Heating & Air Conditioning Blog | Dogtown Heating & Air

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,

Why Is My AC Making My house Humid?

July 20, 2022

Besides providing you with adequate cooling, AC systems are also designed to dehumidify your home, but during wet summer months, your system may not be able to keep up with the mugginess of the outdoors. If your AC system is working but your home still feels humid, there might be a few reasons this is the case. Here are some possibilities. Your AC Doesn’t Run Long Enough Your AC system needs to be operating for it to reduce the humidity in your home. It may not be running long enough to effectively pull sufficient moisture from

3 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Size Tankless Water Heater

June 13, 2022

Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular as people become aware of the benefits they offer. These heaters save you money on your energy bill, but they also take up less space than traditional water heaters. If you are thinking about installing a tankless water heater in your home, choosing the right size for your needs is important. Below are things to consider when choosing the right size for your home. 1. The Number of Bathrooms in Your Home Tankless water heaters are rated by the maximum flow rate they can provide. This is

Top Benefits of Spring AC Tune-Ups

May 17, 2022

It’s that time of the year to prepare your home for spring. Don’t forget to schedule an AC tune-up to ensure that the system is ready for the long, hot summer days. Usually, spring AC tune-ups include checking refrigerant levels and electrical connections, cleaning all coils, and replacing air filters. Read on to discover the benefits of scheduling a spring AC tune-up if you’re a Paxton resident. Better Indoor Air Quality Better indoor air quality is vital in keeping your home safe from allergens and dirt and protecting your family from respiratory issues. Air filters collect

Can a Smart Thermostat Help You Save Money on Energy Bills?

April 18, 2022

Can a Smart Thermostat Help You Save Money on Energy Bills? When it comes to your utility bills, every little bit counts. A smart thermostat can be a great way to cut down on energy costs, and there are a few different ways that it can save you money. Understand What a Smart Thermostat Is A smart thermostat is a device that can be used to regulate the temperature in your home. By connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network, a smart thermostat can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet. In addition, some smart thermostats

What Does a Toilet Fill Valve Do?

March 15, 2022

Some parts of your toilet like the toilet fill valve can be replaced as a DIY project. The fill valve is usually found on the left side of the tank and has a tailpiece that goes through the bottom of the tank. Function of the Toilet Fill Valve The fill valve opens and closes when you flush the toilet to allow for proper water flow in the tank. It goes through natural wear and tear, so having to replace the fill valve eventually isn’t unusual. If your fill valve is an older model that uses a