Central Illinois households rely on their cooling systems to stay safe and comfortable throughout the hot summer months. If you’re shopping for a new one, you should compare a heat pump to an air conditioner, as these are the most common central air conditioning systems.

Edelman Inc. shares the differences between these two cooling units so you can decide the best choice for your home.

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner Operation

In the world of cooling, it can be tough to differentiate between a heat pump and an air conditioner, especially for the average homeowner. Each HVAC system has indoor and outdoor components, so they look very similar. The outdoor heat pump is paired with an indoor air handler, while the outdoor air conditioner is linked to an indoor air handler or furnace.

Both a heat pump and an air conditioning system work in very similar ways – in fact, their cooling processes are identical. 

The process is as follows:

• Cool air from your home’s living areas is pulled into return vents and circulates through the ducts to the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil contains refrigerant, which pulls heat out of the air passing over it. This cooled air is then circulated back into your home by the furnace or air handler’s blower fan.
• The refrigerant liquid inside the evaporator coil heats up, changing form from a liquid to a gas. Refrigerant circulates out to the outdoor unit to complete the transfer of heat.
• Refrigerant coming into the outdoor unit first goes through the compressor. The compressor exerts pressure to lower refrigerant volume while increasing its temperature and pressure.
• The superheated refrigerant vapor flows into the outdoor unit’s condenser coil. Here, heat is released from the system. The condenser fan keeps air moving through the outdoor unit and pushes the released heat into the atmosphere.
• Once the heat is released from the refrigerant, the refrigerant cools and becomes liquid once more. It circulates through the expansion valve and back to the evaporator coil to continue the cooling cycle.

Differences Between Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners

When comparing a heat pump vs. an air conditioner, the differences distinguish these two cooling system options from one another. To determine whether a heat pump or an air conditioner is best suitable for your home, see which qualities fit your cooling needs.

Function

The most significant difference between a heat pump and an AC unit is that the air conditioning system can only cool, while the heat pump can both heat and cool. This is because the heat pump system has the ability to reverse its operation, extracting heat from the outdoors and transferring it indoors – something an air conditioner cannot do.

The ability to heat and cool makes the heat pump much more versatile than other HVAC systems, which can only serve one function. Heat pumps are also typically more efficient than other conventional heating systems, making them a good choice for energy efficiency and cold-weather comfort.

Budget

Regarding your cooling system budget, air conditioners are typically the more affordable option. While the initial cost of a heat pump may be higher than other HVAC system options, it is important to remember that a heat pump system can also act as an air conditioner. This means that you won’t have to purchase two separate units, which can ultimately save you money in the long run.

System Lifespan

Because air conditioning systems are used for half of the year while heat pumps can run year-round, air conditioners tend to last longer. In terms of heat pump vs. air conditioner service life, the average heat pump lasts 10 to 15 years while the average air conditioner lasts 15 to 20 years. Usually, this means heat pumps will need to be replaced more frequently than air conditioners. Still, if you consider the cost and schedule of replacing separate heating and cooling systems, you may decide heat pump systems with a shorter lifespan are right for you.

Heat Pump & Air Conditioner Installation

Edelman Inc. can help you make the call between heat pump vs. air conditioner. Whichever new cooling system you choose, our team guarantees expert installation and quality customer service. Contact us today to receive a quote for a new cooling system installation.

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It’s not always easy to tell if you have a problem with your air conditioning unit. But one sign that does make it easy to know when there’s a possible issue is a foul odor.

Edelman, Inc. explains what can cause these odors and how you should handle them if this smelly summer problem should happen.

Why Does an Air Conditioner Smell Bad When Turned On?

If your air conditioning smells bad when turned on, the AC unit could be a problem. Sometimes, these issues require the help of a professional to fix. However, some odors are pretty standard and can be corrected quickly if you know what to do.

Below you’ll find some common reasons why the air conditioner smells terrible when turned on and how to handle them.

