Blog

As the temperatures drop, the last thing you want is a chilly home and skyrocketing home energy bills. How to keep your home warm in winter is a common concern, but with a few strategic winter energy saving tips, you can maintain a cozy and cost-effective living space.

From sealing gaps and insulating to leveraging smart technology, this guide[...]

As the winter chill sets in, the last thing you want is to wake up to the sound of dripping water from a burst frozen pipe. Frozen pipes can lead to costly water damage and extensive repairs, disrupting your daily life and causing unnecessary stress. But with a few simple steps, you can prevent frozen pipes and keep your home’s plumbing in[...]

Imagine harnessing the Earth's natural heat to keep your home comfortable year-round. Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution, but they also come with significant upfront costs and installation challenges. This article delves into the pros and cons of geothermal systems, providing a clear picture of[...]

Winter is coming, and with it, the challenge of keeping your home warm and cozy without breaking the bank. As temperatures drop, the strain on your furnace increases, which can lead to higher utility bills and even potential breakdowns. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure your furnace operates efficiently and effectively[...]

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air sets in, it's time to start thinking about closing the vacation lake house for winter. Preparing your property for the cold months ahead is essential to ensure it remains in top condition and is ready to welcome you back come spring.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the crucial[...]

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months ahead. One of the most important tasks on your fall home-maintenance checklist is scheduling a furnace tuneup.

In this post, we'll explore the benefits of a fall furnace service, provide a checklist of what's typically[...]

Are you aware of the significance of routine air conditioning maintenance for your home's comfort and energy efficiency? Overlooking the servicing of your outdoor air conditioner unit can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy bills, and potential breakdowns during peak summer months.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the importance[...]

Summer is in full swing, and with the rising temperatures comes an increased demand for water. This can lead to higher water bills, but it doesn't have to. By following a few simple tips, you can reduce your summer water use and save money on your water bill this summer.

We’ve put together several tips for saving water in summer that will[...]

Your air conditioner unit is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. But what happens when your AC unit fails? It can be a nightmare, especially if you're not prepared.

There are several reasons an AC could fail in the summer. Some of the most common issues include dirty condenser coils, low refrigerant[...]

Does the fear of sweltering heat and higher utility bills have you down as summer approaches? Don't worry. Here are some summer home energy tips to help you cool your home more efficiently, lower your utility costs and hopefully ease your mind.

These home energy-saving tips can significantly improve the comfort of your home and may help lower[...]

Summer will be here before you know it. Perhaps you’ve had a few warmer spring days already. Your home's air conditioning unit is your best friend during these hot months, providing you with much-needed relief from the heat.

However, if your AC unit is not functioning properly, it can make your life miserable. Now, before the milder warmth[...]

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the potential for plumbing problems. As the weather warms up and the snow melts, homeowners may find themselves dealing with clogged drains, toilet problems, water heater issues, and even frozen pipes.

To help you avoid these common spring plumbing problems, we've put together this blog post. In it, we'll[...]

With the warm weather approaching quickly, it's important to make sure your home's air conditioning unit is in good working order. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner, saving you money in the long run.

Let’s go over why you should get your home's air conditioning unit serviced[...]

Your furnace is an essential part of your home, providing warmth and comfort during the cold winter months. However, like any other appliance, furnaces can develop problems over time. If you're not sure whether your furnace is in need of service or repair, there are a few signs you can look for.

Those signs, which we’ll go over in this[...]

Are you tired of high utility bills during the winter months? Look no further! We’ve collected our favorite tips to help your home's furnace run more efficiently and save you money.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long without breaking the bank. From cleaning and maintaining your[...]

Winter can be a difficult time for plumbing systems. Cold temperatures, inadequate insulation, and frozen pipes can all cause serious issues in the home. Homeowners need to take steps to winterize their plumbing system and be aware of common winter plumbing problems to prevent costly repairs.

In this blog, we'll cover how to winterize your

One of the most important steps you can take to keep your furnace and home HVAC system running efficiently and cost-effectively is also one of the simplest: Regularly check and replace your furnace air filter.

A dirty air filter will not only reduce the efficiency of your heating system, but it can also lead to a variety of problems. Should you[...]

It's that time of year once again. Temperatures outside will soon begin to drop and that means you'll be reaching for your home's thermostat to crank up the furnace.

