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Winterization Tips for Your HVAC System Winterization Tips for Your HVAC System

Winterization Tips for Your HVAC System

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips, HVAC. No Comments on Winterization Tips for Your HVAC System

Winter in Missouri likes to show up uninvited… and early. Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to be stressful, though — a little preparation goes a long way.

Quick & Easy HVAC Winterization Tips

  • Change your filter (seriously!) Your furnace can’t breathe through a dirty filter. Changing it often keeps the heat flowing.
  • Clean around the furnace A clean furnace area = better airflow + safer operation.
  • Check your thermostat settings Make sure it switches automatically to heat and that your schedule reflects the cooler months.
  • Keep vents open Closed vents do not save money. They stress your system.

Best Tip of All?

Schedule your fall furnace tune-up to catch little issues before they become big, expensive ones.

St. Louis HVAC Tax Credits St. Louis HVAC Tax Credits

HVAC Federal Tax Credits Ending in 2025: Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips, HVAC. No Comments on HVAC Federal Tax Credits Ending in 2025: Why You Shouldn’t Wait

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your furnace, AC, or upgrading to a heat pump… this is your sign from the HVAC universe (AKA us).
The federal HVAC tax credits created under the Inflation Reduction Act are scheduled to end on December 31, 2025, and that deadline is approaching faster than Missouri winter winds.

What Tax Credits Are Still Available?

Eligible homeowners can still claim up to:

  • $2,000 for installing a qualifying heat pump
  • $600 for a high-efficiency furnace
  • $600 for central AC
  • $150 for a home energy audit

That’s real money back in your pocket — and a more efficient, comfortable home.

Why the Urgency?

  • Equipment is already in high demand.
  • Contractors across the country will be booked solid by fall 2025.
  • These credits will not roll over into 2026 unless the government creates new legislation.

Beat the rush. Avoid the last-minute scramble. And lock in those savings before 12/31/2025.

Have questions? We love questions.

info@level9hvac.com

Back-to-School Checklist

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning Tips, HVAC. No Comments on Back-to-School Checklist

???? Back-to-School Checklist: Don’t Forget Your HVAC and Water Heater!

As backpacks are packed and alarm clocks are set, the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season returns. While you’re focused on organizing your family’s schedule, updating wardrobes, and checking off classroom supply lists, there’s one essential area that shouldn’t be overlooked—your home’s comfort systems.

Preparing your HVAC system and water heater for the demands of the season is just as important as preparing your family. After all, a comfortable, well-functioning home plays a big role in helping your school-year routines run smoothly.

Here’s why air conditioner tune-ups and water heater flushes belong on your back-to-school checklist:

????️ A/C Maintenance: Keep Your Cool While Life Heats Up

Even though summer is winding down, your air conditioner still has work to do. September and even October can bring warm days—and the last thing you need is a system failure in the middle of a busy week.

Why You Should Schedule an A/C Tune-Up Now:

  • Avoid Unexpected Breakdowns: Preventive maintenance catches minor issues before they become major (and expensive) problems.
  • Lower Energy Bills: A clean, tuned system runs more efficiently, saving you money when your thermostat is working overtime.
  • Improve Indoor Comfort: Reliable airflow and consistent temperatures help your family stay cool during hot afternoons and better rest during busy school nights.
  • Extend Equipment Life: Just like a car, your A/C system lasts longer when it’s well-maintained.

???? Water Heater Flush: Keep Mornings Flowing Smoothly

If your mornings involve multiple showers, coffee brewing, and dishes all before the school bell rings, your water heater has to perform flawlessly. But if it hasn’t been flushed in a while, it might not be operating at its best.

Why an Annual Flush Matters:

  • Removes Sediment Buildup: Over time, minerals in your water collect at the bottom of the tank, making it work harder and less efficiently.
  • Improves Performance: A clean tank heats water more effectively, giving you reliable hot water when you need it most.
  • Extends Equipment Life: Sediment can cause corrosion, shorten your water heater’s lifespan, and even lead to early failure.
  • Reduces Noise & Odor Issues: Popping, rumbling, or foul smells can be signs your system needs attention.

