Heating & Air Conditioning Blog | Dogtown Heating & Air

Why Is There a Smell When I First Start My Heater?

October 13, 2021

When you first turn your furnace on for the year, there’s a good chance you’ll notice the smell of something burning. Is this something to be concerned about? It’s usually normal, but there are some burning smells that indicate a serious problem. Why There’s a Burning Smell Your furnace has likely sat unused for months when you first turn it on for the year. During this time, the air has continued to circulate through your ductwork and heater. This causes dust to settle on your heater’s parts. When you first fire up your

5 Tips to Help You Save on Your Heating Bill

September 15, 2021

If you have a heating bill that gets high in the winter, consider these five tips to keep your energy costs manageable. Whether you need repairs or just a few household changes to keep your heating bill reasonable, it is better to start practicing conserving heat as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to have maintenance done before the coldest seasons so that you can have a great working heating system during the coldest months. 1. Check Windows and Doors Check the windows and doors in your home to make sure they seal well. You

4 Popular AC System Designs to Consider

August 2, 2021

Getting an air conditioner for your home is a big financial investment. You’ll likely be using it for years to come, so it’s important to find an AC system that best fits your specific cooling needs rather than just the cheapest possible option. Here are four popular air conditioner system designs that most households use. 1. Portable AC System Portable air conditioners have become increasingly popular, especially in metropolitan areas where a studio or one-bedroom apartment is the norm. Portable AC units are easy to install, take up little floor space, and can be

Going on Vacation? Shut Your Water Off

July 28, 2021

Packing, dropping the dog off at the kennel, and canceling your mail are all things that you might do before going on vacation. However, it may also be a good idea to shut off the water to your house prior to leaving for an extended period of time. Shutting the Water Off May Be Especially Helpful During the Winter The weather in Urbana, Illinois, can be extremely cold during the winter months. It isn’t uncommon for cold temperatures to make pipes brittle, which can make them vulnerable to cracks. A damaged pipe may be more

How To Clean Air Conditioning Unit

June 28, 2021

Cleaning your air conditioner is a time-consuming process, but it will also help your unit to run more efficiently. Knowing the proper steps involved will ensure you do not damage any of the small mechanical parts inside of your system. A few specialized tools will also make the job easier. Here are four tips on how to clean your AC unit. 1. Turn Off Power Running to Your AC Air conditioners are composed of moving parts, some of which are independently running from other systems. Even if you switch off the power button on your

How To Hide Laundry Room Plumbing

May 13, 2021

The laundry room in your Urbana, IL, home is likely to be heavily used. All the washing, drying, treating stains, and other related tasks may cause some clutter. If your laundry room also has plumbing sticking out, you might feel embarrassed about it when guests visit. Keep reading to learn some easy ways to hide the plumbing and clutter in your laundry room. Hang a Curtain A fast, simple, and economical way to hide your laundry room’s plumbing is to hang a curtain. You could get a vinyl or washable fabric shower curtain and install a

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

April 5, 2021

If your home has a basement, you probably have a sump pump. A sump pump protects your basement from water damage. There are a few things to know about sump pumps so you can help it keep your basement dry and comfortable. Sump Pump Basics Sump pumps are placed in a small pit where water can collect. When the water reaches a certain depth, the sump pump turns on and pumps the water outside away from your house. Water is pumped out of your basement through a discharge pipe. The pipe needs

What Is Hydro Jetting?

March 9, 2021

Slow drains and recurring clogged drains can be frustrating and costly to repair. The situation can cause sewer backups and contaminate the water source in your home. Hydro jetting can solve such constant plumbing problems. It entails a noninvasive plumbing solution that eliminates blockages. Plumbers use high-pressure water jets for the hydro jetting process. Hydro jetting is becoming more prevalent in Paxton. However, talk to a plumber to evaluate your plumbing system to understand if hydro jetting is necessary. Benefits of Hydro Jetting Hydro jetting flushes out sediments from pipes and clears out mineral buildups, oils,

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

February 8, 2021

While conventional water heaters dominate the market, tankless water heaters have their advantages, such as their energy efficiency. They’re becoming more popular in recent years because of these advantages. While similar to conventional water heaters, they work differently. How They Work Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. They don’t have a large storage tank, unlike conventional water heaters. When a hot water tap is turned on, it heats water and sends it to the tap. They supply an endless amount of water, also unlike conventional waters that can run out of hot water.

How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

January 19, 2021

Changing the furnace filter on schedule might help homeowners avoid costly problems. Clogged air filters might degrade efficiency, which means higher heating bills. A dirty furnace may even cause overheating, which could lead to a cracked heat exchanger. So, when is it appropriate to change a furnace filter? A Common Frequency Air filter companies usually suggest changing a furnace filter every 90 days. An exception would be thicker filters, which could last upwards of six months. That said, these “common frequencies” come with some caveats. Changing the filters ahead of schedule might be necessary, depending on