higher or lower for restorative sleep. Generally, sleep is easier if temperatures fall between 60 and 67 degrees at night. Installing a thermostat in the bedroom can help you better understand and regulate your sleep environment. When It’s Too Cold or Too Hot It’s been proven we tend to sleep better in cooler temperatures. If your room is too hot or too cold, it can make it difficult to fall asleep. Temperatures out of sleep range can affect the normal internal temperature drop your body uses during sleep. When you want help managing your indoor temperatures, our team is available to work with you. has skilled industry professionals who can assess the condition of your heating and cooling system in Lincoln. Heat, Humidity and Cold Restless sleep can occur if indoor temperatures...

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September 20, 2021

Best Home Heating Systems for Energy Efficiency

Keeping your home comfortable during winter doesn’t have to break the bank. But if you have an old or outdated heating system, it might feel that way when your monthly bill arrives. That’s why it’s important to keep energy efficiency in mind when choosing your next heating system. Here at , we have more than 35 years of experience helping Lincoln, NE, homeowners choose the right heating option for their needs. Residential homeowners usually choose from one of two energy-efficient heating systems: heat pumps and furnaces. Heat Pumps The most energy-efficient heating option is a heat pump. Heat pumps use a straightforward refrigeration system to extract warmth from a nearby source and draw it into your home. The source of the heat depends on the type of heat pump you have. Heat pumps are a popular option because they also provide cooling during the summer, unlike traditional HVAC systems, which have separate heating and cooling elements. Two popular varieties of heat pumps are air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps. An air-source heat pump will absorb heat from the outside air and circulate it through your home. It only uses a small amount of electricity and does not release gasses...

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August 17, 2021

Easy Ways to Determine If Your AC Is Working Properly

An air conditioner is essential in keeping your home cool during the summer months. However, an air conditioner can eventually operate less efficiently over time due to numerous reasons. Sometimes you can make a few adjustments on your own, or you may need to contact a local HVAC company for additional guidance. Here are a few simple ways to determine if your AC is working properly. Different Temperatures Between Rooms Feeling any hot or cold spots in your home is a major sign that your AC isn’t working effectively. All of these fluctuating temperatures make it much more challenging to keep your home feeling comfortable. Contacting an HVAC company is your best option. If you’re in the Lincoln area, professionals from can investigate this issue and determine the best solution. Higher Energy Bills Utility bills during the summer months are often higher due to the extreme heat, but they shouldn’t spike. Looking back on past years can help you determine the average amount you pay during the summer season. A higher-than-average bill is often a sign that your AC isn’t working efficiently. Sometimes you can take care of this problem by replacing a dirty air filter. However, your AC may...

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