Musty, Moldy Smells

As a homeowner, you need to be aware of the causes behind the musty or stinky odor in your air conditioning system. If it smells funny when you turn it on, that might be a sign of mold, and it’s likely that mold or mildew is growing somewhere in the system. Mold commonly grows within the air ducts or the indoor unit’s evaporator coil.

This growth can be caused by a leaking or clogged AC. If water collects in the drain pan and cannot flow out of the system, it may contribute to mold growth.

1. Turn off your air conditioner and open the access panel to inspect the drip pan.
2. Remove standing water with a wet/dry vacuum, then clean the entire pan with a vinegar or bleach solution to kill the mold and stop it from regrowing.
3. If the drain line is clogged, you may be able to clear it with your garden hose.
4. Call your HVAC professional if you have trouble removing the condensate drain line and treat any mold growth you suspect within your air conditioner.

Odors from the House

A dirty air conditioner can produce an unpleasant smell, and you may notice the air conditioner smells like rotten eggs when turned on. The smell is because there are odor particles inside the household that get trapped on the air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which is located inside the indoor unit. Particles can travel through the air supply and into your air conditioner, causing smells like:

• Cooking odors
• Cleaners
• Cigarette smoke
• Pet hair
• Air fresheners
• Fumes

When particles settle here, they can release a smell every time you turn your HVAC system on. To control odors stemming from the home, change the filter regularly, which may be anywhere from one to 12 months, depending on your home’s model and air quality. Have the evaporator coil cleaned once per year – this service is usually performed during a cooling system maintenance tune-up.

Burning Smells

When a smelly air conditioner is turned on, the system may be running too hot. When electrical AC smells are present, it’s a sign that the components are overheating. Overheating can impact different parts such as circuit boards and fans, blower motors, compressors, etc.

If you notice this smell from your air conditioner, turn the system off, have your HVAC technician inspect it, and make repairs before further use to prevent causing more damage to the affected parts.

Air Conditioner Repairs

When you notice the air conditioner smells bad when turned on, check for simple solutions, like a dirty filter or drip pan. If you can’t fix the problem or suspect the odor is a sign of a more severe AC issue, call Edelman, Inc. for air conditioner repairs.

Contact Us Today!

If you are tired of dealing with a smelly air conditioner, you need professional assistance. When it comes to something as important as the comfort of your home, don’t trust just anyone with a Facebook page.

At Edelman, we let our clients do the talking for us. With 4.9/5 stars on Google, it is no question that we provide the premier HVAC services in the state. If you are ready to experience top-of-the-line service, contact us today!

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A garbage disposal is an excellent tool for your kitchen, as it helps eliminate food scraps that might otherwise go in the trash. Unfortunately, if it breaks or begins to leak, it can be a big problem. You’ll need to know how to spot a leak and what to do if you find the garbage disposal leaking from the bottom.

Edelman Inc. shares what causes this problem, what to do if you discover it, and when to call us for help!

Why You May Have a Garbage Disposal Leaking from the Bottom

A garbage disposal can leak from several different spots if certain problems occur. When a garbage disposal leaks from the bottom, this usually indicates a few specific issues. These include:

• The sink flange seal is damaged or worn
• An internal seal is damaged or worn
• The drain lines are damaged
• There are cracks in the unit
• A rubber gasket has worn out

What to Do If You Find a Garbage Disposal Leak at the Bottom of the Unit

When you first notice a leaky garbage disposal, you should check the unit right away. The most common cause of leaks in this area is a faulty seal – the part in your garbage disposer that stops water and sewage from leaking out. However, there are many other possible causes of leaks.

The first thing you need to do after finding that your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom is to inspect the unit’s body. Check all along the exterior canister of the unit, looking for drips of water, wet spots, and signs of cracks.

Next, look at the position of the garbage disposal. Many homeowners store cleaning supplies and other household items down by the unit under the kitchen sink, and it is easy for these items to knock into the garbage disposal, which could throw it out of place. If you see that the garbage disposal has shifted from its specific location, it’s more likely that the body of the appliance could be damaged or cracked.

