Posts Tagged ‘Collinsville’
Consider Your Insulation Options
There are several insulation products that can be used to improve the insulation of your home and reduce energy costs. The installation method is dictated by the insulation type. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its thermal insulation or R value, normally shown as a value per inch of thickness; the higher the value…
Read MoreCarbon Monoxide Detectors: What Features Should You Look For
Setting out to buy carbon monoxide (CO) detectors for your home is a wise decision. Detectors placed wisely around your home will protect you from unexpected CO leaks that could be lethal. Don’t think that all detectors are built the same, though, some have different features that may be better for your home. Basic Features…
Read MoreKeep Your Standby Generator Running Smoothly: Do a Maintenance Check
Performing a maintenance check on your home’s standby or backup generator is crucial to making sure that it will work when it is needed. There are two main steps involved with maintenance to verify normal functionality. One deals with visual aspects of the generator, while the other involves actually running it to see that everything…
Read MoreIs Your Programmable Thermostat Acting Up? Troubleshooting Tips to Try
Programmable thermostats allow you to program your heating and cooling system to operate at a reduced capacity when you’re away from home or asleep, which leads to lower energy bills. While most programmable thermostats work efficiently and reliably, problems can occur. Knowing what common issues to look for can resolve the issue without a call…
Read MoreHow to Use Ceiling Fans With Your HVAC System to Keep Your Home Comfortable
During the spring, your utility bills experience a pleasant drop. Yet summer is on its way, and the bills are due to increase once again. Now’s the perfect time to begin thinking of ways to keep those utility costs low year-round. One of the best ways to save money is to use commodities that you…
Read MoreUnderstanding What MERV Ratings Mean for Air Filter Efficiency
Understanding the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) for HVAC filters will help you select an appropriate furnace or A/C filter based on the needs of your household without sacrificing heating and cooling performance. MERV ratings range between 1-16 (with 17-20 reserved for High Efficiency Particulate Arresting, or HEPA, filters). As a general rule of thumb,…
Read MoreTroubleshooting the A/C Noises in Your Edwardsville Home
After a long winter, dealing with the heat of Southwest Illinois summers can be just as challenging for a homeowner as months worth sub-zero temperatures. Having a well-functioning central air conditioner (A/C) is essential. If you can troubleshoot A/C noises, you can better address any problems, either yourself or by telling a professional technician what the problem seems to be. Most…
Read MoreSummertime Energy-Saving Myths: Don’t Believe Them
In an effort to lower cooling costs in the summer, many homeowners follow misguided advice that actually ends up using more energy. Here are some of the most common energy-saving myths and what you should do instead to save money this season. Turning down the thermostat real low will cool the home faster. While at…
Read MoreAir Filter Shopping: What’s the Best Choice for Your Illinois Metro East Home?
Is it time to replace the air filter in your forced-air HVAC system? The air quality inside your home can be negatively impacted by a dirty or clogged filter. Energy efficiency is also adversely affected, and your cooling or heating equipment will have to work harder to force air through a dirty filter. When air…
Read MoreIf You’re Concerned About Conservation, Start Small With These Energy- and Resource-Saving Tips
Most of us agree that minimizing our impact on the environment is a good thing. If you’re looking to do your part and shrink your environmental footprint, consider the following energy- and resource-saving tips. Air leak sealing. Most homes, old and new, have many air leaks. These air leaks allow warm air to infiltrate in…
Read More