Debunking Common Misconceptions About Whole-Home Air Purifiers

March 1, 2025

You want clean, fresh air in your home—who doesn’t? But if you’ve been thinking about getting a whole-home air purifier, you’ve probably run into a lot of confusing information. Some people say they’re a waste of money. Others act like they’ll solve every problem in your house. It can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. You might be wondering, “Do I really need one? Will it actually help with allergies or dust?” These are good questions, and the answers might not be what you expect. Myth: Whole-Home Air Purifiers Are Just Expensive Fans A whole-home air purifier is built to pull air through special filters that catch stuff you don’t want to breathe in: dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria. It’s not just pushing air around; it’s actually cleaning it before sending it back into your rooms. Think about that one sunny afternoon when you opened the blinds and suddenly saw all those little dust particles floating in the air. That’s the stuff you’re breathing in all the time. An air purifier works to trap that kind of dust so that you breathe in less of it. It’s like having an extra layer of defense...

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Key Advantages of Using a Heat Pump in a Colder Climate

February 8, 2025

While gas furnaces continue to be the most common choice for heating a home in colder climates, heat pumps are gaining popularity as well. Not too long ago, heat pumps were mainly an effective heating solution only in regions with relatively mild winters. Today, however, heat pump technology has progressed to the point where these units can operate effectively even in extremely cold weather. Additionally, heat pumps offer several notable advantages compared to other heating options. In this article, we will explore these advantages and cover everything else you should know if you’re considering installing a heat pump. How a Heat Pump Works in Winter The first thing to understand about heat pumps is that they’re quite similar to air conditioners. Both use a refrigerant and feature an evaporator and condenser coil to capture or remove heat from one location. The heat is then transferred and released elsewhere. When a heat pump cools in the summer, it operates just like an AC system, extracting heat from the house and releasing it outside through the condenser coil. What makes a heat pump system unique is its reversing valve, which allows the heat transfer process to work in reverse. This means the...

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The Most Common Reasons for Inaccurate Thermostats

February 1, 2025

When your thermostat is inaccurate, it can lead to temperature inconsistencies and reduced heating and cooling efficiency. However, there are several things you can try before resorting to replacing it. Miscalibration If you suspect your thermostat’s temperature readings may be inaccurate, you can test it. All you will need is a reliable thermometer and some masking tape. Tape the thermometer next to your thermostat and leave it in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, compare the two readings. If the thermostat and thermometer readings are within a few degrees of each other, your thermostat is reading your home’s indoor temperature correctly. However, most thermostats need periodic calibration to maintain accuracy. Your HVAC technician can do this during a regular heating and cooling maintenance visit. Mercury-based Thermostats For older mercury-based thermostats, the recalibration process involves adjusting a small screw, usually located near the coil or bimetallic strip inside the unit. To begin, carefully remove the thermostat cover. Locate the calibration screw, which is often brass and near the base of the unit. Use a small flathead screwdriver, like the ones that come with eyeglass repair kits, to make the adjustments. Rotate the screw clockwise to increase the temperature reading or...

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Using UV Lights to Improve Winter Indoor Air Quality

January 14, 2025

It’s extremely important that we maintain a healthy level of indoor air quality (IAQ) in our home. In the winter, this becomes more important as we spend more time inside. Exposure to contaminants can cause issues like allergy symptoms, breathing problems, and spreading germs more frequently. UV lights are starting to be used in homes more frequently to help improve indoor air quality. Let’s look at how this technology works and why it’s beneficial for your O’Fallon, MO home. What Impacts Indoor Air Quality in Winter? In the summer months, it’s common for pollen and other outdoor contaminants to come inside and compromise a home’s indoor air quality. In the winter months, there are several issues to watch out for. Because of reduced ventilation and increased use of heating equipment, homeowners may experience too much or too little humidity, mold growth, a large prevalence of dust particles, and a high concentration of allergens like pet dander. Working with an experienced HVAC professional to address the individual concerns of your household can help bring your IAQ to a healthier level. This can be accomplished with the use of a whole-house purification unit, humidity-controlling equipment, and UV light technology. What Is UV...

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Understanding the Leading Trends for HVAC Systems in 2025: What All Homeowners Should Know

January 7, 2025

Innovative technology has the power to transform our everyday lives. Technological advancements can make our lifestyles more comfortable and efficient, from cell phones to innovative security systems. Today’s most exciting innovations involve the heating, cooling, and ventilation sectors. The latest HVAC updates often include smart features that help reduce energy costs while promoting sustainability. According to Forbes, the HVAC industry has undergone a technological revolution emerging from cutting-edge research and supportive government mandates such as tax credits. A look at the top HVAC trends to look out for in 2025 can help you optimize the new resources available for your home. Smart HVAC Systems Smart HVAC systems harness the power of intelligent automation and machine learning. For example, programmable heating and cooling systems enable you to adjust temperature preferences and schedule cycles that maximize energy efficiency and comfort at home. As the smart system learns your routine, it can create an algorithm that automatically adapts to ensure the best performance. For example, if you leave home for work simultaneously each day, smart HVAC units and thermometers can switch to energy-saving mode. The system can then switch to heat or cool your house when you return. Other smart features include motion-activated...

