Furnace vs Air Handler: How They Are Different & When to Replace in Illinois

Many Illinois homeowners aren’t sure if they have a furnace, an air handler, or both. The two often get mentioned together, but they serve very different purposes in your heating and cooling system. Knowing how each one works helps you recognize problems early and make smart choices when it’s time to repair or replace equipment.  At Tiger Heating & Cooling, we explain this to customers every...

Many homes have that one room that doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe the upstairs bedrooms are too warm in the summer, or the basement stays chilly all winter. When central HVAC just isn’t cutting it, two popular solutions stand out: zoned HVAC systems and ductless mini-splits. Both offer targeted comfort and energy savings, but they work differently and suit different...

When the cold hits Illinois, most of us just want one thing: a warm, comfortable home. But when it comes time to upgrade or repair your heating system, the options can get confusing fast. People often use the words furnace, heater, and boiler like they mean the same thing, but they actually work in very different ways.  At Tiger, we...

Walk through your house and you might notice something. The upstairs feels warmer than the main floor. The basement is cooler than the rest of the house. Maybe one bedroom is freezing while the others are fine. These are common problems in Illinois homes, and they usually lead to the same question: do I need an HVAC zoning system or something else?...

Most people don’t think about power surges until something breaks. A microwave that suddenly stops working. A computer that won’t turn back on after a storm. It doesn’t take much. A quick spike in power is enough to damage sensitive electronics or shorten the life of your appliances.  In Illinois, where summer storms and heavy power use are part of life, these spikes happen more often...

Comfort at home isn’t just about how warm or cool it feels. Humidity plays a big role too. If the air is too dry, you notice it in your skin and sinuses. If it’s too damp, you smell it and sometimes see mold spots forming.  Illinois homeowners deal with both ends of the spectrum. Summers bring heavy humidity, and winters are so dry the air feels sharp. That’s why...

Illinois winters come fast and hit hard. One day can feel manageable, then overnight the temperature drops below freezing. That swing is all it takes for pipes to freeze. When water inside a pipe turns to ice, it expands. Pipes are not designed to stretch, so eventually they crack. The damage from one burst pipe can ruin floors, walls, and...

Low water pressure and worn-out fixtures are more than just inconveniences. They can be signs that your home’s plumbing system is past its prime. In Illinois communities like Collinsville, Springfield, Bloomington, and Peoria, aging infrastructure and regional water conditions can take a toll on pipes, reducing efficiency and shortening the life of faucets, showers, and appliances. Understanding repiping benefits can...

Crawlspaces may be out of sight, but they have a direct impact on the air you breathe inside your home. In Illinois, where seasonal weather swings bring both humid summers and damp, cold winters, crawlspaces are especially vulnerable to moisture problems. For allergy sufferers in our service areas like Collinsville, Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, and surround areas a damp crawlspace can...

Crawlspaces are often out of sight and out of mind, but they play a critical role in your home’s overall health. In Illinois cities like Collinsville, Springfield, Bloomington, and Peoria, heavy rainfall, seasonal flooding, and humid summers can create serious crawlspace issues. Moisture buildup can damage structural supports, encourage mold growth, and lower your home’s energy efficiency.  Two common solutions...