"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter
Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • January 3, 2025
🎉Surprise! Your pipes are frozen 🥶
Hi 2025 👋
January in Champaign typically brings chilly temperatures and occasional snow. This year, expect:
- Average Highs: Mid 30s °F
- Average Lows: Mid teens °F
- Snowfall: Who knows… But the average is about 6 inches total.
Remember this?
Do you remember January 6th, 2014? The high was -9 F. The cover photo is a picture of a Sundog I took behind our shop in Urbana that morning. Sunlight reflecting off ice crystals in the upper atmosphere causes this.
PSA: Change Your Furnace Filter
A dirty filter will restrict airflow too much. This can cause:
- Overheating of your furnace
- Your furnace will turn the burners off and run the fan until it's cooled down. That means cold air blowing out of your vents. Usually after 3 times your system could shut off for hours. Burr…
- Increased wear and tear on your system
- Your blower could be trying to compensate for the increased restriction of the dirty filter. This uses more electricity and burns motors out prematurely.
If you have a 1 inch filter you should check it every 30 days. If you have a wide filter you should check it every 3-6 months. Hold your filter up to a light. If you can't see much light coming through, change it. If you see plenty of light, put it back and check it again in 30 days.
🧳Going on Vacation? Check in from the beach. 🏖️
Don't be caught with a cold house when you return… or worse, frozen pipes.
Smart thermostats are not just for convenience; they can protect your home while you're away. Here's how:
- Remote Monitoring: Adjust settings and receive alerts about temperature drops on your smartphone.
- Freeze Prevention: Maintain a minimum temperature to prevent frozen pipes.
- Energy Efficiency: Save on heating costs by lowering the temperature when the house is unoccupied.
Can I Close My Registers If I’m Not Using a Room?
Maybe…
Your duct work system should have been designed to accommodate every register. If you close them off then your airflow will be restricted, much like having a dirty filter.
But we understand if you need to close a couple registers. We do not recommend closing more than 20% of your registers.
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
📸 Check out this install!
2 Stage Bosch Furnace with a Variable Speed IDS Heat Pump.
🤔 Does my AC need to be replaced too?
🔧 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!
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!
