Author: Kevin

As the temperatures drop and you prepare to rely on your furnace for warmth, your focus is likely on the unit itself. You change the filter, check the thermostat, and maybe even schedule a tune-up. But there is a silent, hidden component that can derail your entire winter comfort plan: your ductwork.

Think of your home’s ductwork as the lungs and arteries of your heating system. They are a vast network responsible for circulating every bit of heated air throughout your home. If these pathways become clogged or soiled, the consequences extend far beyond just dusty vents—they compromise the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your entire furnace.

At Chilly Ben’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we know that clean ducts are the foundation of healthy, reliable heat. Here’s an in-depth look at exactly how dirty ductwork impacts your heating system and why you should take action before winter settles in.

The Core Problem: Restricted Airflow

The most immediate and significant impact of dirty ductwork is the restriction of airflow, also known as reduced static pressure. Over the years, ducts accumulate a build-up of:

• Household dust and debris
• Pet hair and dander
• Mold spores and mildew
• Insulation particles
• Pollen and outdoor contaminants

This thick layer of grime acts like an internal lining, narrowing the passage of the ducts. When your furnace turns on, the blower motor struggles to pull enough air through the clogged returns and push sufficient heated air through the supply vents.

The result is a system that is fundamentally throttled. Your furnace components will register this resistance and attempt to compensate, leading to a cascade of expensive and potentially dangerous issues.

The Heating Triple Threat: Efficiency, Safety, and Cost

Dirty ductwork doesn’t just slow down your heating; it actively harms the furnace and your wallet in three significant ways.

1. Cratering Efficiency and Spiking Utility Bills

When airflow is restricted, your furnace is forced to run longer to meet the temperature set on your thermostat. Because the heated air cannot circulate freely and quickly throughout the home, the furnace struggles to complete its heating cycle.

This extended runtime is a direct path to higher energy consumption. Your furnace will consume more fuel (gas or electric) while delivering less actual comfort, drastically lowering its efficiency (AFUE rating) and leading to unnecessary spikes in your winter utility bills. You are literally paying extra to heat the dust inside your ducts.

2. Premature System Wear and Tear

The heart of your HVAC system is the blower motor, which is designed to move a specific volume of air. When dirty ducts restrict the air volume, the motor operates under immense stress. It has to spin harder and longer against high resistance, leading to:

• Motor Overheating: Excessive heat shortens the motor’s lifespan, often leading to a costly repair or replacement of the entire blower assembly.
• Short-Cycling: In some cases, the reduced airflow can cause the furnace to overheat internally. Safety sensors trigger an automatic shutdown, forcing the unit into “short-cycling.” This rapid, inefficient on-and-off cycling causes premature wear on almost every component in the furnace.

By forcing your system to operate outside its normal parameters, dirty ducts significantly shorten the expected lifespan of your heating equipment, making a costly replacement necessary sooner than it should be.

3. Compromised Air Quality and Furnace Safety

During the heating season, your furnace often dries the air, which can exacerbate respiratory issues. When the ducts are filled with biological contaminants, the forced air system recirculates those particles throughout your living spaces.

More concerning is the direct impact on safety, particularly with gas furnaces. Restricted airflow can cause the furnace’s internal components, such as the heat exchanger, to overheat. Extreme temperatures can cause the metal of the heat exchanger to warp and crack. A cracked heat exchanger is an extremely serious safety risk because it can allow Carbon Monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas, to leak into your home’s air supply. While this is less common than simple inefficiency, it is a catastrophic failure directly linked to airflow problems.

What You Can Do to Protect Your System

Fortunately, protecting your furnace from the impacts of dirty ductwork is manageable.