After checking out the unit itself, you should confirm your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom and not somewhere else. It may look like water drips out the bottom of the unit, but this water could originate from another spot in the appliance. Follow these steps to verify it’s leaking from the bottom.

1. Shut off the garbage disposal and disconnect it from its power source.
2. Place a bucket or other large container underneath the sink to catch water.
3. Allow the faucet to run, filling the bucket a bit less than halfway.
4. Add some drops of food dye to water running in the sink.
5. Look below the sink and watch for the colored water coming out of your garbage disposal; note the location.

Help for a Leaking Garbage Disposal

Once you verify the garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, turn off the faucet and drain the bucket of water in another sink. Next, call your plumber to make repairs to the garbage disposal and stop the leak.

If the leak is caused by something that’s fixable, like a worn-out seal or gasket, your plumber will be able to replace these components promptly. Leaks stemming from the drain pipes can also be repaired. If there are cracks in the body causing the garbage disposal to leak from the bottom, it’s best to go ahead and replace the unit with a new garbage disposal.

Why Work with Edelman Inc?

After making the decision that your garbage disposal needs professional assistance, you need to hire a plumbing company that you can trust. At Edelman, we have committed ourselves to treat every customer like family. We provide the highest quality work available when folks need it most. When it comes to something as serious as your home, don’t work with just anyone.

Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement

If you have a garbage disposal leaking from the bottom, don’t let the leak linger and cause further damage. Call Edelman, Inc. today for garbage disposal repair and replacement services.

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Almost everyone has an air conditioner in their home, but do you know how often it needs to be serviced? Unless you are a qualified HVAC technician, keeping up on AC maintenance can be hard.

Keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly is the key to keeping your home cool and comfortable all year long. Maintenance services are critical when it comes to preventing HVAC system damage and breakdowns.

If you want to keep your cooling unit running properly, schedule an air conditioning tune up with a company you can trust. Edelman Inc. explains how often professional maintenance should be performed, what is done during a tune up, and how you benefit from this service.

How Often Should You Schedule Professional Maintenance for an Air Conditioner?

According to most HVAC system manufacturers, air conditioners should be professionally serviced once a year.

It is generally recommended to have the air conditioner tuned up before each cooling season, so early- to mid-spring is usually the best time to schedule an air conditioning tune up for homes in the Champaign, IL area. A tune up appointment typically takes around one to two hours, so you can have the rest of the day to yourself. A tune up also helps give you the ultimate peace of mind when it comes to your home, knowing that it can keep your family comfortable whenever needed.

What Is Included in an Air Conditioning Tune Up?

When an HVAC technician comes out to perform your AC unit tune up, the service includes several steps. Air conditioner maintenance tasks performed include:

• Inspecting thermostat function
• Tightening electrical connections throughout the system
• Measuring electrical current and voltage of system motors
• Lubricating moving components in the motor
• Inspecting and cleaning out condensate drain pan and drain line
• Testing system controls for safety and proper performance
• Cleaning indoor evaporator coils and outdoor condenser coils
• Measuring refrigerant charge and adjusting if necessary
• Cleaning blower assembly components
• Adjusting blower components for proper airflow

All of these tasks, when performed by a qualified technician, help to extend the life of your unit as well as allow it to run optimally.

Benefits of Air Conditioner Tune Ups

The main purpose of an air conditioning system tune up is to ensure the system is working properly and to keep it that way all year long, as well as to help prevent small issues from turning into larger ones. A tune up ensures the unit receives the necessary servicing to preserve its performance and allow the air conditioner to operate at peak energy-efficiency levels.

The purpose of an AC tune up alone is beneficial, but conducting this professional service regularly year after year delivers even more valuable perks that homeowners are grateful for. 

Stopping Small Issues Before It Is Too Late

A routine air conditioning tune up service provides a chance for a qualified technician to examine the system and identify any flaws or malfunctions that exist. By performing this inspection each year, often issues can be caught while they are still relatively small. Fixing them at this stage prevents defects from creating major damage inside your AC unit, which commonly occurs when these units are operated with certain flaws present.

