HVAC: What Is HVAC Zone Control?

April 13, 2024

According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), zoning the HVAC system in your Fox Valley, WI home could cut your heating and cooling costs by as much as 30%. With HVAC zoning, you can divide your house into separate service areas and distribute heated and cooled air only as needed. HVAC zoning offers customized comfort and a chance to greatly reduce your carbon footprint. What HVAC Zoning Control Systems Are and How They Work Standard, central HVAC systems heat and cool building interiors uniformly. These systems have a single, centrally located thermostat that

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10 Questions to Ask Your HVAC Technician

March 14, 2024

Selecting the right HVAC technician to repair, service or install your home’s heating and cooling systems constitutes a major decision that could impact your daily life for quite a while. Given that most homeowners interact with HVAC professionals only occasionally, gauging contractors’ competency levels can be challenging. Asking informed questions during initial quote meetings establishes expectations, builds trust in working relationships and helps homeowners feel fully empowered selecting partners for such essential household services. We’ve outlined the 10 most critical questions every homeowner should ask potential HVAC technicians before confirming any booking. 1.

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Why Does My HVAC Unit Smell?

February 7, 2024

Is the HVAC system in your Greenville, WI, home suddenly starting to smell bad? Unpleasant odors coming from an HVAC system are a fairly frequent problem that can happen for a few different reasons. This article will explain the issues that can cause HVAC odors and how you can overcome and prevent them. Mold and Bacteria Growth on an AC Evaporator Coil Central air conditioning systems that use a traditional AC or a heat pump often smell musty and moldy. The reason for this is that the AC evaporator coil inside the unit can promote

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14 Reasons to Get Regular HVAC Tune-Ups

January 1, 2024

Your home’s heating, cooling and ventilation systems all play a vital role in how comfortable and healthy it is. Regular tune-ups are essential to each system’s longevity and performance. And since all systems connect to one another via one component or another—thermostat, ductwork, etc.—it’s imperative to adhere to a strict tune-up schedule. Let’s take a look at some good reasons you may wish to schedule your next HVAC tune-up. 1. Proper Maintenance Requires Training Technicians perform a variety of tasks during regular HVAC tune-ups, each of which prevents the parts from wearing out. As a

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Exploring Different Types of Heat Pumps

November 20, 2023

Greenville, WI, gets cold in the winter. You want a heating system that can stand up to Mother Nature in order to keep you comfortable all year. There are several types of heat pumps, and it is best to learn more about each option before deciding on the best one for your home. They are environmentally friendly and efficient, so they have become a more popular choice in recent years. You can also use them for cooling, so they can pull double duty once the weather gets warm again. Ground Source Heat Pumps Also called

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What Should You Consider When You Must Replace Your HVAC System

October 13, 2023

Your home’s HVAC system is one of the largest investments you’ll make in ongoing upkeep. With most systems lasting more than a decade, it’s hard to remember all of what you should consider when it’s time for a replacement. Consider these nine considerations when it is time to replace your system. 1. Save Time, Money and Stress By Planning Ahead Simply put, you don’t have to wait for a situation where you’ve experienced a catastrophic failure to replace your system. Most furnaces will last 15 to 20 years, and air conditioners and heat pumps usually last

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5 Benefits of Switching to a Programmable Thermostat

September 25, 2023

The thermostat is the part of your HVAC system you use the most, as it controls your home’s temperature. What if there was a way to make your home even more comfortable by upgrading your thermostat to a programmable one? This article will explore some compelling reasons to switch to a programmable thermostat. It might be the best decision for your home. Take a look! 1. Lower Energy Bills If you use it properly, a programmable thermostat can save up to 10% of annual heating and cooling costs. That’s because you can set the thermostat to

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A Homeowner’s Guide to Venting a Water Heater Without a Chimney

September 1, 2023

Hot water heaters play a crucial role in our daily lives, providing us with the comfort of warm water for various household tasks. One aspect that homeowners often consider is proper ventilation for their hot water heaters. Traditionally, chimneys have been the go-to method for venting combustion byproducts from gas-fired water heaters. However, advancements in technology and building codes have introduced alternative venting options that provide more flexibility and efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore the question: Can I vent a hot water heater without a chimney? We’ll delve into modern venting solutions, their benefits, and considerations for homeowners.

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How to Troubleshoot Your HVAC Issues

August 20, 2023

Both summer and winter can be brutal in Wisconsin. An HVAC system failure during extreme weather is more than uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. With close attention and proper care, you can reduce the risk of your heater or air conditioner breaking down. Here is an overview of the most common symptoms to look for. Strange Noises Perhaps one of the most telltale signs of a struggling HVAC system is unusual noises. A functioning system operates relatively quietly. Unusual noises such as banging, clattering, or high-pitched whistling could indicate various issues. Banging or clattering noises may

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The Differences Between a Heat Pump and Central AC

July 2, 2023

As most residents here in Fox Valley, WI, know, energy efficiency is a priority if you want to keep your monthly bills under control. For that reason, more and more homeowners in the area are reaching out to the team here at Black-Haak to ask about heat pumps instead of central air conditioning systems. Most know that a heat pump offers excellent energy efficiency, but some may not always be clear on how they work and how they differ from conventional central AC systems. So, we’ve put together this guide that explains how a heat pump functions and the specific

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