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly: This is the easiest step. A clean air filter prevents dust from reaching the furnace itself and also reduces the amount of debris entering the ductwork. Check it monthly during peak heating season.
2. Inspect Your Vents: Ensure all supply and return registers are clear of furniture, rugs, and curtains. Airflow restriction at the vent is just as detrimental as restriction inside the duct.
3. Consider Professional Duct Cleaning: If your home is over five years old, you’ve recently done a renovation, you have pets, or you notice excessive dust, a professional duct cleaning by a certified HVAC company is highly recommended. Technicians use specialized vacuums and brushes to remove years of built-up grime, restoring the full capacity of your ductwork.
4. Check for Duct Leaks: Even clean ducts can waste heat if they are poorly sealed. Ask about professional duct sealing services to ensure all that newly heated air actually reaches your rooms, not your attic or crawlspace.

Stay Safe and Warm with Chilly Ben’s

Dirty ductwork is more than a nuisance; it’s a critical threat to your furnace’s health, your energy budget, and your family’s safety. Don’t let your heating system struggle against the suffocating effects of grime this winter.

At Chilly Ben’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer comprehensive duct cleaning and sealing services designed to restore your system’s efficiency and extend your furnace’s lifespan. Invest in the pathways of your heating system, and enjoy safer, warmer, and cheaper comfort all season long. Don’t wait! Give Chilly Ben’s a call today at 270-776-3691 to schedule your duct service and ensure your furnace breathes easy this winter!

As the leaves change and a chill fills the air across South Central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, many of us start thinking about how to protect our homes for the winter. You might look at that big air conditioner unit sitting in your yard and wonder, “Should I cover that thing up to protect it from the cold?” It’s a question we get all the time here at Chilly Ben’s Heating and Air Conditioning, and it’s a concern that makes perfect sense. After all, it’s a big, expensive piece of equipment.

The short answer, for most modern central air conditioning units, is no. In fact, covering your unit completely can do more harm than good. Let’s talk about the simple science behind your HVAC system and why it’s built to withstand the elements, and what you should be doing to prepare it for winter.

Your HVAC Unit is Built to Endure the Weather

Modern air conditioning units are designed to be outdoors. They’re built like tanks, made with galvanized sheet metal that is specially coated to resist rust and corrosion. All of the internal components, from the fan motor to the compressor, are sealed and protected from rain, snow, and ice. Think about it: during a summer storm, your unit is hit with heavy rain and wind, and it keeps on running. It’s built for it.

Air conditioners have drain holes at the bottom of the unit to allow for proper drainage. They are also designed to “breathe” and have proper air circulation. A full, plastic cover that wraps the entire unit can trap moisture inside, creating a humid environment that is perfect for rust and corrosion to take hold. This trapped moisture can be far more damaging than any natural precipitation.

Why a Full Cover Can Cause Problems

Putting a complete cover on your HVAC unit might seem like a good idea, but it can lead to several unintended consequences:

• Traps Moisture: The biggest problem with a full cover is that it creates a greenhouse effect. As temperatures fluctuate, condensation can build up inside, and the cover will prevent this moisture from evaporating. This trapped humidity is a breeding ground for rust, corrosion, and even mold, which can damage the internal components.
• Invites Pests: A cover can create a cozy, sheltered home for mice, squirrels, and other small animals looking for a place to get out of the cold. Once inside, they can chew on electrical wiring, insulation, and other vital components, causing extensive damage that isn’t covered by your warranty.
• Blocks Airflow: Your heat pump might still need to run in the winter, especially during the moderate temperatures we experience in Kentucky and Tennessee. If your unit is covered and accidentally kicks on, it won’t be able to draw in or release air properly. This can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, leading to a major, expensive repair.

The Right Way to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

So, if you shouldn’t cover it, what should you do? The best way to protect your HVAC system is to ensure it’s clean and ready to work efficiently.

