There has been much talk in recent years about banning gas furnaces. Some places may indeed start phasing out gas furnaces in the future, and there are also new regulations around them that could go into effect. As to whether there will eventually be a country-wide ban on gas furnaces, that remains to be seen. In this article, we’ll look at some of the different changes that may be coming and why so that you know what you can potentially expect in the future. An Overview of the Rule Changes Around Gas Furnaces As of writing, California is the only state that has concrete plans to fully ban the installation of all gas furnaces in the future. This ban is set to go into effect in 2030 and would require that all new heating units produce zero carbon emissions. That means the only options at that time will be any type of electric heating, such as a heat pump, electric furnace or an electric boiler for homes with radiant heating. Once the ban goes into effect, it won’t force people to immediately get rid of their gas furnaces. Instead, it will just mean that the person won’t be able to...
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Home cooling and heating consume a substantial amount of energy. In fact, HVAC is the primary contributor to the average Aitkin, MN, household’s carbon footprint. Air conditioning will be the main cause of global greenhouse gases in the 2030s. The HVAC industry has made great strides in developing more energy-efficient technologies. There are also steps we can all take as individuals and families to save even more. The first one is to use a smart thermostat. Personalized Scheduling The Department of Energy (DOE) promotes the use of smart thermostats by all American households. It approximates that the typical household loses as much as 10% on heating and cooling annually. This unnecessary energy consumption largely happens when you’re away from home or asleep. All smart thermostats support programming or scheduling. This feature lets you set up a schedule to avoid that waste. You could, for instance, have your thermostat adjust the AC setting several degrees an hour after your bedtime. It can then restore your preferred temperature setting an hour before you wake up. Profiles Many smart thermostats support profiles, so you can have multiple schedules. A common setup is to have a schedule for the workweek and another for the...
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that’s poisonous to humans. It’s often called the “silent killer.” This is because you can’t see, smell, or taste it. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms of exposure. Approximately 50,000 Americans head to the ER each year because of CO poisoning not linked to a house fire. Isolated, the symptoms can seem innocuous, but if you notice multiple symptoms occurring at the same time, you should act. If you believe you’re experiencing CO poisoning, get into the fresh air immediately. Then, call 911 for emergency medical help in Aitkin, MN. Short-Term Symptoms of CO Poisoning at Low Concentrations Most incidents of exposure to CO involve low concentrations. Even at low concentration, you can experience symptoms. It’s important to note that some people are much more sensitive than others. You should also be aware that CO poisoning affects your brain and heart the most of any of your organs. The first sign of CO poisoning is typically fatigue. This is true even for adults who are fit and otherwise healthy. If you experience sudden fatigue, there’s typically some external cause. Unusual fatigue can be more difficult to detect in people who are...
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When done right, home renovations can revitalize living spaces. While gorgeous materials and designs are certainly appealing aspects of home renovations for many homeowners, other crucial factors should not be overlooked. Surprisingly, plumbing is more important than all of the above, given that it is present in everything, from the water supply to the heating system. As a result, plumbing plays a crucial role in home renovations. For more than thirty years, has been considered one of the most reliable plumbing providers in Aitkin, MN. Our fully trained and committed employees strive to ensure that each renovation is carried out with precision and care, providing our clients with the highest level of comfort and functionality. Bathroom Remodeling The perfect time to create your personal sanctuary is during a bathroom renovation. Once built, this space becomes the ultimate haven of relaxation. Still, the plumbing serves as the secret key to unlock that dreamy palace. From a luxurious bathtub to a modern shower, efficient toilet, and stylish sink, it all starts with the plumbing system. Our experienced plumbers can install or replace existing pipes and ensure optimal water supply and drainage. They also ensure you get proper ventilation and install fixtures that...
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An AC that won’t turn on is a frustrating experience that most homeowners have had to deal with or will at some point. If you experience an AC that won’t turn on, it is usually a good idea to contact a local HVAC technician. A professional will be able to spot the underlying issue quickly and correct it in a reliable manner. With that in mind, let’s explore the most common problems and what could cause them. Thermostat Troubles The thermostat is the first thing to check because it is what controls the air conditioner. If your thermostat runs on batteries, the first step is to change them. Also, check that the brightness level is high enough to see the display. Next, ensure that the thermostat is on and in cool mode. Additionally, check the temperature setting. You can turn it down a few degrees to see if your AC turns on. If your cooling system engages, it could mean your thermostat is working but needs to be recalibrated. If none of these solutions work, it is probably time to call a professional to diagnose the issue and fix your thermostat. On and Off Switch Many AC systems have a...
