ServiceMax Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Skokie’

How Insulation Makes Your Home More Energy Efficient

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

Wednesday, 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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Protection for Your Home with Whole-House Surge Protectors

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

Power outages can pose serious problems for your home and family, especially if they last for an extended period of time. Some of the reasons for loss of power from the grid include trees falling on power lines, severe wind conditions, lightning strikes, floods and heavy rainstorms, accumulation of ice and snow, accidents due to construction digging, and even interference from wildlife. Using a whole-house generator to shield your home from a long-term outage is wise planning and will provide you with peace of mind during the times of the year when the frequency of outages begins to rise.

Here is something else to consider: many of the above causes of power outages are also sources of massive power surges. You probably already connect the idea of power surges with lightning strikes and downed lines, but any event that could cause an overload of the power grid or a loss of power could also send a huge power surge into your home that could cause damage to appliances, especially precision equipment like laptops and home entertainment systems. A small power strip at an outlet can offer some protection from this, but not always.

At Malek Heating & Cooling, we advise that homeowners look into whole house surge protectors in Skokie, IL as an adjunct to their new generator installation. These systems installed into your electrical panel will guard your electrical system from both outside power surges as well as any malfunction that might occur with the generator. It will also help with the smaller surges that can occur without you realizing it, and which contribute to slow wear and tear on appliances.

These smaller surges are worth looking at a little closer, because many homes suffer from them. Whenever a large appliance in your home (such as a refrigerator or air conditioning system) makes too large a demand on the electrical circuits, it causes a momentary imbalance that sends a power surge through the lines. If you notice lights flickering whenever a powerful appliance turns on, then you are dealing with a power surge.

Worry about power surges is another reason that you must have professionals install your whole-house generator. If an amateur picks the wrong size unit of generator for your needs, the generator could cause a dangerous power surge in your home when it comes on, knocking out your lights and other appliances and possibly damaging them so that even when the power is restored, they won’t come back on.

Keep Malek Heating & Cooling in mind when you are thinking about whole house surge protectors and generator installation in Chicago, IL. Let our trained technicians know about your generator needs: we will keep your family out of the dark. Give us a call today.

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Subpar Indoor Air Quality? Is Humidity the Problem?

Monday, July 28th, 2014

Maintaining great indoor air quality in Chicago, IL can be more difficult than you may initially expect. There is a lot that can go wrong with your indoor air quality, and the problems may be the result of environmental conditions which are simply beyond your control. While you may not be able to change the catalyst of your IAQ issues, though, there are plenty of tools to help you improve conditions within your home. Give Malek Heating & Cooling a call today, and we will help you to determine the best way in which to boost your indoor air quality. The culprits in such situations differ on a case to case basis, but humidity is one common issue that homeowners grapple with.

Humidity can go either way, meaning that too much or too little of it can be equally problematic. Whole house humidifiers and dehumidifiers are certainly your best chance of resolving humidity problems in your home effectively and efficiently. Just remember that such equipment must be installed and serviced by a professional IAQ technician. Before you even get to that stage, though, you must determine what, if any, the problem with your humidity levels are.

Very humid air has some pretty serious implications for your indoor air quality. You may find that there is a lot of condensation throughout your house, on your windows or exposed pipes and bathroom fixtures. You may also notice damp spots on your walls or carpeting, as well as aggravated respiratory issues. Humid air is conducive to biological pollutant growth, so this is a problem that you want to resolve as soon as possible. If you notice any of these conditions in your home, a whole house dehumidifier may be necessary.

Because very dry air is just as problematic as overly humid air, you should also know some of the warning signs that a whole house humidifier is needed. Splitting wooden furniture or floorboards, dry, itchy skin, aggravated allergies, and sore throats or sinuses are all signs that your air is too dry. To ensure that you have the right amount of humidity in the air, a whole house humidifier just cannot be beat.

To learn more about the problems that inappropriate humidity levels can lead to, contact the IAQ pros at Malek Heating & Cooling. We are more than happy to help you enjoy improved indoor air quality in Chicago, IL. Call us today for more details.

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Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Some Pros and Cons

Monday, July 21st, 2014

You want to get the best performance that your water heater can possibly offer, right? Well, if you are looking for complete satisfaction from your water heater, you need more than just a great system. You must also ensure that you are using the type of water heater that best suits your needs and usage preferences. That is tougher than it may sound, considering how many options are available today. We are going to discuss some pros and cons of two of the most popular water heater options: tank and tankless models. If you have any further questions regarding water heaters in Chicago, IL, or if you are ready to schedule any water heater services, just call the pros at Malek Heating & Cooling.

When most people envision a water heater, they probably think of the tank models that so many of us grew up with. These do tend to be the most popular of all water heaters even today, despite a few drawbacks. These systems maintain a reservoir of heated water at all times. Due to heat transfer from the tank to the air outside of it, some energy loss is inevitable with such systems. Today’s tanks are more efficient than ever, though, and you can also add insulating jackets to water heater tanks in order to boost efficiency even more. The fact remains, though, that your system will need to continually heat that water to some degree as heat is lost. The major benefit, though, is that there is always a ready supply of hot water.

