How Insulation Makes Your Home More Energy Efficient

October 15th, 2014

Insulation in Skokie isn’t just about keeping your home warm during winter; it’s about making your home energy efficient all year long. This is why it’s important to have good insulation in your home from top to bottom. The main job of insulation is to slow the transfer of heat, which is important for both heating and cooling your home efficiently. If you are concerned about the level of insulation in your home, call the professionals you can trust: Malek Heating & Cooling.

Why Insulation Is Important for Energy Efficiency

There are 3 ways in which heat moves through your home:

  • Convection – the way heat circulates through liquids and gases
  • Conduction – the way heat moves through materials
  • Radiation – heat that travels in a straight line and is absorbed by anything exposed to it

Heat will always move toward colder environments; this is a basic law of thermodynamics. As such, during the winter, your heat will want to travel toward cooler spaces; insulation slows this process considerably. During the summer, heat tries to move into cooled indoor areas, and insulation helps prevent this heat transfer.

Without proper insulation, your HVAC system will have to work harder, whether it’s cold or warm outside. Any time your system has to work harder, it uses more energy. Good insulation helps to retain the air in your home, lessening the load on your system.

Types of Insulation

There are four main types of insulation, and they can be used in combination with each other to maximize insulation capability:

  • Batt insulation (roll insulation) – the most common type of insulation, typically rolled out in layers on floors and in walls.
  • Foam board/rigid foam insulation – stiff board insulation that is best used in walls, ceilings and floors.
  • Loose-fill insulation (also known as blown-in) – made of 100% recycled materials, loose fill is great for retro-fitting older homes needing more and better insulation.
  • Spray foam insulation – a very popular choice, spray foam is an adhesive that when sprayed, expands up to 100 times its size. Spray foam forms an air-tight seal wherever it is applied.

Good insulation in Skokie can increase your energy efficiency and comfort, and reduce stress on your HVAC system. Call Malek Heating & Cooling today and schedule an appointment with one of our insulation specialists.

 

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How Professionals Perform Air Duct Cleaning

October 8th, 2014

Duct cleaning involves a lot more than just vacuuming the dust you can see. Unfortunately, unless you hire trained, experienced and certified professionals to perform your duct cleaning, you cannot expect a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. Professional air duct cleaning in Wilmette involves the use of professional-grade tools, a thorough, deep-cleaning of your system and proper removal of contaminants. Duct cleaning offers several benefits, but unless the cleaning is done correctly, you may not see these benefits. When you hire the trained professionals at Malek Heating & Cooling to clean your air ducts, you can be assured that your ducts will be cleaned the way they should be.

Professional Tools

There are several kinds of tools your technician may use to clean your air ducts:

  • HEPA professional-grade vacuums, both truck-mounted and hand-held
  • Mechanical brushes
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Visual aid tools
  • Access tools

How Duct Cleaning Is Performed

Here is a general overview of what happens during a routine duct cleaning appointment:

  • All furniture and registers are covered to protect them from blowing dust
  • The technician will make a thorough inspection of your system
  • The ductwork will be opened at various access points
  • The first major vacuum will occur (usually with the truck-mounted vacuum)
  • A second inspection will be conducted
  • The smaller, harder-to-reach areas will be cleaned
  • Any sticking debris will be removed
  • A final inspection is performed to ensure all the ductwork has been cleaned
  • Access ports will be closed
  • Protective coverings removed
  • All vacuumed contaminants will be removed from home

Benefits of Duct Cleaning

  • Improved air quality – any dust, dirt and debris in your ductwork will blow directly into your home with each cycle of your HVAC system. Removing these contaminants during cleaning helps to significantly increase your indoor air quality.
  • Better energy efficiency – significant build-up in your air ducts can restrict air flow, which puts stress on your HVAC system. Properly cleaning your ductwork allows the air to move freely, which helps to increase energy efficiency.
  • Less wear on your system – a system that operates under stress for any reason, including dirty ductwork, can age your system prematurely, or cause malfunction and/or breakdown. Maintaining your ductwork with professional cleaning reduces the level of wear on your system.

It’s recommended that ductwork is cleaned every 3-5 years. If it’s time for you to schedule air duct cleaning in Wilmette, call the people you can trust to do it correctly: Malek Heating & Cooling. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Why Boilers are a Good Choice for Heating in Winnetka, IL

October 1st, 2014

When you think about heating systems, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably a furnace. Forced air systems have been the norm throughout the country for some time, and boilers have become less and less common. That isn’t necessarily a good thing. A boiler system has a number of advantages over a traditional forced air system. Read on to find out why you should consider upgrading to a boiler system this year.