• Clear Debris from Around the Unit: The most important step you can take is to make sure the area around the unit is free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Clear away any fallen branches or overgrown bushes that could block airflow or pose a risk during a storm.
• Consider a Top-Only Cover: If you are really concerned about snow and ice buildup, you can use a small piece of plywood or a top-only cover that is just slightly larger than the top of the unit. This will prevent ice from forming on the fan blades without trapping moisture inside. Be sure to anchor it securely to prevent it from blowing away.
• Don’t Let Snow and Ice Build Up: If we get a big winter storm, make sure the unit isn’t completely buried in snow. Gently brush away any snow that has piled up around it to ensure proper airflow.

Let Chilly Ben’s Handle Your Winter Prep

The most effective way to ensure your HVAC system is ready for winter is to have a professional tune-up. At Chilly Ben’s, our certified technicians perform a comprehensive inspection and cleaning that goes far beyond what a cover could ever accomplish. We’ll inspect all components, test your heating system, and ensure everything is running safely and efficiently. This proactive step can prevent breakdowns, lower your energy bills, and prolong the life of your equipment.

Don’t let a myth about covering your HVAC unit lead to costly damage. The best protection is a professional’s touch. Ready to prepare your home for the cold? Give us a call today at 270-776-3691! Chilly Ben’s is here to ensure your home is ready for the winter ahead. We are proud to serve all of South Central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee!

Have you ever noticed a puddle of water around your indoor AC unit? Or maybe you’ve spotted a mysterious water stain on your ceiling or wall that seems to be growing by the day? While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, the cause of this water damage could be a simple, yet sneaky, issue: a clogged AC drain line.

It’s a problem we at Chilly Ben’s Heating & AC see all the time in White House, TN. Many homeowners don’t realize that their air conditioner, in addition to cooling their home, is also responsible for removing a significant amount of moisture from the air. And if the system designed to get rid of that moisture gets blocked, the results can be messy—and costly.

Understanding Your AC’s Drainage System

Your air conditioner cools the air inside your home by passing it over a component called the evaporator coil. This coil is filled with a cold refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air. As the air cools, the moisture within it condenses onto the cold surface of the coil, just like condensation on a cold glass of water on a hot day.

This condensation, or water, drips down into a sloped pan, known as the drain pan. From there, it flows through a PVC pipe—your condensate drain line—and is then directed outside, away from your home’s foundation. This process is happening constantly during the humid Tennessee summers. A typical AC unit can remove anywhere from 5 to 20 gallons of water from your home’s air each day!

What Causes the Clog?

So, if the system is designed to handle all that water, why does it get clogged? The main culprit is a slimy, naturally occurring substance called algae. The drain line, being a dark, wet, and warm environment, is the perfect breeding ground for this type of organic growth. Over time, this algae builds up, creating a blockage that can act like a dam, preventing the water from flowing freely. Other things can cause a clog as well, including:

• Dust and dirt: As air circulates through your system, it can carry small particles of dust and dirt into the drain pan and line, contributing to a blockage.
• Slime molds and fungi: Similar to algae, these can also thrive in the damp environment of your drain line.
• Insects or small animals: While less common, sometimes small critters can find their way into the drain line, creating an obstruction.

The Consequences of a Clogged Drain Line

When the drain line is clogged, the water has nowhere to go. The drain pan starts to fill up. Once the pan overflows, the water has only one direction to go: down. The resulting water damage can be extensive and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Here are some of the most common issues we see:

Ceiling and wall damage

If your indoor AC unit is located in your attic or a closet, an overflowing drain pan can cause water to drip down, leading to unsightly water stains, peeling paint, or even structural damage to your ceiling and walls. These water stains can sometimes be mistaken for a leaky roof, but often the cause is much closer to home.

Damage to your HVAC unit

The overflowing water can drip directly onto your furnace or other electrical components of your HVAC system, leading to short circuits, system failure, and expensive repairs. In many modern systems, a safety float switch is installed in the drain pan. When the water level gets too high, this switch is designed to shut off your AC unit to prevent overflow. While this is a great safety feature, it means your home will stop cooling until the clog is addressed.