Minimizing Cooling Outage Threats

Tune ups counteract the regular wear and tear these units experience through operation and greatly reduce the risk of breakdowns over the coming cooling season. It also minimizes the threat of a cooling outage due to poor maintenance and can help you avoid spending your money on pricey AC system repairs.

Being Ready When You Need It

When you schedule an air conditioning tune up in the spring, a technician can tend to the system before it comes time to start using it this year. You can feel confident that your air conditioner will start right up when you’re ready to turn it on, as the technician will find and fix issues that could cause a surprise system breakdown on the first hot day of the season. This also helps you avoid a potentially long and uncomfortable wait for repair services, as HVAC contractors are typically extremely busy on this day due to surprise air conditioning system failures.

Longevity

An AC system tune up also helps you get more years of use from the unit. Minimizing stress and wear to components along with preventing damage caused by defects keeps equipment in good shape for longer, so the system can often survive beyond the expected service life.

The longer you can keep your air conditioner running efficiently, the more money you’ll save, as air conditioning replacement is a costly home improvement project.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Tune Up Today

An air conditioning tune up should be on every Champaign area homeowner’s springtime calendar. Protect your cooling system, and schedule your professional maintenance tune up by calling Edelman Inc. today.

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Technology in every industry has been progressing, and that does not stop at HVAC technology. Ductless mini split systems are quickly becoming a popular choice for home heating and cooling.

These stylish, modern, and reliable heating and cooling systems offer a number of benefits that other HVAC solutions simply can’t compete with. In our most recent blog, Edelman Inc. discusses how ductless mini splits work, their benefits, and some popular applications for them.

What Is a Ductless Mini Split HVAC System?

A ductless mini split, also known as an indoor air handling unit, is an HVAC system that can be used to provide cooling as well as heating in certain areas, or throughout an entire home. A ductless mini split consists of an outdoor air conditioner or heat pump unit, which can connect to multiple air handlers that are mounted directly in the spaces they serve.

Mini splits offer amazing versatility in the ways they can be used. These systems can be configured as a single-zone solution, or be expanded to support multiple zones. Air handlers can be mounted on a wall or inset within the ceiling and are controlled individually by using a remote.

Mini Split Versus Traditional HVAC systems

There are some important differences between how a ductless mini split system operates and the conventional central heating and cooling systems most Champaign homeowners are used to.

The ductless mini split utilizes central forced air systems that blow conditioned air into a living space, but each air handler provides the conditioned air for its zone rather than one centralized unit distributing air across the home via a duct system. While a ductless mini split system isn’t a central system, it is possible to use this solution for whole home heating and cooling – which many people associate central furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps with providing.

Because these systems don’t use a centralized blower unit and duct system, the climate of each zone can be controlled separately from other areas inside the house. When using a conventional central system, all areas of the home are heated and cooled the same, as the system is controlled by a single thermostat.

Where Can Ductless Systems Be Installed?

The ductless mini split is an extremely versatile HVAC system solution and it can be used in a number of different applications. A single-zone setup can provide comfort in a single area, or multiple air handlers can be installed throughout a home or building to provide heating and cooling across the entire space. Because there is no need for ductwork, the ductless mini split can be installed just about anywhere. With both outdoor and indoor units available, the possibilities are almost endless.

Homeowners commonly install a ductless mini split system in applications such as:

Older homes

Often built without ductwork, older homes commonly don’t have inconspicuous free space to support the installation of an entire duct system.

Newly built home additions

New buildings or a previously unconditioned space that has been converted into a living space, such as an attic, are ideal candidates for a ductless mini split system. If the home has a central HVAC system, it may not have the capacity to provide the additional heating or cooling required to also keep this area comfortable, and upgrading that equipment as well as extending the duct system into the space may not be practical.

Garages and workshops

Any building that is freestanding or isn’t connected to the home’s central HVAC system.