???? Why Back-to-School Is the Perfect Time for Maintenance

The shift into a school-year schedule usually means earlier mornings, tighter routines, and less wiggle room for household hiccups. You don’t want to deal with emergency HVAC repairs or surprise cold showers on a Monday morning.

Scheduling maintenance now gives you:

  • One less thing to worry about during the transition
  • Peace of mind that your systems are ready for the demands of fall and winter
  • A proactive step toward avoiding costly emergency repairs

???? Pro Tip for Busy Families:

Many homeowners think maintenance is only necessary when something goes wrong. In reality, the best time to service your systems is before you notice a problem. Preventative care helps your HVAC and plumbing systems support your family’s lifestyle—not interrupt it.

✅ Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season is all about setting routines, staying organized, and planning ahead. Your home should be ready to support those goals.

So before your calendar fills up with soccer practice, PTA meetings, and homework help, take a moment to care for the systems that keep your household running day after day. Call (636) 266-2509 today!

 

How to Prepare Your Home (and Heart!) for the Heat Wave Ahead

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on How to Prepare Your Home (and Heart!) for the Heat Wave Ahead

Tips from Level 9 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to Keep You Cool, Safe, and Supported

Summer heat is coming in strong, and at Level 9, we want to make sure your air conditioner—and your family—are ready for it. Whether you’re staying inside or working outdoors, a little prep can go a long way to protect your comfort, your energy bill, and your well-being.

???? Quick Home Tips to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently:

1. Clear off your outdoor AC unit

Grab a hose and gently rinse off your outdoor unit to remove leaves, grass clippings, and dirt. A clean unit breathes better and cools your home faster (and more efficiently).

2. Replace your air filter

Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder. A fresh filter can lower your energy use and help your AC keep up with rising temps. If it’s been over 30–60 days—swap it out now.

3. Keep vents open and unblocked

Make sure furniture, rugs, or toys aren’t covering your indoor vents. Your system is designed for balanced airflow throughout your home.

4. Close blinds during peak sun hours

Blocking direct sunlight helps your AC work less and keeps your space cooler naturally—especially in rooms that get full afternoon sun.

5. Use fans to support your system

Ceiling fans and box fans help circulate the cool air your AC is creating. Bonus: running them counter-clockwise helps push cool air downward.

If your system still struggles, or if something doesn’t seem right—don’t wait until it stops completely. Our team is just a phone call away and ready to help.

???? Call Level 9 at (636) 266-2509

It’s Not Just About Comfort—It’s About Community

At Level 9, we care deeply about the families and neighborhoods we serve. During extreme heat, please take a moment to check on your elderly neighbors, loved ones, and anyone who may not have working AC. A quick call or visit could mean everything.
And don’t forget the pets! Make sure outdoor animals have plenty of fresh water and shaded areas to stay cool.

For your own safety:

● Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water

● Avoid outdoor work during peak heat (typically 1–5 PM)

● Take regular breaks in the shade or inside

● Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles

We’re all in this together, and we’re here for you—whether it’s a quick AC check-up, an emergency repair, or just a neighborly reminder to take care.

Stay safe, stay cool, and call us if you need anything.

—
Level 9 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
???? Proudly serving Washington, MO to St. Louis and surrounding areas
???? (636) 266-2509
???? www.level9hvac.com

Changes to air conditioner regulations beginning in 2025

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on Changes to air conditioner regulations beginning in 2025

[St. Louis, Missouri] — Homeowners are facing significant price increases to their home comfort
as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepares to implement sweeping changes to air
conditioner regulations beginning in 2025. These new regulations require air conditioner
manufacturers to move away from refrigerants currently in use to mitigate the environmental
impact of running a heating and cooling system. Although this sets the course for a more
environmentally-friendly future in home comfort, the changes are also expected to lead to a
staggering increase in installation costs, projected to rise by 10-25% on January 1, 2025, as
HVAC manufacturers implement the new technology.