Tankless water heaters, as you’ve probably guessed, do not use storage tanks. Instead, they heat water on demand, as it is called for at different points of use. This is great for increasing energy efficiency and eliminating heat loss. However, it does take a moment for the water to heat up, and such systems can be overwhelmed if hot water is called for at different areas throughout the house. You can supplement your water heater with additional units, but this is a bit of a costly endeavor.

Ultimately, there is no such thing as the perfect water heater. There is one that is best suited for your needs and preferences, though, and we aim to help you find it. Give us a call today to learn more about available water heaters in Skokie, IL.

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Why Schedule Professional Air Duct Cleaning?

Monday, July 14th, 2014

The ductwork upon which you depend to distribute heated and cooled air throughout your property must be kept in outstanding condition if you hope for your heating and cooling system to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. Because your ductwork is largely hidden from view and is quite inaccessible, though, you may not always realize immediately that there is a problem with its condition. That is why you must familiarize yourself with some of the warning signs that service is needed. Here is some information about the importance of air duct cleaning in Chicago, IL, why it must be completed by a professional technician, and ways in which you can spot the need for such service. Call Malek Heating & Cooling for more details.

Only a qualified technician has the tools and training to complete your duct cleaning thoroughly and effectively. You cannot just walk around from vent to vent with a role of paper towels or a vacuum cleaner. Your air ducts must be accessed, special agitating tools used, and a powerful industrial vacuum is needed for cleanup. Don’t risk damaging your air ducts attempting to open them up, only to find you lack the proper tools for the job anyway. Hire a professional duct cleaning technician.

There are a number of signs you may notice which can indicate the need for professional duct cleaning. For instance, you may find that your home is dustier or dirtier than usual. Allergy symptoms may also be aggravated, and it is even possible for heating and cooling efficiency to suffer. When dirt and dust build up on vital components of your system, your HVAC equipment is going to have to work harder than it should have to. To learn more about spotting the need for professional air duct cleaning, give us a call.

The benefits of cleaning your ductwork are many, provided that the job is done by a trained technician. Indoor air quality can be improved upon, as can your comfort. You may even be able to save money on energy costs, all while knowing that your HVAC equipment is protected. If you suspect that it is time to schedule air duct cleaning in Skokie, IL, Malek Heating & Cooling is the company to call.

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3 Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

Monday, July 7th, 2014

At Malek Heating & Cooling, we know just how important your comfort is. That is why we are so happy to ensure that your air conditioning system is in the best working condition possible. When you hire our fine technicians to handle your routine air conditioning maintenance in Skokie, IL, you can count on a truly outstanding performance from your air conditioner. When the temperature soars, you’ll be happy that you did so. If you are unconvinced, for any reason, that routine air conditioning maintenance is worth it, we have some information that we’d like to share with you. These are just a few of the benefits that you will enjoy as a direct result of scheduling professional air conditioning maintenance.

First of all, regular maintenance is the best way in which to keep your air conditioning system operating as efficiently as possible. If any component within this system is not working properly, the performance of the system as a whole will suffer. This means that issues as simple as inadequate lubrication can wind up costing you money in increased energy costs. We believe that you deserve better than paying top dollar for a subpar home cooling performance. When you allow us to thoroughly inspect and tune up your air conditioner, you won’t have to worry about such issues.

Another great benefit of professional air conditioning maintenance is the fact that it can help to prevent damages to your system. When you force an air conditioner that is not in great condition to operate, the strain put on the system can result in damages. Maintenance will keep your system in great shape, and it will also afford your technician the opportunity to catch problems with your system before they can develop into serious issues.

Finally, you can ensure that you get the longest, most productive lifespan possible from your air conditioner when you ensure that it is properly cared for. Many problems with your AC can be repaired. However, it is always going to take a toll on your system to allow these problems to develop. Routine air conditioning maintenance in Skokie, IL makes it easy for you to protect the condition of your air conditioner, as well as its longevity and efficiency levels. Call Malek Heating & Cooling for more information.

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What Are The Benefits of an Automatic Standby Generator?

Monday, June 30th, 2014

There are a lot of factors which will inform the overall comfort and convenience of your home. Needless to say, the quality of your electrical system is a major player in this respect. Of course, when the electricity supply from your local utility is cut off, it really isn’t going to matter how outstanding your electrical system is. Or so you’d think. In truth, though, there is a way in which you can keep the lights on and your fridge humming away, even in the event of a power outage. Just call Malek Heating & Cooling to learn more about the ways in which a whole house generator can benefit you. When you allow us to handle your generator services in Chicago, IL, you won’t have to worry about the power going out in your neighborhood.

