November 16, 2023

Save Your Money: The Cheapest Method of Heating Your Home

When it comes to heating your home, one consideration is how much it will cost to run the system. Consider the different options for heating your home and which will cost the least this winter. Gas Furnaces Gas furnaces are the standard method of heating installed in most homes around Lincoln. The cost to run a gas furnace is dependent on its rated efficiency, measured in AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency. This evaluates how much heat the system loses through its exhaust compared to how much it produces. The highest-efficiency gas furnaces are rated at about 98%. Electric Furnaces Electric furnaces use electrical resistance to create heat. These use the same AFUE rating system, and since they don’t create exhaust, they have a 100% rating. However, electricity is generally more expensive than natural gas, making electric furnaces much more expensive to operate than gas furnaces. Heat Pumps Heat pumps are a little different than furnaces in that they transfer heat rather than create heat. The rating for these units is the heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF. It compares how much heat the unit transfers into your home versus how much electricity it consumes. The highest-efficiency heat pumps have...

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October 18, 2023

What Is the Most Common Problem With Furnaces?

The most common problem with furnaces is, ironically, one of the easiest to avoid. Use this guide to avoid the most common problem with furnaces and ensure you stay warm and comfortable this winter in Lincoln. Dirty Air Filters Cause All Sorts of Problems Your furnace uses a filter to trap airborne particles like dust, dirt, and pollen from accumulating in its heating system and inside your home. Over time, the filter will accumulate so many airborne particles that it clogs, causing airborne particles to accumulate in your home’s ductwork. As air travels through the ductwork, it forces the buildup of harmful airborne particles through air vents and into your home. Dirty furnace filters cause a wide range of issues, including: extreme wear and tear on the system excessive use of energy to heat your home rising heating bills premature replacement of parts costly repairs poor indoor air quality How To Fix a Dirty Air Filter Fixing a dirty furnace filter is relatively easy. All you have to do is clean the one you already have or buy a new one to replace it. Most furnace filters are simple to change or clean; however, you can avoid having to do...

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September 21, 2023

What Type of Maintenance Does a Furnace Need?

Before winter begins, it is important to have a professional perform routine maintenance on your furnace in Lincoln. This will reduce the risk of needing repairs during the winter and can even prolong your furnace’s life span. Clean the Combustion Chamber Cleaning this compartment involves removing the combustion chamber door so that the professional can access the interior and vacuum it. While doing this, they will also inspect for any holes that corrosion can cause. If these are present, they will use foil tape to patch them. Vacuum the Blower Compartment They will also vacuum out the blower area to clear away any debris. As they are cleaning, they will look at the exhaust flue and ductwork to see if any holes are present there. If they find any, they will patch them up with foil tape as well. Change the Filter On average, you can expect to replace the filter about every 30 to 90 days. In some cases, the filter is one that can be cleaned instead of needing a replacement. A professional will be able to tell you the proper frequency based on your home and the furnace that you have. Lubricate the Motor Bearing If you...

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August 18, 2023

Is a Heat Pump Better Than AC?

Choosing the proper cooling and heating system is crucial to keeping your home comfortable during hot summers and chilly winters. Many homeowners struggle to decide between a traditional central air conditioning (AC) system and a heat pump. , a reputable HVAC company based in Lincoln, offers expert insights to help you make an informed decision. 1. Heat Pump: Efficient Dual-Functionality A heat pump is a versatile heating and cooling system that works efficiently in moderate climates. It extracts heat from the air outside your home and transfers it inside during winter, effectively heating your living spaces. Heat pumps reverse the process during summer, expelling warm air from your home to keep it cool. On the other hand, traditional central AC systems typically focus solely on cooling your home. They use a refrigerant to absorb heat from indoor air, transferring it outside and leaving the cooled air to circulate through your living spaces. 2. Energy Efficiency: Heat Pump Takes the Lead When it comes to energy efficiency, heat pumps have the upper hand. Since they transfer heat instead of generating it, they can provide up to four times the heating or cooling energy they consume. This results in significant energy savings...

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July 25, 2023

Why It Makes Sense to Replace an Old AC

As a Nebraska homeowner, one of the most significant decisions you may face is whether or not to replace your air conditioner. There are several factors to consider when making this decision. Rising Utility Bills An inefficient air conditioner can noticeably impact your monthly energy bills. If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your energy costs over time, it’s worth investigating whether your aging system is the culprit. Manufacturers design newer air conditioners to operate more efficiently, helping lower energy consumption and reduce utility expenses. Look for your unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. If your current system has a SEER rating of 10 or lower, upgrading to a newer model could lead to significant energy savings. Major Repairs Needed If your air conditioner is approaching 20 years old and needs a major AC repair, it may be time to consider a replacement. Experts recommend that if the repair cost is going to be more than half the price of a new system, it does not make financial sense to fix your current air conditioner. Another related factor to consider is how frequently you are having your system repaired. If you call an AC technician every few months, consider...