Will it run as needed? Will it turn on at all? You hope so – and, for the record, so do we. But it's best not to leave anything to chance. Now's the time for homeowners to take[...]

When it comes to buying a new house, there is no question that the HVAC system needs to be taken into consideration. Having an efficient and reliable system can make the difference between a comfortable home and one with uncomfortable temperatures or high energy bills.

But how do you know what to look for and which questions to ask about the[...]

Summer is a demanding time for any home air conditioning unit. So it makes sense that you may start to notice signs that your AC unit is struggling to keep up. From strange noises to inadequate cooling, there are numerous signs that your AC unit is in need of repair or maintenance.

Fortunately, identifying and addressing potential air conditioner[...]

With temperatures rising, the last thing you want this summer is to be stuck in a hot and uncomfortable home. But that's exactly what can happen if your air conditioning unit is overworked. It can also lead to high utility bills and other problems.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your house cool without overworking your AC unit. From regular[...]

Summer! It’s that time of year where families and friends come together outside for cookouts, BBQs, pool parties and other fun outdoor activities.

Unfortunately, that means leftovers that don’t always get eaten. Those unfinished scraps of burgers, steaks, watermelon, pineapple and all sorts of other summertime foods sometimes wind up[...]

Summer and the hot weather that arrives with it are both on the way. If past summers are any evidence, then we could be seeing temperatures creep up sooner rather than later.

So, with that in mind, now’s the time to have your air conditioning unit tuned up and serviced by a pro so you can catch any issues that might be present before they[...]

In this line of work, we can’t preach it often enough: no air conditioner is invincible. All units, no matter how reliably they’ve worked, will fail some day.

No, it’s not fun to think about. But it’s reality.

What’s worse is not knowing when your air conditioner will fail – or even knowing that there was a[...]

It’s one of the most annoying, and unfortunately, one of the most common problems that come with plumbing and winter: frozen pipes.

Just like when you turn on the furnace and expect your house to begin heating up, so too do you expect water to come out of faucets when you try to turn on water. However, when winter temperatures plummet and[...]

There’s a lot of fun to be had in winter. Building snowmen, sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling – all these wintertime activities are incredible fun.

Each of those activities has something in common, too. They are all outdoor activities. The cold weather of winter makes for enjoyable opportunities – as long as that[...]

Winter can be rough for many reasons. Travel can be made more difficult by snow and ice, not to mention the fact that you need to clear driveways and sidewalks to even get out in your vehicle, and bundling up can sometimes feel like a chore itself.

But most homeowners are keenly aware of one way winter can really show its face: in your monthly[...]

Advances in home heating technology and equipment have done wonders for homeowners. As models have become more efficient, not only are homes able to stay warm even longer in the winter months, but they are also able to save on energy bills, too.

However, many homeowners seeking to heat their houses may find themselves in a common debate: heat[...]

Fall is here and winter will be here before you know it.

Is your furnace ready for the weather change and the demands of plummeting temperatures? Believe us: you don’t want to be caught in the middle of a winter cold swing and have your furnace decide to call it quits. Unfortunately, that very likely could be when we are at our busiest,[...]

Compared to conventional HVAC systems, geothermal units come with numerous benefits. They are generally low maintenance, are more efficient in operation, and have significant energy savings on heating and cooling.

While geothermal units require less maintenance than conventional units, you will still experience a few problems. To continue[...]

Low water pressure is one of the most troublesome plumbing issues. It affects not only you in the shower but your overall quality of living. Tasks become inefficient and frustrating.

While you may have dealt with leaking faucets and clogged pipes before, what should you do when the amount of water coming into your house at a time is little?[...]

This form of energy is one of the most effective and efficient releases of heat energy that entails proficiency with a never-ending life cycle. The flowing lava inside the earth's interior heats the surrounding landmass, which heats the water bodies lying in the upper layers of the earth's crust. Since there's no end to magma formation, geothermal[...]

There may be several times you have come back home to a broken heater and an uncomfortable home from a vacation. It is the last thing anyone[...]

Can you imagine going through a hot summer without air conditioning? It would be unbearable! If your AC unit is giving you trouble, you may be wondering whether to repair or replace it. The answer depends on several factors.

How Old is Your Machine?