Efficiency

A forced air system loses roughly 30% of its heat to duct leaks in transit from the furnace to the vent. A radiant heating system loses almost none of its heat in transit. This is due to the leak-resistant tubes that circulate the hot water throughout the house. Forced air systems can also create uneven heating striation in a room.

When heated air is pumped through a vent in a room, it immediately rises to the ceiling. Once it cools, it descends to the floor. This creates cold spots where the upper part of a room is warm while the lower area is still quite cold. Radiant heating solves this by transmitting heat through solid objects. As things like chairs and couches absorb heat from the walls and floor, they transmit this heat to the occupants of the room. This ensures that the room is always heated evenly and without striation. A radiant system can also improve your indoor air quality.

Air Quality

When a forced air system circulates air throughout the house, it also carries any particulates that may be present in the air. Allergens, viruses, bacteria, and dust can be spread around your house in this fashion. A radiant heating system does not circulate, and so completely avoids this issue. If you have allergies, or get sick often during the winter, this could be a major benefit to you.

If you are thinking about upgrading to a boiler system, call Malek Heating & Cooling. We offer professional heating services in Winnetka, IL.

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Why Furnaces Are Still Great Ways to Heat a Home

September 24th, 2014

Today, there are many different types of heating systems to choose from when you need a heating installation service. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling to a home while boilers may need fewer repairs over time. Yet with all of these features, one of the most common systems found in homes today is still the furnace.

Gas furnaces pull in the air from your home and burn fuel to heat the air and distribute it through the ducts. With proper care and maintenance, these systems will last for many years and provide efficient, effective heating throughout their lifespans. For the most accurate information about installing furnaces in Evanston, IL, you can contact the technicians over at Malek Heating & Cooling. But as a primer, here are some of the reasons a furnace is still a great choice for many home heating needs.

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Some of the Advantages of Installing a Boiler in Skokie, IL

September 17th, 2014

There are a lot of choices homeowners can make for heating their homes: heat pumps, furnaces, geothermal systems and boilers, just to name a few. All have proven energy efficiency, but each one brings something different to the table for your home. Today we’re going to talk about the benefits of installing a boiler in Skokie, IL and some of the advantages this heating option can offer you. Heating equipment is complicated to install and repair, so it’s important to hire professionals for any heating work you may have. For over 15 years, Malek Heating & Cooling has helped install, repair and maintain heating and cooling equipment for multiple customers, and we can help you from start to finish with your boiler installation.

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Have Your Furnace Tuned-Up Now to Prepare for Winter

September 12th, 2014

The heavy cold in Illinois is still a few months away, but you shouldn’t delay when it comes to making winter preparations for your home. Part of that is to schedule a pre-season tune-up for your heating system. Take advantage of the slower September and October period to arrange a visit from skilled HVAC technicians to look over your heater and make sure it is ready for the work ahead.

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The History of Labor Day

September 1st, 2014

The official end of summer and the beginning of fall lands on September 23rd, which marks the Autumnal Equinox, when the plane of the Earth’s equator passes the center of the sun and the length of day and night are roughly equal. However, for most people in the U.S., the summer really concludes with Labor Day, the first Monday in September. Labor Day and Memorial Day (the last Monday of May) together serve as the bookends of the summer.

The Labor Day Holiday is a time that people in this country associate with a last summer blast: another reason for an outdoor picnic, a chance for a three-day vacation, family trips to amusement parks, and of course, taking advantage of numerous sales that retailers always offer. (Labor Day is often the second largest shopping day of the year after Black Friday in November.) It’s also the point when school traditionally goes back in session, although some schools start a week earlier and some a week later.

Labor Day’s origins lie in the 1880s. In 1882 Matthew Maguire, a machinist in New York City who was secretary of the Central Labor Union (CLU) at the time, and Peter J McGuire of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), first proposed a celebration of the hard working men and women of the United States. However, five years would pass before the first state made it an official holiday, Oregon. Other states quickly followed this example, although not all selected a date in September.

By 1894, thirty states had started Labor Day celebrations. President Grover Cleveland signed the law that made Labor Day a federal holiday only a week after Congress voted unanimously to approve the legislation. The date chosen for the holiday was the same one that Maguire and McGuire had originally proposed.

The U.S.A. is not the only country that celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September. Canada observes the holiday as well, although they spell it “Labour” Day. In fact, Canada celebrated the occasion earlier than the U.S., and was an early inspiration in this country for the development of the holiday.

All of us here at Malek Heating & Cooling hope you and your family—whether at work or at play—enjoy a relaxing and memorable Labor Day weekend and have a fantastic start to the fall.

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How Strange Noises Alert You to Air Conditioning Repair Needs

August 27th, 2014

Although today’s manufacturers make air conditioners with many advanced features, they have yet to design one with a perfect self-diagnosing computer that can immediately identify when they need repair and report it to homeowners. You still need to watch out for clues that your AC has developed a malfunction. Fortunately, many repair problems in an air conditioner will create a distinct and unusual sound, and you can use these noises to figure out that you need to call for professional HVAC technicians.

