Quick tips for a possible Spring AC problem

May 18th, 2012

Here’s a few quick tips on possible Spring AC problems. In this tough economy the last thing you need is an air conditioner repair when you try and turn it on for the first time this spring.  There are two quick and simple possibilities for why your air conditioner may not be quite right the first time around this year.

1.        Possible tripped breaker – One of the most common causes of no-cool calls is a tripped breaker.  Be sure to reset your breaker before making a call for heating & cooling repairs.  Hopefully it won’t trip again, but if it does then it’s time to make a call.  At that point something is causing the breaker to trip and still it is often something simple like a bad breaker, loose wire, or a bad capacitor.  However, if not addressed, some simple problems can lead to far more expensive repairs.

2.       Dirty filter – If you have a 1” disposable filter, it should be replaced monthly.  It’s easy to forget because it’s out of sight and out of mind.  But every year many HVAC service calls where the air conditioner is not cooling the air are the direct result of restricted air flow from a dirty filter.  A dirty filter can also result in a frozen indoor coil, which again can lead to more serious repairs.

So be mindful of both of these easy to fix problems before you get too worried.  And if these tips don’t work, we’re right around the corner to help with any problems you may encounter!

- Paul K.

protect the cooling system this cold seasons| orland park, lynwood, hinsdale

May 17th, 2012

warm seasons is all but a distant memory, and many of us have already begun the process of preparing out homes for the cold months ahead. we dust off the heater, change filters, weather-strip, and insulate, but many people neglect to protect the cooling system. covering the cooling system during the cold seasons is a smart way to keep the unit safe from falling ice and other garbage, but only if the correct cover is chosen. for those who use window or wall air conditioning units, covering the cooling system is especially important because of the potential for heat loss.

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the “bait and switch” air channel clearing scam

May 16th, 2012

finding a craftsperson to perform channel clearing services can be a confusing process. the advertisements that come in the mail certainly do not help with the confusion, and comparing one ad to another doesn’t make it any easier either. the buisnesses that offer one price per vent turn getting the ducts cleaned into a mathematical equation. other buisnesses offer seeming attractive prices, but somewhere in the back of your mind you know that that price is just too preferred to be true. unfortunately, this industry is plagued with scam artists, and every year, hundreds of people fall victim to their deceitful tactics. so far, this year hasn’t been any different.

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water spots and water leaks

May 15th, 2012

does your house have water spots on ceiling tiles and drywall? are you sick and tired of replacing tiles or arranging your furniture to cover up the unsightly watermark? if so, then you have come to the right place! four seasons can help you finally put this problem to rest by searching out and rebuilding the crack that is causing your problem in the first place! there is no quick fix for this problem, and if you don’t take care of it quickly it could lead to even more disastrous problems in your house. the biggest concern that we have about homes with water cracks is mould increase.

the potential for mould increase

mould increase in the house is unfortunately pretty standard, and all it needs is a little water to get started. that leaky pipe that drips into the basement ceiling could end up causing your family health problems, and if you or one of your family members suffers with a respiratory condition like asthma, the mould increase could be worsening their condition.

how four seasons can help

even if the water crack hasn’t gotten to the point where mould is running rampant, now is still the time to have four seasons take care of the problem. our house services division has handymen experts who have worked in the house rebuild industry for over 30 years! they have skills and the know-how to search out your crack and stop the problem for preferred. whether your problem is as simple as tightening a joint or as complicated as replacing a sink, four seasons can help you get the work done right! give us a call today to discuss ridding your house of water spots once and for all!

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space heating precautions

May 14th, 2012

space heaters are convenient for use in times when the centric heater fails to operate correctly, and when there is a need for supplemental heat in certain areas of the house. however, the consequences of using a space heater improperly can be devastating to your family. every year space heater fires destroy thousands of homes, and cause hundreds of deaths and injuries due to fire, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning. preventing these horrible situations in your house requires a few precautions that, if taken seriously, make operating space heaters safe.

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a match made in heaven| downers grove, oak brook, calumet park

May 13th, 2012

picture yourself in this situation. the heater has finally called it quits after 20 years of somewhat reliable service. you call four seasons to schedule your free in-home estimate on a new system, and the salesman arrives to do an assessment of your house heating needs. he takes a step outside and notices that your cooling system is the same age as your heater. he comes back inside and suggests that you now replace the cooling system along with the heater.  before jumping to the conclusion that this salesman is full of it or that he is just trying to maximize his profits, you should take a moment to consider the many benefits that come from replacing the entire system at once rather than replacing it in pieces. these benefits include:

  • system efficiency: whenever you replace just one component in a system, the older units limit the efficiency of the new system. there have been drastic improvements in the power efficiency of heating and cooling units, and replacing both systems at the same time will allow you to maximize the efficiency of both units.
  • savings: when you maximize the power efficiency of your units, you maximize your savings as well! also, there is a preferred chance that you will get that cooling system at a discounted price during the off season.
  • warranty coverage: your new heater will come equipped with a warranty that will protect you from the formidable cost of repairs for years and years to come. replacing the cooling system with the heater ensures that your entire system is covered by a warranty and not just part of it.
  • equipment age: if your 25 year old heater broke down, it is only a matter of time before your 25 year old cooling system breaks down too! you could remove the hassle of going without air conditioning on a hot chicago warm seasons day, and replace both the heater and the cooling system this cold seasons.

when you have a matched system operating in your house you will experience increased comfort, savings, and reliability. call four seasons heating and air conditioning today to learn more about how you can benefit from having a matched heater and cooling system in your house.

a match made in heaven| downers grove, oak brook, calumet park is a post from: heating and cooling heater rebuild

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Home Star Rebates Look Promising

May 12th, 2012

On June 7, 2010 The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Home Star Energy Act. The purpose of the bill is to not only help job growth but also to reduce our consumption of energy. The rebates if passed by Congress would give consumers significant money back on purchases of air conditioners, furnaces boilers and more.

The eligible products would have to be energy efficient and provide significant energy savings. The Home Star program has been compared to the “Cash for Clunkers” program in which consumers would replace existing air conditioners, furnaces and boilers for more energy efficient models. The rebates would go directly to the homeowner to offset the purchase price. In addition to the bonus that the rebates provide consumers should also benefit from long-term savings related to reduced energy bills every month.

For more information visit the Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning website and the Four Seasons news blog.

Flooding and Your HVAC Systems

May 11th, 2012

With the recent flooding across our country, there are a lot of Americans who are trying to salvage their homes. Flooding can destroy anything from carpet to appliances, and one of the more expensive casualties may be the heating and air conditioning systems. However, these units will be well worth the cost to either repair or replace when compared to the dangers that they can cause. There are several measures that homeowners must take to ensure renewed safety in your home after a flood.

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Methods to control moisture

May 10th, 2012

Too much moisture in a home can lead to mold, mildew, and other biological growth. This in turn can lead to a variety of health effects ranging from more common allergic reactions, to asthma attacks, and hypersensitivity pneumonitits, for example. Excess moisture can be in the form of high relative humidity including humidity generated by people and their activities such as showers, cooking, or drying clothes. Water can also come from plumbing leaks, wet boots, or splashing around sinks.

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winter cooling system covers

May 9th, 2012

with the cold weather creeping into the chicago land area, the last thing on your mind is the cooling system. unfortunately, the long hot days of warm seasons are long gone, but if you use a window or wall cooling system, you could have a problem on your hands. unless the unit can be removed easily and stored for the cold seasons, you need to create or purchase an air conditioning cover for your unit. if you fail to do so, you could be throwing your hard earned money out the window.

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