The first thing to consider is the age of your unit. If it's more than ten years old, replacement[...]

If you're like most people, you probably don't think about your HVAC service provider all that much. But if your furnace is on the fritz or your air conditioner is leaking water, you'll be glad you have one. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't get the quality of service they deserve from their HVAC provider. Here are the problems you should not[...]

If you've been feeling sick a lot lately and can't seem to shake the cough, it might be time to take a closer look at your indoor air quality. Poor air quality can cause all sorts of health problems, from allergies and asthma to respiratory infections and heart disease.

But first, what are the signs that your indoor air quality might be poor?

If[...]

Find out about the standard tune-up for your heating and air conditioning system. Learn what to expect from a professional contractor during this service visit.

An HVAC tune-up is a regularly provided service to HVAC systems to ensure that they are running at their best. Most HVAC companies offer HVAC tune-ups to their customers at least once a[...]

No matter the size of your building or the type of business you have, there are simple energy efficiency measures that can cut costs and save money. Here are some tips on how to get started today.

The building sector is one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is because buildings are responsible for 36%[...]

The average home loses a significant amount of its energy through air leaks. Here are some tips for finding and repairing them.

Air leaks are a big problem in homes that don't have proper insulation. Is your heating and cooling system costing you more than you think it should? It might be time to find some air leaks in your home. Air leaks can[...]

It's a sweltering summer day, and you turn on your AC for some relief. But instead of cool air blowing out, hot air comes from the vents! What could be wrong with your AC? Here are some common reasons why your AC is blowing hot air.

Closed Return Vents

Your air conditioner may be blowing hot air because you may have closed the top return[...]

Preparing your HVAC for stormy weather is not something that should be taken lightly. It can lead to costly damages, and if you are unprepared, it could cause major issues in the future.

Going by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's storm statistics, there were over 700 tornadoes in the USA between January 1st and July 25th,[...]

Finding the right heating and air conditioning company can be tricky. Follow these steps to choose the best one for your needs.

As of 2019, there were around 118,000 HVAC businesses in the U.S alone. Finding companies that you can trust to service your HVAC unit with so many firms in the industry is a difficult job. You want to ensure that the[...]

According to Energy Star, over 50% of many household's energy bills go to heating and cooling. This means that any changes you make to your Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation systems to make them more efficient can not only lead to the seamless operation of these systems but more money in your pocket.

Sure, you know about the benefits of having[...]

Sometimes nature can surprise us in the most destabilizing ways. Disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, floods, and storms may force you to leave your home and only come back when things have returned to normal. If you are lucky, your house may remain intact and habitable. If this is the case, you will need to inspect your home[...]

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average American home consumed an annual average of 10,649 kWh in 2019, translating to 877kWh monthly. With the rising concern for the environment and the need to conserve energy, it’s about time every household took an active role in saving energy for the sake of future[...]

When you live in a home that's not brand new, things are bound to break down. Here are some easy tips for identifying common HVAC problems so you can get them fixed before they become bigger problems.

HVAC troubleshooting can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with. Of course, if your HVAC system isn't working properly, you'll want to[...]

Summer is on its way – and the heat generally associated with the season may be here even sooner than you think.

So, for homeowners, that means it’s time to not only make sure your home’s air conditioner and cooling system are in proper working order, but also going over a refresher of how to give the AC unit a helping hand in[...]

Spring has arrived and temperatures outside are beginning to rise. That can only mean one thing: It’s almost time to switch from relying on your home’s furnace to provide warmth to turning on the air conditioner to keep the house cool and comfortable.

But while the winter to spring transition can sometimes be as simple as flipping a[...]

Spring is about a month away, which means it’s time to think more about building up that spring cleaning list and checking a few of those items off the list as soon as possible.

One area of your home that always needs a spring checkup is plumbing, especially after coming out of the winter season. In an ideal world, each area of your[...]

The word “efficiency” gets thrown around a lot these days. As far as homes go, everyone wants to make sure they have efficient appliances as well as efficient heating and cooling systems installed in their homes.

There is a good reason for this, too. An energy-efficient appliance, furnace or air conditioner will, if installed and[...]

All homes lose heat in one way or another during the winter season. The warm air your furnace kicks out finds ways to escape and the cold air outside finds ways to creep inside the house. Though some houses lose less heat than others, heat loss is a problem that every homeowner should know how to limit.