What Benefits Does a Mini Split Offer Over a Conventional Central HVAC System?

• Duct leakage is a major problem associated with conventional forced air systems. The average home experiences a 20 to 30 percent loss of energy through duct leaks alone! Because a ductless mini split doesn’t rely on ducts for air distribution, these systems can be on average 20 to 30 percent more efficient than the home’s central furnace or air conditioner.
• Ductless mini split systems are more energy efficient than conventional central heating and cooling systems for other reasons as well. Their zoned heating and cooling functionality greatly improve a home’s energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption on behalf of the HVAC system. Central systems waste energy by heating and cooling all areas the same; a ductless mini split allows for individual temperature control, so energy is only used to create heating or cooling where it is actually needed.
• Occupants experience better comfort when using a ductless mini split indoor unit HVAC system as each person can adjust temperature settings in their space according to their needs, without impacting the conditions preferred by other household members in other spaces.
• There’s another benefit that comes with the absence of ductwork – better indoor air quality. Duct leaks don’t just let energy out – they let debris in, allowing matter to enter the air supply and travel to living areas. Ductless mini splits generate cleaner indoor air.

Mini Split HVAC Systems in Champaign, IL

A ductless mini split can go where conventional HVAC units can’t and offer benefits that a regular furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump can’t provide. Call Edelman Inc. today to request an estimate for ductless mini split installation in the Champaign area.

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Are you looking for an energy-efficient HVAC system that both heats and cools, and does so using no fossil fuels? If you are, we think a geothermal HVAC system will be right up your alley. However, many homeowners in the Champaign, IL area aren’t aware of how these heating and cooling systems work, nor their many added benefits. Edelman Inc. gives you an overview of geothermal HVAC technology and shares the valuable benefits of installing such a system in your home.

How Geothermal HVAC Systems Work

Geothermal HVAC systems are dual heating and cooling systems that utilize the Earth’s natural thermal energy for space heating and cooling. These systems are made up of three key components:

• The ground loop, also called an earth loop, which is a system of fluid-filled pipe buried below ground near the home.
• The geothermal heat pump unit, which is typically installed within the home.
• The distribution system that transports air through the home, which is a duct system in many applications.

Like an air-source heat pump, geothermal heat pumps also transfer heat instead of generating it as a furnace or boiler does. Instead of moving heat from one source of air to another, a geothermal system moves heat between the indoor air inside your home and the ground. Below ground, temperatures stay consistent throughout the year and offer ample heat energy for use in space heating. The ground also serves as an ideal receptacle to deposit unwanted heat.

So, how do geothermal HVAC systems actually work? The heating process goes like this:

1. Fluid circulating through the ground loop absorbs the thermal heat energy held within the soil.
2. The pump within the geothermal heat pump circulates this fluid back up to the home and to the heat pump.
3. The geothermal heat pump’s indoor coil releases heat from the fluid into air circulating through the unit. 
4. The blower components of the geothermal heat pump push newly warmed air through the duct system and into the home’s living areas.

The cooling process used by geothermal HVAC systems is simply the opposite. Heat is absorbed by the indoor coil from indoor air to lower its temperature. The heated fluid is pumped through the ground loop and releases this energy into the soil.

Benefits of Geothermal Heating and Cooling

The benefits of geothermal HVAC systems are truly unmatched by any other type of heating and cooling equipment. Homeowners who use these innovative systems enjoy benefits such as:

• Low operating costs. Geothermal HVAC systems require minimal electricity to run and are able to exchange multiple units of thermal energy for every unit of electricity they use. This results in an energy efficiency rating of around 400 percent, which can lower heating and cooling bills up to 70 percent versus using conventional HVAC equipment.
• Long system life. Components of geothermal HVAC systems last longer than conventional heating and cooling equipment. A geothermal heat pump averages 20 to 25 years of service, while standard air conditioners and heat pumps average 10 to 15 years, and 15 to 20 years for furnaces. Protected below ground, the ground loop can last 50 years or more before replacement is necessary.
• Quiet performance. With less equipment and fewer moving parts, geothermal HVAC systems don’t produce as much operating noise as conventional heating and cooling units do. Quieter operation means less disruption which many homeowners prefer.

