Heating & Air Conditioning Blog | Dogtown Heating & Air

Which Is Better for My Home: An Air Purifier or Dehumidifier?

February 17, 2022

Improving the air quality in your home can provide lasting benefits. You and your family will be able to breathe easier with less sneezing, coughing, and discomfort. Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are two appliances that work to improve your home’s safety. Learn which appliance is the best choice for your family. Dehumidifier A dehumidifier works to decrease the humidity level in the home. Too much moisture in the air can lead to unpleasant mold odors and potential health risks. If the air in your home is feeling thicker or warmer than usual, consider testing for humidity.

3 Reasons Why Your Drinking Water Is Dirty

January 12, 2022

A healthy and clean water supply is critical to a functioning home. However, some man-made and natural environmental factors can contribute to a decrease in the quality of the water that flows out of your taps. Here are three possible reasons why your water quality is poor and what you can do about them. Industrial Pollution If you live in an area with a significant presence of industrial zones and factories, pollution can seep into your local water supply from the surface. These pollutants can include oil, chemicals, and other toxic substances. Consuming water contaminated

Everything You Need to Know About Heat Exchangers

December 20, 2021

Many homeowners are not aware of a heat exchanger until something goes wrong on their furnace. However, a heat exchanger is the largest component of your furnace, and if you have a worn-out heat exchanger, it can result in cracks or holes in the furnace. You don’t want this to happen because it will result in faulty fuel combustion and carbon monoxide that is too high. Here is all you need to know about heat exchangers. A Heat Exchanger Works by Holding to a Specific Design Heat exchangers usually work by transferring heat from one side

How Can I Heat My Home This Winter?

November 18, 2021

You have several options to heat your home in the winter. Some initially cost more but save you money on your monthly energy bills. Which option is best depends on your home, budget and other factors. Electric Furnace This is the least expensive option to install in your home. However, it’s the most expensive way to heat your home. An electric furnace is not a good option unless you don’t have other choices. Gas Furnace Gas furnaces are very efficient nowadays. They’re the most common way of heating a home in the

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