Frequently Asked Questions

• Comfort: HVAC systems ensure your home or business remains comfortable year-round, regardless of outdoor temperatures.
• Health: Proper ventilation removes airborne contaminants, improving indoor air quality and promoting better health.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern HVAC systems are designed to minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance.

In Illinois's climate, where winters can be harsh and summers hot, an efficient HVAC system is essential for maintaining a comfortable living or working environment.

HVAC companies provide a wide range of services to ensure your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems operate efficiently and effectively. Common services include:

• Heating System Services: Installation, maintenance, and repair of furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and radiators. Annual tune-ups to prepare for winter.
• Cooling System Services: Installation, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning units, ductless systems, and swamp coolers. Recharging refrigerant and fixing leaks.
• Ventilation Services: Duct cleaning and inspection. Installation and repair of vents and ductwork. Improving indoor air quality with filtration systems or UV purifiers.
• System Design and Installation: Customizing HVAC solutions for new construction, renovations, or upgrades. Ensuring proper sizing and installation for optimal performance.
• Emergency Repairs: 24/7 emergency service for furnace breakdowns in winter or AC failures in summer.
• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Installing programmable or smart thermostats. Upgrading to high-efficiency systems for lower utility bills.

• Forced-Air Systems: Use ductwork to distribute heated or cooled air throughout a home.
• Heat Pumps: Provide both heating and cooling by transferring heat from one location to another.
• Radiant Heating: Involves installing heating elements (e.g., radiators or in-floor systems) that warm surfaces rather than the air.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Allow for zoned heating and cooling without ductwork.
• Geothermal Systems: Use the Earth's stable temperature to heat and cool buildings efficiently.

Regular maintenance ensures:

• Improved energy efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
• Extended system lifespan by preventing wear and tear.
• Better indoor air quality through clean filters and ducts.
• Early detection of potential issues before they become costly repairs.

Most professionals recommend scheduling HVAC tune-ups twice a year: once for heating (fall) and once for cooling (spring).

• Uneven heating or cooling in different parts of your home.
• Increased energy bills without changes in usage.
• Strange noises, such as clanking, rattling, or hissing sounds from your HVAC system.
• Leaks around your furnace, AC unit, or ductwork.
• A lack of airflow through vents.

If you notice any of these signs, contact an HVAC professional promptly to avoid further damage.

• Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat.
• Invest in a high-efficiency system with a good SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.
• Ensure proper insulation and sealing of your home to prevent heat loss or gain.
• Change air filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

• SEER Rating: A measure of an AC unit's efficiency; higher ratings mean better energy savings.
• AFUE Rating: Measures a furnace's efficiency in converting fuel to heat.
• Ductwork: The network of ducts that carries heated or cooled air throughout your home.
• Thermostat: The device used to control the temperature settings for your HVAC system.
• Heat Pump: A versatile system capable of providing both heating and cooling.

When searching for an HVAC contractor, look for:

• Proper licensing and insurance.
• Positive customer reviews and ratings.
• Experience with your specific type of system.
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification, which ensures the technician has advanced training.