For many houses, heat loss starts with[...]

Being comfortable in your own home is something everyone should be able to enjoy. In the winter, this means making sure your house’s furnace is operating efficiently and can keep your home at a comfortable, consistent temperature.

But not every homeowner does themselves – or their home’s furnace – any favors. There[...]

Cold weather and plumbing don’t always mix, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. Homeowners need to know this and take the necessary precautions to make sure their home’s plumbing can withstand the winter season.

Homeowners may come to regret not being proactive if they do encounter plumbing problems. Many of the most[...]

It’s that time of year again. If you haven’t already, then it’s likely you will need to turn on your home’s furnace pretty soon in the coming weeks. But before you reach for the thermostat, you may want to check to see if your furnace is in need of a tuneup.

See, while it’s always a good idea to have your furnace[...]

Saving money on cooling your home doesn’t always take larger investments on high-dollar, such as upgrading your air conditioner, replacing windows installing insulation. For many homeowners, a smaller investment will do the trick, such as energy-saving curtains and blinds.

Why cover your windows with better attachments? It’s a heat[...]

Some air conditioner unit maintenance tasks require the skills and know-how of a trained, certified professional. But not all.

Homeowners who feel comfortable taking a look at their home’s AC units can take a few proactive measures – and even perform a few simple fixes – to help their home air conditioning stay cool and[...]

It’s a worst-case scenario for many homeowners: a sewer backup in your basement.

When a sewer backs up, it can cause a large amount of damage to flooring, electrical systems, walls, furniture – anything that’s in the basement. The cost of damages can very quickly add up to thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, sewer clogs[...]

Air conditioning is easy to take for granted. Many homeowners expect to hear the hum of an AC unit kicking on as soon as they reach for the thermostat this time of year. Unfortunately, if the air conditioner has not been maintained or serviced, that expected, comforting hum may instead be dreaded silence.

Even if a home’s AC unit has been[...]

Every house needs reliable plumbing. There’s no debate about that.

But what some homeowners may not know is that they could be sending money down the drain by not paying attention to the condition of their home’s plumbing, including pipes, appliances and fixtures.

Here’s how you can make sure your home’s plumbing is[...]

Spring’s arrival, for many, brings with it an urge to refresh and renew around the house. This spring cleaning, as we’ve come to call it, most often involves a thorough look around the home for any sort of dirt and disorganization that’s accumulated and been left alone during fall and winter.

And while there are many, many[...]

We’ve reached peak winter. It doesn’t get much colder than this. The wind outside may be howling and it’s a safe bet that there’s snow falling or on the ground.

Now is not the time you want your home’s furnace to start causing problems – or fail entirely. However, if you have any doubts about your[...]

Winter can put your furnace through quite the workout. Add in the fact that your windows may not be doing your heating system any favors and you could be facing utility bills that are far too high thanks to the loss of heat.

To prevent heat loss through windows in your home, you need to know to winterize windows, if needed. Even homes that have[...]

Homeowners in the Iowa Great Lakes area and throughout Northwest Iowa know that winter weather means a workout for their homes' furnaces. And they're not alone. According to the Department of Energy, heating accounts for 45% of energy bills throughout the country.

That's why now is an excellent time to look for steps you can take to help your[...]

Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for people looking to purchase a new furnace. That's because the higher a unit's energy efficiency rating, the more likely a homeowner is to see lower utility bills. Highly energy efficient home furnaces simply pay for themselves over time.

But there's more to finding the right furnace for your home[...]

‘Tis the season once again and your furnace is about to get another winter workout.

But before you reach for the thermostat, there are a few winter heating tips you should know that can help keep your home’s furnace operating as efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible.

Many of these tips are small changes you can make to your[...]

There’s a definite chill in the air and day seems to fade to night a lot sooner than it did even a couple weeks ago. That can mean only one thing: Fall is here - and it’s time to get your home’s furnace serviced.

Don’t ignore an annual furnace check-up. You may be enjoying more open windows now, but pretty soon you will[...]

Late summer has an reinvigorating energy to it that no other part of a season can claim. Travel and vacations wind down, kids are headed back to school and all those school-related activities start to pick back up.