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If you have a home HVAC system, it’s likely that you know it’s wise to schedule spring and fall maintenance. But did you know that you need to call for regular air duct cleaning service as well? Experts recommend having this done every few years. If you haven’t been requesting this service, there are many reasons to consider doing so. Get Rid of Unwanted Odors One of the first reasons that homeowners tend to look into getting their air ducts cleaned is because they’re dealing with a constant unpleasant odor coming from their vents. If you find yourself frequently cleaning your home and still dealing with this smell, it’s likely that it’s coming from airborne particles that are stuck inside your ductwork. Fumes from tobacco or mold can attach to them. Having a professional clean your ductwork will help to remove that unwanted smell from your home. Reduce Allergy Flare-Ups Another common reason that many homeowners look into air duct cleaning is that their allergies constantly flare up while they’re at home. Over time, your ducting can collect allergens and irritants like pet dander, dust, and even pollen. Every time your HVAC system kicks on, these allergens and irritants are...
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As a homeowner, you rely on your septic tank to drain wastewater and sewage from your home. Knowing when the tank is full can be quite puzzling, and you need to call your local plumbing experts to help manage the septic. Let’s discuss common signs indicating the need to drain your septic tank. Your Toilet Can’t Flush A clogged toilet is one of the most common signs that you need to drain your septic tank. A toilet that can’t flush indicates your drainpipes are blocked and need to be drained. A sewage backup in your toilet suggests that you need to empty your septic tank. Gurgling Sounds From Drainpipes A gurgling sound from your septic’s drainage system when you use the bathroom, flush the toilet or use the sink is a sign the septic is full. When the drainpipes push out air instead of water, debris may build up, blocking waste from draining into the septic tank. In addition, when water drains slowly from your toilet, kitchen sink or bathroom pipes, you must empty your septic tank. Water or Sewage Pools A full septic tank can cause wastewater or raw sewage to push out from the pipes connected to your...
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Comfort and air quality from climate control systems rely on more than temperature. How dry or damp the air is in a home also plays a role. Healthy interior air depends on HVAC systems properly cycling and controlling air moisture. Keep Humidity Controlled Elevated humidity levels in the home can create many problems, like increasing the risk of mold and mildew. The dampness in the air can worsen allergies and cause people to feel uncomfortable. Air conditioning systems help reduce humidity levels in the summer. An air exchanger will also reduce humidity. An air exchanger does what its name suggests. It cycles out the damp air in the home and brings in fresh, drier air. It can work alongside an air conditioner and a heating system to keep the interior air fresher. Also beneficial is the use of a dehumidifier in an HVAC system. This device regulates the air to remove excess moisture. Multiple options for dehumidifiers exist, so homeowners can choose a model that works best for their home. Prevent Dry Air Dry air often becomes an issue during the colder months when heating systems run consistently. Overly dry air can make people more susceptible to colds and other...
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Having an HVAC system in Aitkin, MN that runs efficiently has numerous benefits, including a comfortable home and lower energy bills. However, if you fail to properly look after your system, you could end up with poor performance and unnecessarily high utility bills. Consider the following three energy-saving tips for your HVAC system. 1. Have Regular Maintenance Done In the long run, regular maintenance helps you extend your system’s life span. As your unit works to keep your home comfortable, dirt can collect inside it, and the usual wear and tear of operating it can start taking its toll. When you have a preventive tune-up performed on a regular basis, technicians from will clean your system, lubricate moving parts, and address any other problems, even those that haven’t fully manifested yet, helping ensure your system’s efficiency. An energy-efficient system will run optimally and help keep the bills down. 2. Address Repairs Promptly Don’t wait for your HVAC system to shut down entirely before reaching out to our technicians. Even if it still runs, if you notice any signs that it requires repairs, including strange sounds, unusual smells, short cycling, and uneven temperatures, seek prompt repair services. Ignoring minor problems can...
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Your air ducts play a crucial role in heating and cooling your home. Unfortunately, damaged ductwork not only renders your HVAC system inefficient but also leaves your home uncomfortable. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have a problem with your ductwork. Dusty Home If the surfaces in your home seem to always have a layer of dust on them, especially soon after you clean them, your ductwork may be to blame. You may also notice dust and dirt around your vent registers if your ductwork needs cleaning. In addition to the inconvenience caused by the dust, you may also notice allergy symptoms worsening. Increased Energy Bills Damaged air ducts cannot efficiently transport air throughout your home. If you have ductwork with damaged connections or tears in it, your system will work harder to try to heat and cool your home to no avail. Cold and Hot Spots If you notice a drastic change in temperature levels when you move around your house, your ductwork may have a leak or be incorrectly sized to heat or cool your home efficiently. In this case, you may have to replace or repair the affected sections. Unusual Noises Certain sounds are...
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