Installation for Geothermal HVAC Systems in Champaign, IL

Geothermal HVAC systems are an outstanding alternative to the conventional furnace and air conditioning systems found in many area homes. These extremely efficient heating and cooling units offer reliable comfort all the time, and at an extremely low cost – what other type of HVAC system can say the same?

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If you’re a Champaign, IL area homeowner who suffers from spring allergies, you may be searching for the right indoor air quality equipment to reduce your symptoms. However, to the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, that sounds too good to be true, right? Air purifiers are an excellent option, but you may not be familiar with the way they function. This begs the question: how do air purifiers work? Edelman Inc. shares the details and explains why installing a whole house air purifier can benefit you and your loved ones.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers work by utilizing a set of filters to help keep the air inside of your home clean. Filtration is a method of air cleaning that most homeowners know to associate with HVAC systems. Unfortunately, HVAC system filters aren’t capable of extracting all of the allergens and contaminants that exist in our indoor air supply, nor is that their purpose. Filtration and filters pass air through media, and particles are trapped by the media, effectively removing them from the air supply.

Air purifiers work a bit differently. While some whole house air purifiers use a pre-filter unit to mechanically filter contaminant particles out of the air, their main mechanism is UV light. These devices run using bulbs that emit UVC energy to treat air flowing through the light stream. 

UV air purifiers are installed within the HVAC system to treat contaminants in the air supply while air is moving through the heating or cooling unit for conditioning. As air circulates, the UVC energy from the bulbs neutralizes any organic matter in the air. Mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust mites, and other allergens are killed on contact so they are unable to reproduce, nor are they able to trigger symptoms or cause infections upon exposure. The particles still remain in the air supply, but the air purifier renders them harmless to humans in the home.

Benefits of Air Purifier Installation

Installing a whole house air purifier brings a variety of benefits, including:

• Eliminating lingering odors caused by mold, mildew, and bacteria in the home.
• Reducing exposure to allergens and contaminants that trigger allergy symptoms and asthma attacks.
• Keeping your family healthier throughout the year b minimizing the spread of illnesses throughout your household.
• Requiring minimal electricity so they don’t cost much to operate throughout the year.
• Air purifiers are extremely low maintenance, and only require bulb replacement every one to three years, depending on your equipment.
• Eliminating mold growth in your HVAC system which can restrict performance and waste energy, as well as stress components and cause the unit to break down.
• Preventing the spread of mold and mildew throughout your duct-work and living areas, stopping future growth and damage.
• UV air purifiers don’t produce ozone as they operate, so you don’t have to worry about ozone exposure due to their use.

Air Purifier Installation in Champaign, IL

Air purifiers are an excellent tool to help you combat air pollution, allergens, and more inside your Champaign, IL area home. If you have questions regarding how air purifiers work or would like an estimate for installation of a whole house air purifier, contact Edelman Inc. today.

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One of the most essential aspects of your home’s operation is something that you can’t even see. Hidden behind your walls is the wiring system that keeps your entire home’s electricity up and running. The efficiency of the electrical wiring in your home is crucial to keeping your home’s electrical components working the way you expect them to. Keeping your house’s electrical wiring in good condition is crucial to a safe and happy home.

Knowing how long electrical wiring should last, as well as the age of your own wiring could prove to be the difference between your house’s electrical components working optimally or failing when you need them most.

Life Expectancy of Electrical Wiring

The life expectancy of electrical wiring can vary depending on the different variations of electrical wires and installation practices, among other things. However, the commonly agreed-upon general time frame of electrical wiring being effective is around 50 years. However, wiring’s age alone is not the only thing to consider when determining if wiring needs to be replaced.

