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"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter

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… 


  1. Health Benefits: Reduces airborne viruses and respiratory irritants for safer air.
  2. Comfort: Prevents dry skin, static, and headaches in low-humidity months.
  3. Home Protection: Maintains wood floors and furniture, preventing damage from dryness.
  4. Energy Savings: Minimizes drafts, improving home efficiency and lowering heating costs.
  5. Better Sleep: Eases breathing and reduces dryness for more restful sleep.

    Thanks for reading!

"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter

By Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • February 1, 2025
🫸-🫷 Is Bigger Better? 🫸---------------🫷 🏈 February Report February Weather Forecast February in Champaign brings fluctuating temperatures as winter slowly transitions toward spring. Expect average highs around 36°F for the first half of the month and highs near 42°F in the later part of the month. Expect dips below freezing overnight. Last year we saw a record high for the month of February. The temperature climbed to 76 F degrees on the 26th and 27th of February last year. Super Bowl Sunday. 🗓️February 9th. Whether hosting a party or watching solo, your home should be cozy on game day. If you have not already, schedule a clean and check for your furnace before the big game. Tax Time ⏰ Did you replace your Furnace and/or AC in 2024? Look for tax form 5695 “Residential Energy Credits” Total Annual Credit Limits: Heat Pumps $2000 Heat Pump Mini Splits $2000 AC Units $600 Furnace $600 Certain standards needed to be met to qualify for these tax credits. If you are not sure if your system qualifies, reach out to the contractor who installed it. Most of the systems Ray’s put in last year qualified for at least one of these tax credits. The Inflation Reduction Act is a 10 year program from 2022 to 2032. If you get a new system put in this year, make sure to ask if it qualifies for the tax credits. A2L’s A2…what’s? A2L’s are what we call the refrigerants R454b and R32. These are not new refrigerants but they are the new standard refrigerants that will come in new AC units and Heat Pumps beginning in 2025. These A2L refrigerants have a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than R410a (the old standard refrigerant). We have until December 31st 2025 to install the remainder of the R410a systems left in stock. This means that if you get a quote for a new system this year you may have to choose between an R410a system or a new R454b or R32 system. Be extra diligent this year when comparing HVAC quotes. You may not be comparing apples to apples. Do I need a bigger furnace? A very common question a homeowner asks me is “Is this furnace big enough?” When this question comes up that usually means there is a comfort issue. The homeowner may go on to explain that a certain room is always colder than the rest or that it seems like the furnace is constantly running. In this case a Manual J should be completed. A Manual J is a calculation of the heat load and cooling load of your house. This involves knowing the square footage, the window types and placements, the R value of the insulation in your walls and attic. This calculation will tell you what size furnace and ac you need. Then a few more calculations will tell you if the ductwork is adequate for delivering the proper heating and cooling to every room of the house. The point is that it's not a guessing game. We can figure out the exact size and layout needed to make sure every room of your house is comfortable. Here is a picture of a ductwork redesign I am currently working on.

"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter

By Ray's Heating and Air Conditioning • January 3, 2025
🎉Surprise! Your pipes are frozen 🥶

"For Your Comfort" Monthly Newsletter

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