Adding urgency to this situation, Ameren Missouri has announced that it will not continue its
rebate program in 2025, which has historically provided crucial financial support to
homeowners. Previously, rebates ranged from $450 to $1,300, assisting many in managing the
costs associated with replacing aging HVAC systems. Without this financial assistance, many
homeowners may find themselves unprepared for the financial burden of upgrading their
systems in 2025.

“This is a crucial moment for homeowners to stay informed and strategize their home comfort
investments,” said Kyle Brittingham, President at Level 9 Heating Cooling and Plumbing. “With
the impending changes and the loss of rebates, it’s essential for families to plan ahead and
explore their options.”

A heating and cooling system has an expected lifespan of 10-15 years, so homeowners with
aged heating and cooling systems are encouraged to act promptly and consider their needs
before the 2025 price increases take effect. Homeowners who replace their HVAC system
before December 31, 2024, can take advantage of the opportunities to save money that are still
available, including Ameren’s rebate program. For more information about the new HVAC
regulations, tips on how to navigate these changes, or a free estimate for a new system, please
contact Level 9 Heating Cooling and Plumbing at (636) 239-3581.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Abby Poetz
Marketing Director
Level 9 Heating Cooling & Plumbing
(636) 649-0022

CITED SOURCES:
EPA regulations will no longer allow heating and cooling equipment refrigerants with a Global
Warming Potential (GWP) over 700 to be installed after January 1 2025

R410A, the most common refrigerant for residential heating and cooling systems, does not meet
EPA regulations beginning in 2025

HVAC manufacturers will update their new equipment to utilize an EPA-compliant refrigerant,
which will be accompanied by a rise in price due to the new technology.

    Ameren Missouri will discontinue their rebate program in 2025

  • Ameren Missouri Heating and Cooling Program. “HVAC Rebate Program to End 12/31/24” . Received by Chunn, Rachael. (2024, October 17).

Why Do I Need A Humidifier in My Home?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on Why Do I Need A Humidifier in My Home?

Humidifiers, when used in your home, solve multiple problems that can arise. The largest issue that arises is dry air. The specific issues with dry air in a home are numerous with the largest one being health reasons. You will also find structural damage and increase utility bills when dry air is prevalent.

Your Health

Health reasons are one of the large focus points for needing a humidifier. Low humidity can make it easier to catch and transmit cold and flu viruses. Cold dry air can aggravate asthma and static shock contributes to dry itchy skin.

Structural Damage

Second, dry air can lead to structural damage. It can cause walls, woodwork, and floors to crack. Most wood floor warranties do not cover damage caused by water and humidity changes.

Save Money

Third, there’s the impact it can have on your utility bills. Dry air can make you feel colder, and which then leads to your tendency to overheat your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for every degree you heat your home; you add 4 percent to your energy bill. So your whole house humidifier can save you money and make you feel warmer.

So let me summarize, a whole-house humidifier can help control and reduce your health issues which in turn makes you feel healthier, protect your home from damage, and increase your comfort while saving you money.

There are several options when it comes to selecting the best humidifier for your home. Contact your local heating and cooling professional to get expert advice on your options. If you are located in Washington, Missouri, and the surrounding areas, call us today to talk with the professionals at Jim’s Heating and Cooling.

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact our experts online or by calling us today for more information about our humidifier installation process.

Why Do You Need an Air Scrubber This Season?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on Why Do You Need an Air Scrubber This Season?

You need an air scrubber to purify your home, especially during the flu and cold season. When you’re sick and stuck in your house, bacteria tend to build up and contaminate the surfaces and air in your home. The Air Scrubber system substantially reduces odors, visible smoke, and microbial population on surfaces. It uses ActivePure technology to remove and neutralize contaminants in your air.

