Heating & Air Conditioning Blog | Dogtown Heating & Air

Does Regularly Changing the Air Filter Increase Your AC’s Longevity?

June 12, 2023

Summer is in full swing in Urbana. With the temperature rising every day, it’s important that your air conditioner can perform flawlessly so that you don’t end up miserable in your own home. An essential part of maintaining the performance of your air conditioner is regularly changing the air filter. Beyond making sure that your air conditioner can keep your home comfortable, consistent air filter changes can help increase the lifespan of your air conditioner. Here are a few insights on this critical topic from your friends at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing. Less Run Time When your air filter

3 Reasons Why You Need to Schedule an AC Tune-Up Before Summer

April 24, 2023

As the temperatures rise and the summer season approaches, ensuring that your air conditioning system is in top shape is important. The last thing you want is for your cooling unit to break down in the middle of a heat wave. One way to ensure your air conditioner is ready for the cooling season is by scheduling a tune-up before the warmer weather arrives. Let’s explore why you need an AC tune-up before summer and why having your system checked by a professional is important. 1. Improved Efficiency Your AC system has been idle throughout winter,

Pros and Cons of Installing a Furnace vs. a Heat Pump

March 17, 2023

When it comes to heating your home, there are two main options: a furnace or a heat pump. Both systems offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so before you decide which is right for you and your house, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option. Furnace Pros and Cons A furnace is the most common type of heating system. It works by burning fuel to create heat and distributing the newly generated heat through air ducts. This option offers several advantages, including:

Should You Invest in a Tankless Water Heater?

February 21, 2023

When most people think about a water heater, they think about a tall tank that is situated in their basement. Those tall cylindrical tanks are referred to as tank-style water heaters, and they’re slowly being replaced with more modernized tankless models. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, there are a few different reasons why you should consider investing in a tankless water heater over a tank-style one. Hot Water on Demand One of the biggest benefits of investing in a tankless-style water heater is that it will produce hot water when you

What are 3 Big Changes in HVAC that I Should Know About for 2023?

January 20, 2023

Top 3 HVAC Changes to Watch for in 2023 Every few years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reassesses the use of HVAC products throughout the country. They will make mandatory changes based on the findings of their assessments. As we turn the page into 2023, the DOE has issued three major HVAC changes that will affect HVAC providers and their customers. 1. SEER Changes The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, known simply as SEER for short, describes how efficient an air-source heat pump or central air conditioning system is. The existing standard for heat pumps

3 Most Common Plumbing Repair Emergencies

December 21, 2022

Plumbing emergencies are often unexpected and can cause damage to your home if not addressed quickly and correctly. Knowing the most common emergencies and how to handle them can help you be prepared and minimize the damage. With this knowledge, you can keep your home running smoothly and save yourself from expensive repairs. 1. Burst Pipes Unlike leaks, which are generally easy to detect, burst pipes are often sudden and unexpected, causing thousands of dollars in damage. If you suspect your pipe has burst, turn off the water to the house at the main valve. You

Which Is More Efficient: Furnaces or Heat Pumps?

November 18, 2022

When it comes to heating your home, you may be considering whether to install a furnace or a heat pump. Because of the way they operate, heat pumps are more efficient when the temperature is not too cold, but they lose efficiency during the worst winter days. There are ways to pair the components to maximize their efficiency throughout the year, however. Understanding Heating Efficiency Heat pumps work most efficiently when the temperature stays above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it dips below this temperature, heat pump efficiency starts to decline. Once outside temperatures reach about 25

How Can Heat Pumps Operate in Freezing Temperatures?

October 19, 2022

Homeowners here in Paxton, IL know how important a reliable home heating system is in the winter. So, when we tell residents about the latest in heat pump technology, they all ask the same question. They want to know if heat pumps continue to work in freezing temperatures. It’s a reasonable question, given that heat pumps rely on the outdoor air to heat homes. Here’s the answer. How Heat Pumps Work Air-source heat pumps boast efficiency that other heating systems can’t match. It’s because they don’t use fuel or electricity to generate heat. Instead, they capture

Should I Upgrade the AC in My Illinois Home From a Window Unit?

September 13, 2022

If you’re using window AC units to cool your Illinois home, there are several reasons to upgrade to a central air conditioner. You can free up some window space and derive other benefits from making this switch. More Convenient Cooling One of the problems with window units is that they can only cool one room, and it needs to be a small one. They’re also heavy, unwieldy and difficult to get in a window and take back out when the seasons change. Central air conditioners are much more convenient as they cool your entire home. You’ll

How Often Does My AC Need a Tune-up?

August 15, 2022

Summertime in Urbana, IL includes plenty of heat and humidity. With all the work your air conditioner has to do, maintaining it ensures efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know about how often your AC unit needs to be serviced and the best time to schedule its maintenance visit. Schedule a Springtime Maintenance Visit We recommend an annual service visit for your AC unit. Ideally, homeowners should schedule this visit in the springtime. This gives our technicians plenty of time to inspect, clean, lubricate and test the system. If we identify any performance issues,