At night and early in the mornings, there may be a chill in the air that signals autumn’s arrival is approaching fast.[...]

The balance between being comfortable and protecting your bank account from sky-high utility bills can be hard to find in the summer.

While it could be tempting to let your air conditioner run as much as possible, this is probably not the best strategy for lowering cooling costs this time of year.

Here are some tips on how to keep your home cool[...]

Plumbing problems are pretty common in the summer. That’s because, in general, people are much more active.

From more running around and needing hydration, to washing dirty clothes more frequently and, of course, increased use for gardening and landscaping purposes, it shouldn’t be a surprise that a home’s plumbing gets used[...]

As the temperature begins to steadily rise to warmer levels, more and more families will be looking toward their air conditioners to provide a little more comfort. In just a couple more months, the thermostat will really get a workout as people look for relief from the heat.

Hopefully you have had your home’s A/C unit serviced and know that[...]

Spring is here. Finally!

But that means there are things around the home that you need to check, clean and replace.

One of the first things you will want to take a look at is your air conditioning unit. Maybe you still won’t need it for a month or so, but it is always best to know your AC unit will work when you do need to turn it on for[...]

Utility bills are huge expenses for homeowners. In fact, the US Department of Energy says nearly half of the $2,200 the average U.S. family spends on energy utility bills goes toward paying for heating and cooling.

But what if you could 30 to 60 percent on your heating costs and 20 to 50 percent on cooling costs?

You can with a geothermal energy[...]

The months of December, January and February are normally the coldest months of the year throughout the United States, according to The Weather Channel.

Here in northwest Iowa, winter more often than not comes with those bitterly cold temperatures that most of the Upper Midwest also feel. Our winter season can sometimes stretch itself even[...]

With temperatures dropping and staying consistently low this time of year, your furnace is likely getting a workout. More run time for your furnace means higher monthly heating bills.

If your energy bill seems to spike in colder months, you're not alone. According to the Department of Energy, heating makes up 45 percent of energy bills in the[...]

In 2018 alone, approximately 1.23 million new homes were built across the country. That's a lot of opportunities to find your dream home.

Once you do, you'll need to start thinking about making the house as efficient as possible.

Believe it or not, heating and cooling costs are some of the biggest expenses homeowners face each year. And they[...]

Do you want to get a scare in two sentences? Let's do that for you.

It's a 33-degree winter night and you turn on your heating. The old furnace broke down and you'll have to pay for repairs in cash.

Scary, right? The average furnace repair cost can be between $20-$1500, depending on the damage. Why waste that on an old unit when you can save[...]

As a responsible homeowner, you know how important it is to keep your home maintained. You recognize that a well-kept home is more valuable than a neglected one.

That's no easy - or cheap - feat. In fact, statistics show that maintenance and repairs cost the average homeowner one to four percent of the home's value each year. It's clear that such[...]

Unexpected repairs at your home or business always seem to pop up at the most inopportune time. It's up to you to do everything you can to limit the amount of repair work you need done.

When you have a serious plumbing issue, ignoring it isn't an option. Unfortunately, plumbing repair costs can add up over time.

Even if you've set aside money[...]

When designing your home, the placement of your HVAC unit may seem like one of the least important parts of the puzzle. However, poor placement of either your indoor or outdoor HVAC unit can lead to large headaches down the road.

Placing your unit in the wrong spot can make the system work harder than it needs to, lead to maintenance issues, and[...]

Americans don't enjoy the heat, at least not inside of buildings. One strong indicator is that annual cooling costs in the US run into the tens of billions.

That's a serious commitment to keeping the hot air outside.

Of course, an AC unit is a machine. Sure, you can maintain them and even extend their lives. There will come a point when you must[...]

Summer is almost here, and with it comes unbearable heat.

It might be tempting to rush for the air conditioning to try and cool down your home, but this can make your electricity bill skyrocket.

In the United States, air conditioning costs for homeowners hit about $29 billion each year. It's hard enough to take refuge from the sweltering heat, but[...]

Summer is coming, and for certain parts of the United States, that means temperatures over 120 degrees! In some areas, even spring can get hot.

The solution for many households dealing with sweltering weather in the coming months is an excellent air conditioner.

But did you know air conditioners that have been laying dormant all year should get[...]