Mold and mildew growth

A constantly damp environment is an invitation for mold and mildew. This can happen not only in your walls and ceilings but also inside your ductwork, spreading spores throughout your home and potentially leading to serious health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems.

Damage to insulation and framing

 Waterlogged insulation loses its effectiveness, leading to higher energy bills. Over time, the constant moisture can also cause the wooden framing of your home to rot, compromising its structural integrity.

Prevention is Key With Chilly Ben’s 

The good news is that a clogged AC drain line is an entirely preventable problem. At Chilly Ben’s, we recommend regular maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. A professional AC tune-up includes inspecting and cleaning your drain line, ensuring it’s free of clogs and able to do its job effectively.

Don’t wait until you see a puddle or a water stain to address this issue. Regular AC maintenance is not just about keeping your home cool; it’s about protecting your biggest investment from the unexpected, and often hidden, causes of water damage. If you’re in the White House, TN area and suspect a problem, or if it’s been a while since your last AC tune-up, give us a call at 270-776-3691 or book your appointment online. We’re here to help you stay cool and dry all summer long!

Humidity plays a bigger role in your home’s comfort than most people realize—especially in places like White House, TN, where summer air is thick with moisture. When the air is saturated with water vapor, it affects how your body cools itself. Instead of evaporating, sweat lingers on your skin, making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable even at moderate indoor temperatures.

Humidity doesn’t just impact how you feel—it also affects how your air conditioning system performs. Understanding this connection is key to keeping your home cool, efficient, and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

Why High Humidity Matters

If you’ve ever felt sticky and uncomfortable inside your home during a Tennessee summer—even with the AC running, you’re not imagining things. High humidity can make your home feel much hotter than it actually is, putting extra strain on your HVAC system and raising energy bills. For homeowners in White House, TN, managing indoor humidity isn’t just about comfort—it’s about efficiency and air quality, too. Here’s how humidity impacts your home and what Chilly Ben’s Heating & AC recommends to fight back.

The Science Behind Humidity and Temperature

Humidity measures how much moisture is in the air. When humidity levels rise, sweat can’t evaporate as easily from your skin, making you feel hotter than the actual temperature. Even if your thermostat reads 72°F, high humidity can make it feel closer to 80°F.
In White House, TN, where humid summers are common, understanding this effect is the first step toward keeping your home truly comfortable.

How High Humidity Strains Your AC System

Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your home—it also helps remove moisture. But when humidity levels are too high, your AC has to work overtime, which can:

• Decrease cooling efficiency
• Cause uneven temperatures across rooms
• Lead to higher utility bills
• Increase wear and tear on your system
  

This is why regular HVAC maintenance is essential, especially during peak humidity months.

Signs Your Home Has a Humidity Problem

Although high humidity is often noticeable, there are a few telltale signs that homeowners tend to overlook. Not sure if humidity is an issue in your home? Keep an eye out for these clues:

• Foggy windows
• Musty odors
• Sticky or damp surfaces
• Mold or mildew growth
• AC constantly running but not cooling effectively

If you’re dealing with any of these signs in your home, it’s time to take action before small moisture issues turn into serious structural or air quality concerns. At Chilly Ben’s, we offer expert inspections and targeted solutions to get your home’s humidity levels back on track.

Solutions to Control Indoor Humidity

Although humidity can be frustrating, there’s no need to stress! Here are several effective ways to manage it:

• Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier – These integrate with your HVAC system to control moisture throughout the house.
• Use a Programmable Thermostat – Smart thermostats can better regulate both temperature and humidity.
  Seal Air Leaks – Gaps around doors and windows can let humid air in.
• Schedule an AC Tune-Up – Ensures your system is properly sized and functioning efficiently.

We understand that the White House climate brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing heat and humidity. That’s why our team offers expert, personalized recommendations based on your home’s layout, insulation, and specific cooling needs. You can trust Chilly Ben’s to keep your home cool, dry, and comfortable, no matter how humid it gets.