No one wants to clean a house when they’re not feeling well, so letting an Air Scrubber do the work for you is your best bet for an all-around cleaner and healthier atmosphere.

What is an Air Scrubber?

The Air Scrubber is an inline or portable air purification system that is used in your home to purify the air. The system rids your air of particles, gasses, and other chemicals in the air in your home. Having our team at Level 9 Heating & Cooling install an Air Scrubber can help you keep peace of mind that the air in your home is clean.

The Air Scrubber contains metal tubes on the inside that charge negative ions to destroy any pollutants moving through your HVAC system or other areas of your home. The pipes within the Air Scrubber are shaped in a honeycomb style and covered with a special coating.

The air scrubber cleans the air in your home through a two-step process. First, the air travels through the honeycomb system and passes by a UV light that kills most airborne contagions. Then negative ions are created and released to clean your home’s air.

After the negative ions are released, they combat the positive ions like bacteria, pollen, and other allergens. When the atoms link together, a larger and heavier particle is neutralizing the contaminate and causing it to no longer be airborne. This process will rid you of the contaminants in your home.

CONTACT US
An air scrubber will significantly improve your air quality during the cold and flu season. Let the device do the work for you.

Our team has the perfect discount for you this season. Air Scrubber installation is $950 until March 31, 2020. Check out the discount on our specials page or contact our team by filling out a contact form or calling us today.

What is Fresh Air Ventilation?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on What is Fresh Air Ventilation?

Today’s homes are tightly sealed and built with energy efficiency in mind. This type of construction is great for keeping your hot and cool air from seeping out of the house, but it traps all types of harmful pollutants and odors in your house that you may not realize. Fresh air ventilation is needed to help keep those harmful pollutants out of your home.

Proper ventilation can make your home healthier and more comfortable. When your heating and cooling system runs, it circulates all of the chemicals and pet odors as well; trapped air contains harmful chemicals that can threaten your family’s health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of pollutants can be up to 10 times greater inside your home than outside.

Common Household Contaminents

Commonly found contaminants in the home include:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Radon
  • Smoke
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These contaminants can lead to several health issues like the following:

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Chronic winter illness
  • Headaches

Not only do homes with insufficient fresh air ventilation see the above health issues increased, but we also see problems in the home itself including mold and moisture.

How to Get Fresh Air Ventalation

You can just open a window and let fresh air in your home, but sometimes that isn’t a possibility due to weather conditions and security concerns. This method can also increase your heating and cooling costs.
The best solution is a professionally installed whole-home ventilation system that controls your air quality and makes your home a healthier environment.

It does this by:

  • Expelling dangerous and cancer-causing pollutants
  • Removing foul odors
  • Providing fresh air while reducing energy costs
  • Assisting in monitoring and controlling temperature and humidity
  • Providing greater comfort and security at a lower cost

Fresh air ventilation systems are not only effective but they are also:

  • Affordable
  • Operate quietly

Contant Our experts for More Information

Contact our experts online or by calling us today for more information about installing an air filtration system.

Why Would I Consider a Whole Home Dehumidifier?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on Why Would I Consider a Whole Home Dehumidifier?

Today’s homes are built for energy efficiency. In these tighter environments, there is moisture and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These more efficient homes cool the home quickly while using less energy than older systems. However, these systems remove less humidity. In order to get better dehumidification, we find ourselves overcooling our homes.

Learn More About Our Dehumidifier Services!

So many times, air conditioning is not the total answer to making your home healthier and more comfortable. You want to maintain relative humidity between 45-55% in the summertime. Every installation is different, and many times a whole-house dehumidifier is the only solution. You can try to use portable dehumidifiers, however, these solutions only treat just a single room and portable dehumidifiers require you to do maintenance and empty the water reservoir regularly.

Using a Whole House Dehumidifier

When you use a whole-house dehumidifier, you will remove up to 135 pints of moisture per day; that is the equivalent of up to 16 gallons!

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