There are more options for water heaters today than there were a few decades ago. Back then, “water heater” almost always meant a storage tank water heater, a system that uses a supply of water kept at a constant temperature inside a tank using gas jets or electrical heating elements. But today there are tankless systems as well as systems that rely on different sources of power, like the heat pump water heater. This type of heat pump removes heat from the surrounding air and then applies it to the water. A heat pump water heater is extremely energy efficient and costs much less to run than a standard electric water heater.
Will a Heat Pump Water Heater Work Well in Winter?
December 19th, 2016Get Your Generator Maintained before the Serious Cold Hits
December 12th, 2016The temperatures in Chicago are dropping rapidly into the 30s and 20s, and of course it’s only going to get colder. We hope that you’ve already scheduled an inspection and tune-up for your heating system (it’s always best to have this arranged in the early fall) so that your heater can have an easy time for the rest of the season. But have you arranged for maintenance for your home’s standby generator? If you haven’t, call our generator specialists right away!
Why Is There a Burning Smell from My Furnace?
December 5th, 2016We’ve now come to the time of year when furnaces fire up and stay running for long stretches at a time. But as you get ready to enjoy a cozy home, you may detect an acrid odor coming from the vents. Does this mean there’s something seriously wrong with the furnace, possibly something that’s a safety hazard? Do you need to call our technicians to come fix it?
We’ll take a look at what these burning odors may mean, and what to do about them.
ALL Heating Systems Need Maintenance!
November 28th, 2016During the fall, we make a major effort to stress with our customers and potential customers the importance of arranging for heating maintenance before winter cold arrives. And as you can probably guess from the calendar, winter is not that far away. If you haven’t yet arranged for your annual heating maintenance, right now is the time to jump on it. It’s easy: you only have to call us and ask about our Residential Maintenance Agreements.
Here’s something we need to stress: all types of heating systems require these pre-winter inspections.
Why Radiant Heating Is Great for Winter Warmth
November 21st, 2016The term radiant heat refers to any kind of heat that comes off a heated surface. You feel radiant heat coming from the metal of the sides of buildings during a hot day, or coming up from asphalt. But when it comes to home heating, radiant heating means a particular type of comfort system: hot water circulated from a boiler raises the temperature of pipes running through a subfloor, which in turn heats up the floorboards. These heated surfaces then send heat waves into the room. (You can also have radiant heating through room radiators or baseboard heaters.)
Does Corrosion Mean My Water Heater Is Finished?
November 14th, 2016There’s probably nothing more upsetting to find on a water heater than rust or other forms of corrosion. Because water heaters have water and metal in constant contact, the development of corrosion seems like something that should naturally occur. But yet it rarely does… until the water heater is at an advanced age. When people spot a corroded water heater, they often think that it must be replaced. Is there any truth to this?
3 Furnace Warning Signs as Cold Weather Starts
November 7th, 2016‘Tis November, and that means the winter is just looking over the edge of the calendar. The colder weather is already starting as temperatures routinely drop down into the 50s. Much worse is coming, of course, but this is a time when you can expect to start running your gas furnace on a regular basis. And it’s also a time to pay close attention to how it runs. If there are any minor issues with it during the early season, you want to have them repaired before the extreme cold hits and HVAC technicians have crammed schedule. Early repairs will also help stop an emergency when the furnace stops working altogether on a freezing cold day.
Tips to Keep Safe with a Gas Furnace This Winter
October 31st, 2016Do you have a natural gas furnace to provide your home with warmth over the winters? Chances are good that you do, since gas furnaces are the most common type of residential heater in the country—and their powerful heating ability makes them especially popular in in places like Chicago that experience harsh winters.
Although a gas furnace is a great way to heat your house, it can present a number of safety hazards without proper care. These aren’t difficult or arduous steps, but they can make a big difference for your home:
Do You Need a Humidifier in Winter Because of the Furnace?
October 23rd, 2016One of the important indoor air quality installations that we handle for homes in Chicagoland is a whole-house humidifier. During the winter, moisture freezes out of the air and often leads to air with less than 30% relative humidity—too dry for comfort. When the humidity is this low, it adds an unpleasant edge to the already cool temperatures because heat can leave the body quicker. It also allows for the quicker spread of illnesses and can create damage to wooden and painted surfaces.
Check Your Gas Furnace before Winter
October 17th, 2016The most important way to check up on your home’s gas furnace to make sure that it’s ready to handle another tough Illinois winter is to schedule professional maintenance. Our regular maintenance program is an easy way to take care of this each and every year.
If you’ve already had your heating maintenance appointment, we still recommend that you make a check on your furnace a few weeks afterward, right before the major cold strikes. It’s simply good planning, and you can never be too sure about your furnace!