There are a number of different factors however that can alter how long your home’s wiring is working correctly. For example, the level of professionalism and care that was taken when the wires were originally installed can greatly affect the lifespan of your home’s wiring. If the person who originally installed the wiring was not up to par, your house could be at risk.

It is important to realize that it is not typically the copper component of your wiring that will fail with age. Copper is known to keep its conductive properties for 100 years! It is the sheathing on the outside of the wire that will likely go bad before the copper.

Is Old Wiring Dangerous?

Old wiring itself is not inherently dangerous. As it ages there is always the chance for corrosion or damage to occur, which could eventually lead to serious problems like becoming a shock hazard or starting electrical fires.

However, wiring being old does not mean it is unsafe or even needs to be replaced. You also need to make sure that your electrical transformers are working efficiently. They last, on average, 30 years and should typically be looked at by a qualified electrical contractor.

Do I Need My Electrical Wiring Checked?

If you live in a newer build and are not experiencing any visible problems with your wiring, your wiring is likely working as intended, but there are no guarantees on the craftsmanship of the wiring system installation. Faulty wiring installation can cause issues even if the wiring isn’t very old.

If your home was built before the 1990s, then we suggest an experienced technician takes a look at your home’s wiring. Even though the wiring may not be very old, the peace of mind you get from having a qualified professional give you the okay on your home’s electrical wiring is unmatched. If you are moving into a new build and want to start your electrical services off on the right foot, we offer the highest quality electrical installation services.

The safety of your home is not something that our team at Edelman Inc. takes lightly. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, craftsmanship, and unrivaled customer service. Do yourself and your home a huge favor and have your electrical wiring inspected by Edelman Inc. We offer high-quality electrical service upgrades that allow your house to run as efficiently as possible!

Get in Contact with Edelman Inc. Today

Work with a company that cares about your house’s safety as much as you do. For unparalleled customer service and expertise, call us today at 217-290-9095 or contact us here to book an appointment!

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Catching problems early before they turn into something worse is extremely important to do as a homeowner. Water damage is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a home. With the chances of your family’s possessions being destroyed, a giant bill, and an extensive clean-up process, it is no surprise why homeowners take their sump pump maintenance seriously.

It is important to be well informed on your sump pump and stay up to date with its maintenance. Following a structured sump pump maintenance checklist is one of the best ways to keep it in ideal shape and your basement dry!

Sump Pump Yearly Checklist

Sump pumps are something that can be easily overlooked by homeowners, as they are small and often out of sight. However, with the potential for extensive damage if not properly maintained, providing your sump pump with year-round maintenance should be at the top of your to-do list.

Here are some basic tips to follow to keep your sump pump running smoothly!

• Make sure the pump is connected. While it may seem redundant, the first step in checking your sump pumps is to make sure it is connected to the power source.
• Test your pump. Now it is time to see if your sump pump is doing the job that it is supposed to be doing. An easy way to do this is by pouring a bucket of water directly into the drainage hole.
• The pump should start almost instantly and begin pumping away the water. If it does not, then you may have a problem developing.
• Power off the pump and disconnect it. After you have carefully cut off the power supply to the sump pump and removed it from the hole, you can begin the process of cleaning. Begin with the sump pump pit itself. Cleaning the physical pump is not very demanding and can usually be done with a hose, bucket, and wire brush. Keep in mind that each model of sump pump is different and might come with unique cleaning instructions.
• Check the discharge line of your pump. Small bits of rock and dirt can often get stuck in the pump or grate. This can restrict the flow of excess water and cause your sump pump to not operate at its full capacity.

After you complete those steps, you should have an idea of how well your sump pump is working! It is also helpful to test your sump pump regularly. Being proactive about its maintenance could be the difference between a flooded and dry basement.

Do I Need Professional Service?

While regular sump pump maintenance and simple cleaning procedures are very important, it is still important to have maintenance performed by an experienced professional. Trust the dedicated team at Edelman Inc. to check out your pump if you are new to a home or are experiencing more serious issues. If you moved into an older home or are having more serious issues, your sump pump may need a full replacement. The typical life expectancy of a sump pump is about 7 years, so if yours is older than that, a full replacement could be for you.

