"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter

Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • May 1, 2025

🤼 Air Conditioner vs. Heat Pump?

🌦️ May Weather in Champaign, IL

I’ll admit it — I’ve already turned on the A/C. As much as I love the warm weather and sunshine, it doesn’t take long for allergies, swarms of gnats and mosquitoes, and a lawn that somehow needs mowing every two days to catch up with me. Still, you’ll find me out in the woods hunting for mushrooms or along the lakeshore, jigging my line and hoping for a bite. So, it’s a pretty good time of year after all.


We have already seen 80 F degree weather this year and I already have my first sunburn of the year. May averages highs in the mid-70s and lows in the  50s. But the way things are going we may be in for a pretty hot summer. 

The hottest May temperature in Champaign, Illinois history was 97 °F which has occurred twice, most recently on May 28, 2018.

Expect scattered thunderstorms ⛈️, blooming trees🌸, and rising humidity 💦— a good time to prep your A/C for regular use.




🛠️ Customer Actions: Prep for the Cooling Season

 Is your system ready to handle the first heat wave?
Check off this quick A/C prep list:

✅ Change your air filter

✅ Clear debris from the outdoor unit

✅ Open all supply vents

✅ Book your A/C clean and check with Ray’s Heating




   ❓Q&A: A/C vs. Heat Pump — What’s the Difference?

You may find yourself in the market for a new air conditioner this spring. Make sure your salesperson talks to you about a heat pump option. Even if a heat pump isn't the right fit for you, you should at least know what it is — and why it’s worth considering.

Simply put, a heat pump is an air conditioner that also heats your home.
 How does it work?
Have you ever placed your hand over a running outdoor A/C unit and felt the warm air blowing out? That’s heat being pulled from inside your house. You see, we can’t actually “produce cold” — air conditioning works by removing heat.

Some very smart people figured out how to reverse that cycle during winter, and that’s what we call a heat pump.
A heat pump finds warmth outside (even on cold days), absorbs it, and transfers it into your home to keep you comfortable.

Is it better than a gas furnace?
Yes and no — it depends on the weather.

In the spring and fall (temperatures between 35°F and 55°F), a heat pump is fantastic. It can easily keep your home warm with just electricity.

Once temperatures drop below 35°F, it’s usually cheaper to heat your home with a gas furnace.

Some high-efficiency heat pumps can still operate even when it’s 0°F outside, but they use more electricity and can lead to higher energy bills in extreme cold.

Below 0°F, you’ll want a gas furnace or another backup heating source.

So, what should you choose?
For most homeowners, the best option is a heat pump paired with a gas furnace. If you're already replacing your air conditioner and you already have a gas furnace, upgrading to a heat pump and furnace combo gives you the most efficient system year-round.

Bottom line:
A heat pump is a smart way to cut back on natural gas usage and still stay comfortable.
At Ray’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we install BOSCH IDS heat pump systems and furnaces — our most efficient option available.

Have questions about heat pumps? Let’s talk!
📞 Call us at 217-367-5264.



Also… we offer a 10% discount on heat pump systems just because I like to install them. Pair that with the $2,000 tax credit and the $900 Ameren instant rebate and a high end heat pump system isn't too much more than a normal AC system.



📸 Check out this install!


Speaking of BOSCH Heat Pumps…

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By Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • November 20, 2024
🤔 Does my AC need to be replaced too?

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By Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • November 1, 2024
🔧 Fix it or Replace it? In the Cold November Rain 🎸 As we head into November we can expect average daytime highs around the mid 50s°F, with nighttime temperatures dropping to the low 30s°F. Be prepared for some chilly, late fall weather, with the possibility of frost towards the end of the month. Keep an eye out for a few cold November rain showers and possibly some early snow flurries! 🥶 How low does it go? As recently as November 12th, 2019, temperatures plunged to -1°F. But, the coldest November temperature on record in our area occurred on November 25th, 1950, with a low of -5°F. Low-Efficiency vs. High-Efficiency Furnaces If your furnace has a metal vent pipe, it's a low efficiency furnace. If your furnace has a PVC vent pipe, you have a high efficiency condensing furnace. The main difference between low and high efficiency furnaces is how effectively they convert fuel into heat. Low-efficiency furnaces typically operate at around 80% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), meaning for every $1 you spend on gas 20 cents escapes out of your chimney. In contrast, we install high-efficiency furnaces with AFUE ratings of 95% or higher. These high efficient furnaces significantly reduce energy waste and lower your utility bills. High-efficiency models also have sealed combustion chambers, making them quieter. Not sure if you should stay with an 80% or upgrade to a 95% or higher furnace? Schedule a free estimate and we can discuss your options. 🤔 Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace? A common question we get this time of year is whether to fix or replace a furnace. Generally, if your furnace is over 15 years old and needs a costly repair, replacing it might be the better long-term option. If it’s newer and the repair is small, fixing it can help it last longer.  If you're facing a pricey repair, ask for a free estimate on a new furnace as well. Compare your options and choose what’s best for you. Some companies may push for a replacement claiming expensive repairs are required. If you want an honest second opinion, give us a call! Have a question? Reply to this email and we will do our best to answer it. It may even be featured on a future newsletter New Install We recently installed the new Aprilaire 720 whole house humidifier. Five ways a whole house humidifier can improve the comfort of your home this winter… Health Benefits: Reduces airborne viruses and respiratory irritants for safer air. Comfort: Prevents dry skin, static, and headaches in low-humidity months. Home Protection: Maintains wood floors and furniture, preventing damage from dryness. Energy Savings: Minimizes drafts, improving home efficiency and lowering heating costs. Better Sleep: Eases breathing and reduces dryness for more restful sleep. Thanks for reading!
fall landscape

"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter

By Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • October 1, 2024
October Weather Outlook: As we transition into October, we can expect temperatures to cool off, with highs averaging in the mid-60s°F and lows dipping into the upper 40s°F by the end of the month. Occasional rain showers are possible, especially in the latter half, so don't forget your umbrellas! It’s the perfect time to ensure your heating system is ready to go. A Look Back at Local Weather: Did you know that October 2023 brought a record low of 23°F in Champaign? While such extreme lows are rare, it's always good to be prepared for those sudden cold snaps. Get Your HVAC System Ready for Fall: As the weather turns from warm to cool, now is the ideal time to prepare your HVAC system for the cooler months. Here's what you can do: Schedule an Elite Guard Maintenance to ensure your furnace is working efficiently. Replace your air filter to help improve air quality and efficiency. Test your thermostat to ensure it switches seamlessly from cooling to heating. Does your thermostat need batteries? If so, now is a good time to replace them. At Ray’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we recommend our Elite Guard Maintenance (EGM) to keep your system running smoothly all season long! Have you heard? There are some exciting updates in the residential heating industry that can help homeowners like you save energy and reduce costs: Smart Thermostats help homeowners save energy and lower bills by learning routines and adjusting temperatures automatically. With smartphone apps, you can control your home's temperature from anywhere. High-Efficiency Furnaces reduce energy use and lowers utility bills, while improving comfort and reducing noise. It’s a smart investment for long-term savings and a smaller environmental impact. If you're thinking of upgrading, it’s a great time to explore the benefits of newer technologies! Should I Be Worried About My Furnace the First Time I Turn it on? One of the most common concerns homeowners have is that burning smell when they first turn on the furnace. This is completely normal! Dust accumulates on the heat exchanger and other parts of the furnace during the off-season, and the smell is just the dust burning off. However, if the smell persists or if you notice any odd sounds, it’s best to give us a call. Thanks for reading!