Preventative AC Maintenance Makes a Big Difference

Regular AC maintenance can help keep humidity levels in check and your system running smoothly. At Chilly Ben’s, our AC tune-ups include inspecting coils, filters, and condensate drains—all essential for proper moisture control.

When you schedule a service with us, you’re not just getting a tune-up—you’re investing in year-round comfort for your White House, TN home.

Take Control of Humidity with Chilly Ben’s

Don’t let high humidity ruin your summer comfort. Whether you need a dehumidifier, AC maintenance, or a full system check, the experts at Chilly Ben’s Heating & AC are here to help. Call Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning today at (270) 776-3691 to schedule your service appointment.

Not sure whether to set your thermostat to “Auto” or “On”? This small setting plays a big role in how your AC system runs, how much energy it uses, and how comfortable your home feels – especially during Kentucky’s hot and humid summers.

In this guide, Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning explains what the “Auto” setting means, how it compares to the “On” setting, and when to use each for maximum comfort and efficiency.

AC “Auto” vs. “On”: What’s The Difference?

When your AC fan is set to “Auto”, it only runs when the system is actively cooling your home. Once the indoor temperature reaches the thermostat setting, the fan and compressor shut off until cooling is needed again.

When the fan is set to “On”, it runs continuously, even when your system isn’t cooling. This constant air movement can improve circulation but leads to higher energy use and increased wear on your HVAC system.

In summary:

• Auto = More energy-efficient, less wear on the system, and shorter run times
• On = Continuous air circulation, possibly better air mixing, but more energy use

Key Benefits of Using the “Auto” Setting on Your Thermostat

Most homeowners will see better comfort and savings by using the Auto setting. Here’s why:

Lower Energy Consumption

Because the fan only runs when cooling is needed, you avoid unnecessary electricity use. This often leads to lower monthly utility bills, especially during peak AC season.

Reduced System Wear

Running the fan 24/7 adds unnecessary strain on your blower motor. With Auto mode, your system gets natural breaks between cycles, which can help extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Consistent Temperature Control

Auto mode allows your thermostat to maintain more stable temperatures. With fewer interruptions from continuous airflow, your system can cool more precisely and avoid unnecessary fluctuations.

Best Thermostat Setting for Comfort and Efficiency

Getting the most from your AC doesn’t just depend on the fan setting, but on where you set your temperature. Here are a few quick tips:

• Set your thermostat between 74°F and 78°F when you’re home during the day
• Increase the setting by 4-6 degrees when you’re away to reduce energy use
• Lower the setting by 1-2 degrees at night for better sleep comfort
• Use Auto mode to maintain temperatures efficiently throughout the day and night

Bonus tip: Every degree closer to the outdoor temperature can save 3% to 5% on your cooling costs!

When To Avoid Auto Mode

While Auto mode works well for most homes, there are a few situations where the “On” setting might help:

1. High Humidity Levels

If your AC shuts off too quickly between cycles, humidity can build up. Running the fan continuously helps maintain air movement and slightly improve moisture control, though a dehumidifier is a better long-term solution.

2. Air Quality Concerns

Homes with allergy sufferers or poor air circulation may benefit from constant airflow to keep air moving through filters.

3. Uneven Temperatures in Different Rooms

If you have hot or cold spots in your home, the “On” setting can help distribute conditioned air more evenly.

These situations are usually short-term or seasonal. For everyday use, the Auto setting provides the best mix of comfort and cost savings.

Stay Cool and Save With Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning

Setting your AC to Auto is a simple but powerful way to save energy and extend your system’s lifespan. At Chilly Ben’s, we’re here to help homeowners throughout Bowling Green and the surrounding areas get the most out of their HVAC systems.

Whether you’re unsure how your thermostat works or want to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, our team can help.

Call us today at (270) 776-3691 to schedule a visit or ask about ways to optimize your thermostat settings and system performance.