Archive for the ‘cooling’ Category

Quick tips for a possible Spring AC problem

Friday, 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

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

Sunday, 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

Saturday, 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

Friday, 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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winter cooling system covers

Wednesday, 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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don’t blame the thermostat; blame the location

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

thermostats are known for having problems regulating temperatures in the house accurately. but, sometimes the real problem isn’t the thermostat; it is where it is located! thermostat that are:

  • exposed to sunlight
  • exposed to heat from appliances like televisions and computers
  • exposed to heat from a lamp or other light source that emits heat
  • installed on an exterior wall of the house
  • installed too close to a window
  • installed too close to a supply vent
  • installed in an enclosed area far from a return vent
  • installed too close to a door
  • installed in an area that is prone to drafts
  • installed in an area this is not frequently occupied

if your thermostat is located in any of these areas this may be what is causing your problem. poor location causes the thermostat to misinterpret the temperature in the house. as a result, it will run the heater and the cooling system more than necessary, or it will force you to change the setting on the thermostat to compensate for the lack of heating or cooling in other areas of the house.

when this happens your power bills begin to increase due to the longer run times needed from the heating, ventalation, and air conditioning equipment. you could be wasting a lot of money every month because of poor thermostat placement, and if you think that you may have this problem in your house, you should contact a expert.

a expert heating, ventalation, and air conditioning craftsperson will be able to determine if any of these factors are influencing your thermostat. if he finds that they are, he may be able to offer some solutions or he may even have to relocate the thermostat to another area in the house. thermostat location is crucial to the correct function and efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment, so it is in your best interest to have this problem examined as soon as possible.

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Proper Installation of Heating and Cooling System

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Replacing your old heating and cooling system with new, energy-efficient central heating and air conditioning system is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. This is no gimmick, an improper installed system can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent, costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.

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How to Prepare and Respond to Severe Storms

Sunday, May 6th, 2012

Bad weather.  There may be nothing more frightening then the helpless feeling when a severe storm approaches.  Most of us hope it will pass without serious damage.  Unless you’ve taken proper precautions, the impact of such a storm can be catastrophic.  It’s not just a matter of protecting your possessions; severe weather can be life threatening and should be taken very seriously.  In summertime, the biggest danger is usually from thunderstorms.  A severe storm can spawn a tornado, but even if it doesn’t, the damage caused by high winds, heavy rains, hail, and lightning can be devastating.  In our part of the country, especially this summer so far, severe storms are pretty common.  Knowing what to do when they arrive is critical.  The tips you’ll find here will go a long way toward protecting your home, family, and possessions.

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Air Conditioners, Why Installation is So Important!

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Four Seasons Resource Center likes to promote the use of Energy Star products, especially when it comes to heating and cooling. The benefits of using energy star furnaces and air conditioners are numerous; one of the most beneficial to consumers is the opportunity to save money on heating and cooling costs. However, when it comes time to purchase a new central air conditioner, you should also get a system that is installed properly. If not properly sized or installed the efficiency of your system can be reduced by up to 30 percent. This will result in higher utility bills and possibly shorten the life of the equipment.

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