A standby automatic generator differs in a few key ways from the portable generators that you may have seen in campgrounds or out in the driveway. Rather than plugging a few chosen devices directly into the generator, for example, an automatic standby model features a permanent installment on your property. This generator is wired directly into your electrical system, meaning that you don’t need to worry about running extension cords outside during a dark, stormy night. The generator will monitor voltage 24/7, and is able to detect a power outage on its own. Herein lies the greatest benefit of an automatic standby generator.

Not only will the system power far more devices and appliances than a portable model, but it will also kick on automatically in the event of a power outage. An automatic transfer switch makes this possible, allowing your system to spring into action even if you are not at home. This is a great way to ensure that you don’t come back to an uncomfortable environment or a refrigerator full of spoiled food.

In order to get the most from your automatic standby generator in Skokie, IL, of course, you must work with a skilled, trained technician. It is important that the device is wired into your home’s electrical system carefully, and that it is appropriately sized for your home. They can run on either natural gas or an LP system, and we will help you determine which is right for you. Just call us with any questions you may have regarding your generator installation or service needs.

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Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Replacement

Monday, June 23rd, 2014

There are probably a lot of things that you’d love to spend your money on, and we realize that a new air conditioner may not be right at the top of that list. However, there is not an air conditioner in existence that is going to last forever, and you are likely going to find yourself in need of a replacement model at some point. When you do, it is important that you choose your air conditioning replacement in Chicago, IL wisely. The AC replacement pros at Malek Heating & Cooling are here to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your new air conditioning system. Keep this info in mind, and contact us if you have any questions.

Central split systems are probably the most popular of all central air conditioning systems. These are the air conditioners which feature an outdoor compressor/condenser unit, and utilize a system of ductwork in order to distribute cooled air throughout your home. They are able to cool your house quite effectively and efficiently, as well as promptly. However, the ductwork that they use may suffer from energy loss if not properly installed and maintained.

Heat pumps are another great air conditioning option, operating in essentially the same manner as split central ACs, and also using ductwork in order to distribute cool air throughout a building. The major difference is the fact that heat pumps are able to reverse their operation, providing warmth in the winter by transferring ambient heat from outside back into your home. In very cold temperatures, a heat pump may be overwhelmed when trying to keep you warm. Discuss the pros and cons of heat pumps with a skilled professional before making any decisions.

Ductless air conditioning is another great option to consider. Ductless mini splits also use heat pump technology in order to provide year round comfort throughout your home. However, they use no ductwork in doing so. Instead, they rely upon individual, wall mounted blowers for air distribution. This eliminates the risk of efficiency and IAQ issues which ductwork is sometimes prone to.

If you are dissatisfied with the performance of your existing air conditioner, or if it has broken down completely, contact a member of our team and a qualified AC technician will help you resolve your AC issues. Malek Heating & Cooling will help you decide which is your best option for your air conditioning replacement in Skokie, IL. That way you can cool your home with confidence. Give us a call today to set up a service appointment.

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Why Size Matters to a Commercial HVAC Installation

Monday, June 16th, 2014

Commercial heating and cooling equipment sees a lot of heavy use throughout the year. Keeping your commercial property comfortable for all those therein can be a very difficult goal to achieve. It is necessary that you hire a skilled and experienced commercial HVAC technician in Skokie, IL if you hope to get the best performance that your equipment has to offer. At Malek Heating & Cooling, we install and service commercial HVAC systems of 25 tons and under. We know that choosing the right equipment for the job is one of the most important factors in enjoying an efficient, reliable performance from your system. Give us a call today, and we’ll make sure that your commercial HVAC system is the right size for your building and that it is installed properly.

Determining the proper size of your commercial HVAC system depends upon more than simply calculating the square footage of your building. Only an experienced professional can ensure that your equipment is properly sized so that the furthest reaches of your commercial property are all equally comfortable. The complex measurements and calculations require the expertise that only a professional can provide.

You must keep in mind the fact that even the best commercial heating and cooling equipment is going to falter if it is not professionally installed. If your system is too small for the space in which it is installed, of course, it is going to struggle as it tries to reach and maintain target temperatures. It will run too long and too frequently, draining energy even while failing to satisfy your comfort needs. This can lead to serious efficiency issues. Don’t suspect for a moment, though, that bigger is always better.

Oversized equipment is just as problematic as undersized equipment is. You see, when a system is too large it can actually adjust temperatures too quickly. This can lead to humidity imbalance and other indoor air quality issues. It will also cause your system to short cycle, shutting off and coming one too frequently. Reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear on the system can result.

To learn more about the importance of using appropriately sized commercial heating and cooling equipment, talk to the pros at Malek Heating & Cooling. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. When it comes to commercial HVAC in Skokie, IL, you can always count on us for quality. Give us a call today to speak with one of our qualified HVAC technicians and schedule your next service appointment with us.

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