Heating & Air Conditioning Blog | Dogtown Heating & Air

The Benefits of Smart Thermostats in Energy Management

April 4, 2024

Are you looking for smart ways to manage your energy consumption and keep your utility bills in check? Well, look no further because we’ve got just the solution for you: smart thermostats! What Are Smart Thermostats? Let’s start with the basics. Smart thermostats are like the brains of your heating and cooling system. They connect to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or even voice commands. Pretty cool, right? Energy Efficiency at Its Finest One of the biggest advantages of smart thermostats is their ability to

How to Choose the Right Air Filter for Your HVAC System

March 4, 2024

When it comes to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, choosing the right air filter is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for your home or business. Don’t worry, though—we’re here to help make the decision easier for you. Understanding MERV Ratings One of the first things you’ll come across when shopping for air filters is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. This rating system measures how effectively the filter removes particles from the air. Filters with higher MERV ratings can capture smaller particles,

The Importance of Water Quality in Plumbing Systems

February 1, 2024

When it comes to plumbing, we often focus on fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and ensuring our pipes are in tip-top shape. However, one crucial aspect that sometimes slips under the faucet is the quality of water running through your plumbing system. At Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing, we believe that understanding the importance of water quality is key to maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing setup. What’s in Your Water? Ever wondered what lurks within the water flowing through your pipes? It’s not just H2O. Different minerals, chemicals, and impurities can hitch a ride into your plumbing system,

Understanding Energy Efficiency in HVAC Systems

January 8, 2024

HVAC system manufacturers design them with the principle of energy efficiency to ensure consumers enjoy a comfortable indoor environment without high utility bills. But have you ever wondered what the science behind energy efficiency is? 1. System Size The market has different HVAC system sizes, with more extensive systems for large spaces and smaller designs for smaller areas. Oversized systems may frequently turn on and off while undersized systems may overwork to meet the temperature demand. This leads to high energy consumption. The size of an HVAC unit is determined by British Thermal Units (BTUs). Systems

Furnaces Noises and What They’re Telling You

December 13, 2023

Furnaces commonly make some noise, such as humming sounds while running. Some noises, however, can indicate that the furnace has a problem and needs to be checked out by an HVAC technician. These are some common noises a furnace may make and what the problem likely is. Rattling A rattling noise can mean several things. The furnace might have a loose part that needs to be tightened back into position. The part might also be worn down and need to be replaced. More rarely, it could mean your furnace is about to fail. In the worst-case

What are the benefits of boilers for my home?

November 17, 2023

Instead of using forced air to heat homes, boilers use radiant heating. Radiant heating is when the system heats radiators, baseboards or in-floor piping to distribute heat. While choosing a boiler for your Paxton home is a major choice, there are many benefits that this heating source offers. Even Heat Distribution Compared to forced-air systems that require a significant amount of hot air to gather towards the ceiling before it spreads out and heats your home, the heat distribution from a boiler tends to be more even. The radiant heat that the boiler produces heats all

This Is How You Protect Your Pipes From the Big Freeze

October 18, 2023

Just like you bundle up with layers of clothing during the winter months, do the same for your plumbing. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures will freeze your pipes into ice and burst when you turn on the faucet. Prevent thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs by protecting your pipes from the big freeze. Insulate Exposed Plumbing Visible outdoor pipes are more prone to freezing than pipes hidden from view. Cover those pipes with foam insulation, heat tape, or heat cables. Shield exposed valves, handles, and faucets with a faucet cover, and insulate exposed pipes in the

3 Ways Furnace Tune-up Services Prevent Heating Emergencies

September 20, 2023

When temperatures in Paxton, IL plummet, you’ll need a functional, fixed heating solution to stay safe and comfortable in your home. Furnace breakdowns place building residents at risk of temperature-related health issues, frozen or burst pipes, and other potentially serious problems. During freezing weather, they can even render homes temporarily uninhabitable. Fortunately, you can avoid the stress, hassle, and extra spending of heating emergencies by scheduling tune-up service. Here’s what you need to know. 1. Furnace Tune-ups Eliminate Built-up Debris and Optimize Airflow Furnace tune-ups include thorough inspections and cleaning of all interior and exterior heating

Is It Better to Replace or Repair the AC in My Home?

August 7, 2023

Repairing or replacing your HVAC system can be a real head-scratcher for any homeowner. Our team at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing has compiled a list of things to consider if you are trying to decide on a replacement or repairs. No matter what you decide, our experts will gladly help you with any questions you may have. Go for Repairs When It Makes Sense If your HVAC system is acting up and it’s still less than 10 years old, an AC repair should do the trick. Here is a simple rule of thumb: multiply the system’s age by

Top 3 Signs Your AC Needs Repair

July 25, 2023

Regular maintenance will usually keep your air conditioning running smoothly. However, it is essential to be aware of signs that may indicate problems between visits from a HVAC professional. By paying attention to the following three issues, you can address minor problems before they require significant repairs. 1. Warm Air If you notice that warm air is blowing from the vents of your AC, you should check the thermostat first. Ensure that its settings have not been interfered with and have been set correctly. If the system still blows warm air after the check, the problem

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