If you are in need of a full replacement or major repairs, then working with a high-quality company is important to ensure the safety of your home and the longevity of your sump pump. Between a professional level installation and repairs, alongside diligent maintenance, you can expect your sump pump to be operating smoothly for years to come.

Get in Contact with Edelman Inc.

If you want to ensure your sump pump is operating at full capacity and will for years to come, do it with the best. Our team is dedicated, experienced, and ready to help your home be the best it can be. Give us a call to schedule at 217-290-9095 or contact us here!

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When your furnace suddenly stops working, your first instinct might be to panic. Don’t worry, most likely this one furnace issue does not mean that your furnace needs to be replaced. Furnaces are like your car in that they need regular maintenance to run well and, like your car, the older your furnace gets, the more likely it is to have problems. If your furnace is younger than 20 years old, then you’re probably just experiencing a common furnace problem that can easily be fixed.

Edelman Inc. is always looking out for our Champaign, IL customers, and we’re happy to teach you a thing or two about your furnace. We hope you’re able to solve your furnace problems after reading this. 

Common Furnace Problems and How To Fix Them

When it comes to fixing your furnace, only do what you feel comfortable doing. Furnaces rely on electricity and natural gas to produce heat, which can make some people nervous. However, some of these solutions to these common furnace problems are simple and don’t involve touching gas or electricity. If you don’t feel comfortable messing with your furnace, call Edelman Inc. for help right away. 

Malfunctioning Thermostat

If you’re experiencing no heat in your home, the first thing you should check is your thermostat. While you might think that you have a malfunctioning furnace, it could be the thermostat that is at fault.

Check the temperature settings and make sure that it’s set to “warm” and not “cold.” It may seem silly, but many people overlook the thermostat when they have no heated air. A malfunctioning thermostat could also be the reason why you have no heat. Many home thermostats rely on batteries for power. Check to see if your thermostat needs batteries and replace them to see if that kicks the heat on again. 

Blower Runs Constantly

If it sounds like your electric or gas furnace is just running constantly, check your thermostat to see if the “fan” setting is on. This setting causes the fan in the furnace to blow continuously. Change the fan setting to “auto” and see if that helps. A constantly running blower could also be a sign there is an issue with the fan limit control switch. Try restarting the thermostat at the breaker to see if that helps. 

Furnace Frequently Cycles On and Off

If you hear your furnace turn on, run for a second, shut off, and then repeat this process, you’re experiencing what furnace experts call “short cycling.” This is a very common furnace problem and it could be caused by a couple of things. Blocked airflow is a common cause of short cycling.

Your furnace’s air filter needs to be replaced every 90 days to keep it from getting clogged. Replacing a clogged filter regularly will help maintain airflow to the furnace. You can buy most furnace filters at any hardware store. However, if you’ve replaced your clogged air filter and the furnace is still short cycling, call Edelman Inc for help. There are most likely issues going on inside the furnace that should be addressed by a professional technician. 

Pilot Light is Out

Most furnaces run on gas which heats the air in your home. Look under your furnace to see if you can find the tiny flame that heats the air in your furnace. That flame is your pilot light. If the pilot light is not lit, consult your owner’s manual. Most manuals have simple directions you can follow to relight it. 

Furnace is Noisy

A noisy furnace is trying to tell you that something is wrong. Try replacing the air filter to see if that helps. If it doesn’t then it’s time to call for help. Turn off your furnace at the breaker and then call a professional HVAC technician for help. There could be internal issues that are best addressed by an experienced furnace repair professional. 

Call Edelman Inc. To Help Solve Your Furnace Problems

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter. If you’re experiencing one of these common furnace problems and none of our solutions have helped, call Edelman Inc. for help. We offer a 24-Hour emergency service for members only and until 10:00 PM for non-members for all of your heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical issues. Whether you have an electric or conventional gas furnace, we can help. Call us today.

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