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How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

December 13, 2024

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular HVAC system for homeowners. Much of this is attributed to their ability to provide heating and cooling for all year-round comfort. However, before you invest in any new system for your home, it’s important to understand more about it, such as how long it will last. What Are the Components of a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a specialized type of HVAC system that uses refrigerant to transport heat both indoors and outdoors. In the summertime, a heat pump will transport heat from inside of your home to the outdoors so that you can have a nice cool interior environment. However, when the cold winter season hits, a heat pump will successfully extract heat from the air outdoors and bring it into your home. This provides a nice warm environment for your family for the holiday season. In general, three main components make up a heat pump. There’s going to be an indoor air handler unit that’s responsible for moving air throughout your ducting. In cases of a ductless mini-split heat pump setup, individual mini-split units will move the air throughout the room and into the unit. Inside all indoor air handler units...

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Is My HVAC Air Compressor Damaged?

December 8, 2024

If you’re like most homeowners, you rely on a home cooling system to keep you and your family comfortable throughout the hot summer months. While you likely don’t give it much thought, every one of the components inside of your system must function optimally for cold air to be produced. Unfortunately, one component of your air conditioning system that can experience a problem that will stop your unit in its tracks is its compressor. What Is an AC Compressor? Before we dive into what an AC compressor is, it’s first important to understand how your air conditioning system works. All air conditioning systems have a substance known as refrigerant inside of them. This refrigerant works to absorb heat from the inside of your home and transport it to the outdoors so that it can be dispersed into the air. By removing heat, the remaining cold air gets circulated back throughout your home to keep you and your family comfortable. Refrigerant flows from an indoor air handler unit to an outdoor condenser unit. Once it absorbs heat from the air inside your home, the cold liquid refrigerant turns into a low-pressure warm refrigerant gas. The compressor pump is responsible for moving...

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Common HVAC Issues That Can Be Avoided With Routine Maintenance

November 13, 2024

The function and efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system depend on how well you maintain it. Routine maintenance can minimize or eliminate numerous HVAC issues. 1. Poor Indoor Air Quality Your home’s air can contain various contaminants, such as pet dander, mold spores, dirt, and dust. They can trigger indoor allergy flare-ups, causing you and others in your home to experience symptoms like coughing, itching eyes, and skin rashes. Regular HVAC tune-ups help lower contaminant levels and improve your indoor air quality. 2. Poor Airflow Debris such as dust and dirt can clog your home’s vents and its intake air return register. These clogs impede airflow, making your home feel stuffy, humid, and uncomfortable. Keeping this part of your HVAC system clean helps improve airflow. It also helps your system run more efficiently, keeping your heating and cooling bills more affordable and your indoor environment more comfortable. 3. Unreliable Thermostat Function The thermostat plays a key role in your HVAC system’s operation. To ensure it performs optimally, you can hire an HVAC technician to inspect and test it regularly. The technician will ensure the thermostat provides you with reliable temperature readings. This service also ensures the thermostat does...

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The Importance of HVAC Zoning

November 4, 2024

If you are a homeowner in O’Fallon, MO or the surrounding area, you may have heard the term “HVAC zoning” before. What exactly does the term mean, though? Also, you might be wondering if it is something that your home could benefit from. Here, we’ll answer these questions for you, and then you should have a solid understanding of exactly what HVAC zoning is. You will also have a good idea of its benefits and a foundation of knowledge to work with in deciding if the upgrade is a good fit for your home. Demystifying HVAC Zoning If you’re wondering what HVAC zoning is, it is actually a pretty simple concept. When you have an HVAC zoning system put into your home, your residence is separated into different “zones,” each with its own individual thermostat. That means that you can, for example, set the living room to a different temperature from the master bedroom (if you have broken up the zones in such a way). With HVAC zoning, you are not relegated to heating and cooling the entirety of your home to one temperature. With HVAC zoning, you get significantly greater control over the temperature throughout your home. You can...

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What Could Potentially Void My HVAC Warranty?

October 9, 2024

An HVAC warranty is coverage from a manufacturer that provides financial and labor assistance for repairs and replacements. Since manufacturers can’t always guarantee that a unit’s parts are working properly, the warranty addresses specific problems that can occur and what coverage is included. The details of warranties can vary from one manufacturer to another, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your O’Fallon, MO home’s HVAC system’s warranty coverage. Things That Can Void Your HVAC Warranty There are certain things you can do that will void your HVAC warranty. 1. Failure to Properly Maintain Your HVAC System Routine maintenance is essential for the proper function of your HVAC unit. An HVAC technician will inspect the unit and ensure the components are working properly. The technician will also clean the unit to improve its efficiency. If your HVAC system malfunctions, you may have to prove that you have kept up with the maintenance of the following components: Boiler Air conditioner Heat pump Furnace 2. DIY Repairs Each brand of HVAC system comes with a set of guidelines for maintenance and repairs. HVAC technicians have the skills and extensive training to repair various types of HVAC systems. Attempting to make...

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