HVAC Archives - Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing

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

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

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 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

Why You Need to Have Your Home Tested for Carbon Monoxide

November 18, 2020

Keeping your Urbana house safe from threats both visible and invisible is one of your most important responsibilities as a homeowner. One of the more dangerous invisible threats is carbon monoxide. Since it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it’s impossible to detect carbon monoxide without special equipment. Making the investment of time and money, though, to have Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing test your residence for carbon monoxide is one of the best investments you’ll ever make. A Debilitating Enemy One of the major dangers of carbon monoxide is that it can debilitate you so that you can’t evacuate your home

End of Summer AC Maintenance Could Help You Save Money Next Spring

September 18, 2020

Once the summer winds down, consider having the air conditioner inspected and tuned up before it goes into hibernation. One immediate reason for this is that the rates can be cheaper at the end of summer than at the beginning of spring. Regardless of the timing, though, the important thing is to have it done at least annually. We layout the benefits below. Prevents Problems Linked to a Dirty AC All through the summer, your AC may have collected dirt and debris. It starts with the filter, which, if it’s the pleated kind, will become clogged

The Dangers of Reusing AC Filters

August 16, 2020

Although there are specific types of air conditioner filters that are designed for reuse, most filters aren’t reusable. Unless your air filter specifies that it’s safe to clean and reuse, there are several reasons why you should discard it after use and install a clean one. Read on to learn why it’s important to never reuse old AC filters. Mold and Mildew Could Grow Air filters aren’t built to shed any excess moisture that gets on their surfaces. If you use water to rinse them off, the moisture that’s retained over days or weeks could

The Different Careers in HVAC

July 16, 2020

There are many career options in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry. The HVAC industry is growing and many jobs pay well, so it’s a good industry to get into. Here are some of the career options available. HVAC Technician An HVAC technician repairs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. The average pay for someone in this position is about $51,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This occupation is projected to grow by a healthy 13% through 2028. HVAC Installer People in this career install heating

Why Does My HVAC System Smell Like Smoke?

May 13, 2020

Seeing or smelling smoke from your home’s HVAC system can be alarming. An odor of smoke could develop for several reasons, and not all of them are emergencies. Here are three reasons why your home’s heating and cooling system could smell like smoke and which actions you should take. Dirty Filter or Vents A dusty air filter could create a smoke type of smell. Dust on the electrical heating elements may also cause a short-term smoke odor the first time you use the emergency heat for the season. If you just bought your home and are