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June 20, 2023

Common Reasons Your Air Conditioning is Running and Not Cooling

Your air conditioning is protected against sweltering summer temperatures that can potentially lead to serious problems, such as heat stroke. However, if your AC is running continuously but not cooling your home, this warrants a call from an HVAC technician. There are several reasons why your air conditioning system will not cool your home despite running. Clogged Air Filter Air filters protect the AC against dirt, pollen, dust, and pollutants that can contaminate indoor air. However, when air filters become clogged, airflow is restricted, thus reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner and causing it to stop cooling. HVAC experts recommend you change your air filter quarterly and even more often if you have pets or many people living in your home. Faulty Thermostat Another reason your air conditioning system is failing to do its job is that the thermostat is not properly regulating the temperature inside the home. Improper temperature regulation occurs when your thermostat becomes faulty. If you have double-checked your thermostat to confirm it is set correctly but are still experiencing problems, call an HVAC technician to have your thermostat repaired or replaced. Damaged Heat Pump The heat pump absorbs heat from the air indoors and releases...

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May 11, 2023

4 Reasons Why You Should Avoid DIY AC Servicing

Some people love DIY projects, and with tutorials popping up everywhere, they can engage in their favorite household tasks more easily and effectively than ever before. They might even be tempted to perform major household technical projects, such as servicing their own AC when an air conditioning repair or AC tune-up is in order. The idea sounds good in theory, but in reality, it’s a dangerous practice. Keep reading to learn more about why you need to leave AC servicing to the pros. 1. You May Get Hurt Direct contact with high-voltage electricity can result in injuries or fatalities. The risk of shock or electrocution is particularly high when people attempt DIY AC repairs. In other words, only experienced technicians should address AC problems. 2. You Lack the Necessary Tools Many AC problems require special tools to diagnose and fix. In addition, these tools require special training to use them effectively. Most people don’t have these tools around their homes, and using alternative tools can damage the unit or hurt you. Buying the tools isn’t necessarily a viable option, either, as they’re often exorbitantly expensive. Calling in the pros is simply more cost-effective. 3. It Can Lead to More Problems...

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April 24, 2023

The Steps of an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

It’s almost time to turn on your air conditioner in order to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Before you do that, schedule an AC maintenance check. That way, you can count on your system being ready to go. Let’s talk about what you can expect during an AC tune-up. Cleaning Over the winter, your AC unit may have gotten covered with dirt and debris. This should all get cleaned away so there is proper air flow around your unit. The technician will also clean the unit’s evaporator coils and clear any clogs from the interior lines. Lubrication Your air conditioner includes a lot of moving parts. If they aren’t moving freely, this can put a lot of wear and tear on the unit. A maintenance technician will lubricate components (such as the central air fan motor) to ensure that they can move smoothly. Inspection You can count on a reputable AC company to take a close look at all of the parts of your system during a cooling tune-up. Some of the components may be getting worn out. There could be cracks or small leaks that could compromise the efficiency of your system. It’s best to catch...

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March 15, 2023

Clear the Air: Uncovering the 4 Biggest Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants are a major cause of health concerns like allergies, asthma, and other breathing illnesses among homeowners. While taking measures like managing your home’s humidity levels or using non-toxic cleaning products is essential, another key component of promoting indoor air quality is understanding what pollutants are in your home. Let’s examine the four major indoor air pollutants and how to protect yourself and your family. 1. Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are molecules of carbon and other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, and sulfur. VOCs, come from many sources, including paint, pesticides, furniture polish, perfumes, and cleaning supplies. They can also be emitted by burning wood or gas for cooking or heating. VOCs are dangerous because they can cause eye irritation and dizziness when inhaled in large amounts over a long period. 2. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas produced when fuel is burned incompletely due to inefficient combustion. Sources of CO include faulty boilers or heaters and vehicles with faulty exhaust systems nearby. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous because it can build up quickly in confined spaces, leading to dizziness, nausea, and even death if inhaled in high concentrations for long...

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February 17, 2023

How Cold Weather Impacts Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

As temperatures drop and the winter season sets in, many people spend more time indoors to stay warm. What you may not realize is that cold weather outside can have a significant impact on the indoor air quality of your home. When your home is sealed up to keep the cold air out, it leads to an increase in indoor air pollutants. Additionally, the lack of fresh air and increased use of heating systems can cause dry air. Knowledge is key when it comes to protecting your health and that of your loved ones. Here are some ways that cold weather may be impacting your indoor air quality. Buildup of Pollutants In the winter, we tend to keep our homes sealed up to keep the cold air out, which can cause a spike in indoor air pollutants. Extra dust, dirt, pet dander, and other toxic substances swirl around us by way of our ductwork and heating systems, and we breathe it in continually, which has a negative impact on our health. Drier Air A lack of fresh air and increased use of our heating systems can cause dry air in the home, which results in respiratory issues, throat irritation, and...

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