We’ve put together a list of some of the more common noises that malfunctioning air conditioners can make and what they might mean. You shouldn’t use this information to attempt the repair work on your own, however. Call Malek Heating & Cooling—any time of the day or night—when you require skilled air conditioning repair in Northbrook, IL. We will send a technician to your home to track that strange noise to its source and then handle the repair work.

Some Repair Warning Noises to Listen For

  • Hissing: This sound like a high-pressure gas escaping from a nozzle probably means that there is a refrigerant leak somewhere in the AC. Loss of refrigerant charge will lead to an air conditioner that cannot maintain its proper cooling level, and it may eventually cause irreparable damage to the compressor. Repair technicians will locate and seal the leak, then recharge the refrigerant to its regular level.
  • Grinding, groaning: These mechanical noises are often indicators that one or more of the motors in the system is wearing down from excess stress. This can happen because of loss of lubrication or dirt accumulating across the moving parts. Technicians can attempt to repair the motor, or in the case of a burnt-out motor, replace it.
  • Clicking: If you hear a clicking sound as the AC tries to start, you may have dying capacitors. The capacitors store and send charge to the motors to start them running and keep them running. When capacitors start to fail, the air conditioner will “hard start” and drain excess power. Technicians will replace the bad capacitors or install a hard-start kit to overcome the problem.
  • Clanging, striking: This often points toward a damaged fan. Bent fan blades will cause the fan to begin striking its outer casing, and this can lead to the damage spreading. For older air conditioners, this may indicate a snapped fan belt. (Newer ACs use direct motors instead of fan belts.)

Whatever the reason for the strange sounds, don’t let a noisy air conditioner continue to run: the problem will worsen and cause a chain reaction of other malfunctions, and the AC will drain money. Call for repairs right away.

Since 1998, the people at Malek Heating & Cooling have delivered air conditioning repair in Northbrook, IL and the rest of the Chicagoland area with fast and effective service for their ACs. Make us your first call when you hear those strange sounds rattling around inside your cooling system.

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Benefits of a Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split System

August 23rd, 2014

When considering a new heating and cooling system for your home, the knowledgeable technicians at Malek Heating & Cooling recommend Mitsubishi ductless mini split systems. Not only are these an affordable option but few systems have so many benefits wrapped into a small package. Like any new system, we know you’re looking for something that is energy efficient, quiet, easy to use and will make your home comfortable year round.

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What SEER Means for Your Air Conditioner

August 20th, 2014

Air conditioning a home through warm months and hot spells can become expensive. However, with the installation of a high-efficiency air conditioner you can reduce those steep bills to more manageable levels. The technology of cooling continues to advance each year, and with these advances comes ACs that use less power to produce greater levels of cooling.

The way you can determine the level of energy-efficiency from an air conditioning system is to check on its SEER. This technical specification will tell you how much energy the system will use and how that compares to the cooling power it produces. When you are in the market for a new AC, understanding SEER is crucial for locating the right system for you.

However, SEER isn’t the only piece of information you should know: there are many other considerations, and therefore you should always contact HVAC professionals to assist you with selecting new air conditioning in Winnetka, IL. Call Malek Heating & Cooling for the experienced technicians necessary to find the right AC for you. We’ve served the Chicagoland area since 1998.

What SEER Stands For and What It Means

The acronym SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” It represents the ratio of cooling power an air conditioner produces (as measured in BTUs) to the amount of energy it consumes (in watt-hours) as measured over a whole season. A similar specification, EER (energy efficiency ratio), is measured over a single test. SEER gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for cooling during a whole season: the higher the number, the more efficiently the AC converts electricity into cooling, and the less expensive it is to run.

For most air conditioners, SEER falls between 14 and 20. In order for an air conditioner to qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR label, it must have a SEER of at least 14.5. Some high-end ACs can have 20 SEER or even greater.

Although SEER is important, you shouldn’t simply pick an air conditioner with the highest SEER available. There are more factors involved in properly and effectively cooling a home than energy-efficiency. For example, an air conditioner can have an astonishingly high SEER of 22, but if it isn’t sized right to cool your home, all its efficiency will go to waste. You want to find a balance of factors, including SEER, to locate the ideal air conditioner for your cooling needs and your budget plans.

Since you should never attempt to install a central AC on your own, make sure that you have the professional installers involved in the process from an early stage. Experts will help you select the air conditioning in Winnetka, IL that will do the all-around job you need for comfort and savings. Call Malek Heating & Cooling when you are ready to start searching for your perfect air conditioner.

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