Hire A NATE Contractor, And Put Your Repair Worries Aside

When you hire a contractor to service your heating and cooling equipment, you put your comfort in their hands. By hiring a NATE contractor, you can put your worries aside and feel confident in the skill set of the technician. Here’s a look at the process NATE contractors undergo to earn their certification as well as your trust. Read More »

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, NATE Certified, Technicians | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MERV Filters: With Family Health And Furnace Efficiency At Stake, You Want To Make The Right Choice

MERV Filters: With Family Health And Furnace Efficiency At Stake, You Want To Make The Right ChoiceMaking sure that you have good indoor air quality is key to your family’s health and comfort. At the same time, correctly installing and maintaining a clean, quality air filter is important for your furnace’s efficiency and long-term operation. Read More »

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Posted in Air Filters, Filtration, Furnaces, IAQ – Indoor Air Quality, MERV filters | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Heat-Pump Anatomy: How All Those Parts Work Together To Keep You Comfy

A heat pump differs from a typical air conditioner and furnace because it exchanges heat in the air from one place to another. The heat-pump anatomy includes a compressor that sits outdoors, an indoor blower that includes an evaporator and heat exchanger, along with a thermostat that controls the system. Most heat pumps are air-source systems, which means that they use the heat in the air for both cooling and heating. Until recently, these heat pumps have not been able to efficiently heat homes in Chicagoland because winter temperatures routinely fall below 30 degrees and then stay there for extended periods. Read More »

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Posted in Heat Pumps, Heating, Thermostats | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing A Ventilation System: 8 Design Factors To Keep In Mind

Choosing A Ventilation System: 8 Design Factors To Keep In MindOver the last two decades, it has becoming increasingly apparent that mechanical ventilation systems can greatly benefit the quality of indoor air. Opening a window or two just isn’t practical in climates such as Chicago where winters are cold and summers are hot and muggy. If you’re considering adding a ventilation system to your home to enjoy cleaner, fresher air, consider these eight design factors: Read More »

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Posted in Duct Design, Duct Runs, Duct Sealing, Ductwork, IAQ – Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Water-Heating Costs: Nine Ways You Can Plug The Drain On Your Pocketbook

The trick to reducing water-heating costs is to reduce the amount of hot water the storage tank must heat. Here are nine hot water-saving tricks that will help you plug the drain in your pocketbook: Read More »

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Posted in Energy Savings, Insulation, Preventative Maintenance, Seal Leaks, Service & Maintenance, Water Heater | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Boiler Replacement: What You Need To Be Thinking About As You Start Looking For A New Unit

Boiler Replacement: What You Need To Be Thinking About As You Start Looking For A New Unit  When it comes to boiler replacement, it pays to take your time and study your options thoroughly so that you can make the best investment possible. After all, your new boiler is going to be responsible for keeping your home comfortable for years to come. Read More »

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Posted in Boilers, Energy Star, Insulation, Service & Maintenance | Tagged , | Leave a comment

UV Lights: Boost Your Home’s Resistance As Cold And Flu Season Sets In

With cold and flu season setting in, you may feel helpless against the relentlessness of these germs. But with the help of UV lights, you can boost your home’s resistance and protect the health of your family. Read More »

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Posted in IAQ – Indoor Air Quality, UV Lights | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Home Winterizing: As The Temperature Drops, Try These Five Energy-Saving Strategies

Home Winterizing: As The Temperature Drops, Try These Five Energy-Saving StrategiesWinter temperatures in Northwest Suburban Chicago hover, on average, in the 20s or below. Therefore, winterizing your home is key in keeping you warm and toasty this winter, while keeping your heating bills low. Danny Lipford, featured on “The Early Show” on CBS, and host of “Today’s Home Owner,” claims that you can save as much as 50 percent on this winter’s heating bill if you winterize your home properly. Read More »

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Posted in Energy Savings, Service & Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Radiant Heating System: 3 Reasons You Should Be Giving It Serious Thought

The climate in northwest Chicago is one of the best for a radiant heating system. Once the weather cools in the fall, it almost never warms up until spring, which makes it ideal for the steady, even heat that radiant systems provide. Unlike forced air systems, homes heated with a radiant system continue providing warmth, even after you turn down the thermostat. Read More »

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Posted in Heating, Radiant Floor Heating | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sealing The Air Leaks In Your Home? Remember To Check The Attic Hatch

Sealing The Air Leaks In Your Home? Remember To Check The Attic HatchWhile you’re warm and cozy inside your home this winter, you could be wasting energy in areas you’ve never even considered. Perhaps you think you’re buttoned up tight, what with sealing air leaks around windows and doors, and ensuring that your ductwork isn’t leaky. That’s a great start. But there’s one other item to consider: your attic hatch. This can be an area of significant heat loss, which will cost you dearly during the freezing Chicago winter. Read More »

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Posted in Air Ducts, IAQ – Indoor Air Quality, Insulation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment