Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat

June 14, 2025

Many homes still have a regular thermostat, and homeowners are considering switching to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats offer many possibilities, from enhanced control and improved energy savings to a sleek, modern look on your wall. in O’Fallon, MO, is here to guide homeowners through installing a smart thermostat. Start With the Wiring Behind Your Current Thermostat Before you think about features or apps, check the wiring behind your existing thermostat. Smart thermostats need constant power to run their displays, connect to Wi-Fi, and manage your HVAC’s heating and cooling schedule. Most models get that steady power through a C-wire. If your current setup doesn’t have a C-wire, a smart thermostat may not work. Take the cover off your current unit and look at the wire terminals. You’ll probably see labels like R, W, Y, G, and maybe C. You’re in good shape if the C terminal has a wire connected to it. If not, you need to figure out what the wiring supports. Some newer smart thermostats come with power extenders or adapters, but those only work in specific setups. If you’re unsure how to read what you see, snapping a photo and checking it against the new thermostat’s...

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The Biggest Myths About Air Purifiers

June 2, 2025

You’ve probably seen ads saying air purifiers can fix things like pet smells, allergies, or even prevent illness. In an age where advertising can overpromise, it’s helpful to understand the uses and limits of these devices before spending the money to purchase one. If you’re considering a purifier but don’t know what to believe, here is a look at what’s real and what isn’t. Air Purifiers Do Not Replace Cleaning Your Home Many people assume that once they plug in an air purifier, they can scale back on dusting or forget about vacuuming altogether. This seems logical at first glance. If the purifier pulls allergens and particles out of the air, why not let it do the work? But while air purifiers help reduce airborne particles, they don’t clean surfaces or remove the heavier particles that settle into furniture, curtains, and carpets. Dust contains skin cells, fibers, pet dander, and other debris that falls out of the air and sticks to things. Once it lands, an air purifier can’t touch it unless it is disturbed. To have a dust-free home, also vacuum with a HEPA filter, wash bedding regularly and wipe down surfaces. If your purifier picks up fewer particles...

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