Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

Why You Shouldn’t Use Duct Tape on Your Ductwork

Friday, January 10th, 2014

It seems like a natural fit; using duct tape to fix your ducts. The name alone suggests a natural fit, and duct tape is an extremely versatile tool that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Unfortunately, HVAC ductwork isn’t one of them. Duct systems experience a unique set of conditions which duct tape is completely unsuited for. Here in Glenview IL, ductwork problems should be resolved by professional ductwork service contractors. Trying to seal a leak or clean up dust with duct tape only wastes your time.

Here’s why you shouldn’t use duct tape on your ductwork.

Ducts depend on a clean seal to function. If leaks spring up, they will bring in non-conditioned air, which makes it harder to achieve the temperature your home requires. That means the HVAC system needs to expend more energy, costing you in monthly heating/cooling bills. Furthermore, leaky ducts may bring in dust from outside the system, then spread it throughout your home. That lowers the quality of your indoor air, as well as exacerbating allergies for family members who suffer from them.

All of which is a lengthy way of saying that when leaks arise, they need to be properly sealed. And duct tape simply can’t do the job effectively in this instance. A study by the University of Berkeley found that most forms of duct tape couldn’t last three months when sealing the breach in a duct, and some brands failed within a few days. They were the only kinds of sealants that didn’t work.

That’s why you need a professional service to seal your ducts, ensuring that they stay closed and don’t leave your system vulnerable to outside air. A good service knows what sealants to use with particular duct systems and how to make sure the leak is sealed for good. All of your duct and other indoor air quality service needs in Glenview can be handled by the experts at Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning, who know how to do the job properly. If you know why you shouldn’t use duct tape on your ductwork, the next step is to give us a call. We’ll make sure the issue gets handled right.

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Common Ductwork Problems from Bad Installation

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Your ducts serve to pipe air from your HVAC system throughout your house, and as such serve a vital function in keeping your home comfortable. Here in Skokie IL, ductwork is a part of many modern homes, and is often installed when the homes themselves are built. A bad contractor can create many future headaches if he doesn’t do a good job, however. Without proper installation, ductwork can be a drag on your HVAC system and end up costing you a great deal. Here are some common ductwork problems from bad insulation.

  • Leaks. Leaks form when the seals between sections of ducts are not installed properly, or when pressure on the side of the ducts results in a breach. They can pull air out of the ducts as it travels through your home, and/or pull in air from the outside, which reduces the effectiveness of your HVAC system. The leak will need to be sealed before the system can work again.
  • Crimps. Crimps come about when the installer tries to eel the duct through an awkward spot. A rushed job means that the ducts will suffer from reduced air flow, hampering the speed with which the HVAC system will do its job. This means that it will be forced to expend more energy, raising your monthly bills until the crimp is fixed and the duct placed in a more elegant position.
  • Lack of insulation. If a duct passes through a spot close to an uninsulated outside wall, or isn’t properly covered itself, it may warm or cool the surface at the exact wrong time of year. That will temper the heat or the coolness of the air inside the ducts, slowing the HVAC system’s ability to condition your air.

In Skokie, IL, ductwork repair can be conducted by the experts at Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.

We deal with common ductwork problems from bad installation, and can not only address the issue, but lower the chances of it cropping up again. We also offer other indoor air quality services in Skokie, so pick up the phone and give us a call today; you’ll be glad that you did!

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Common Ductwork Repairs

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

You probably have ductwork in your home to allow your furnace or AC to channel air to different rooms. Problems inside your ducts will affect your entire HVAC system, and they need to have repairs as soon as possible. However, you shouldn’t attempt to access your ducts on your own to attempt to fix them: you will likely cause further damage. When your ducts need repairs, you should call in trained technicians to handle the work.

For your Winnetka, IL ductwork repairs, trust Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on all the jobs that we do.

Common ductwork repairs we often perform include:

Sealing leaks

Homeowners often think that leaks in their ducts don’t need professional repair. After all, there is this wonderful miracle product called “duct tape” that can handle it! Well, duct tape isn’t for ducts (in fact, its original name was “duck tape,” which it likely earned because of its water resistant properties) and laboratory tests have shown duct tape won’t hold up as a repair for breaks and leaks in ductwork. Professionals use special metallic tape and resin-based sealants to stop up places in your ducts where you will lose air pressure and reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Replacing worn insulation

Ducts need to remain sealed systems so that they won’t lose air pressure. An important part of keeping them sealed is insulation. This prevents heat from entering the ducts during the cooling season and heat from escaping them during the heating season. Ducts that lose insulation from age or water damage will lose their effectiveness, whether they’re bringing you hot or cold air.

Mold remediation

The dark recesses of ducts are ideal spots for mold and other micro-bacteria to grow. This poses a danger to your air quality, and is difficult to remove with standard cleaning. Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution: UV germicidal lights. These lamps project ultraviolet light that destroys the structure of the cells of micro-bacteria, killing them as well as discouraging their return.

For over a hundred years and four generations, Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning has delivered Chicagoland quality home comfort service. Who better can you trust with your repairs then a company with a century of experience? Contact Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning today when you need repairs on your ductwork or any other HVAC services in Winnetka, IL.

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How to Tell When You Need Duct Replacement

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

The ductwork in your home functions as part of your central heat or air conditioning system: piping cool or warm air from the main unit into the various rooms in your home. When they become damaged or old, you may want to consider replacement instead of normal repairs. Consulting with a professional can help determine when (or if) such a step is necessary.  That’s of special importance in Chicagoland communities like Morton Grove, IL. Duct replacement needs to come between the heat of our Lake Michigan summers and the cold of our Midwest winters, and you want to be sure it’s necessary before making plans.

Here’s a few ways you can tell when you need duct replacement:

  • Problems with the air flow. If your air conditioner or heater is working fine, and yet the air flow into your home is slow or nonexistent, the problem may lie with crushed or damaged ducts. Similarly, you may feel that the air isn’t sufficiently cool or warm despite the fact that you’re running your HVAC system as prescribed. Crushed ducts usually mean serious leaks in your system, which also means the conditioned air isn’t getting into the parts of your home that need it.
  • Higher electric bills. Similarly, if you find your energy bills going up despite the fact that you’re not using your appliances any more than normal; it could mean a major leak in your ductwork. Escaping air reduces the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, and until the rupture is addressed, your bills will continue to stay high.
  • Strange noises. Any odd sounds coming from your ducts – rattles, hums even thuds or grinding noises – are usually signs of trouble. A length of duct may be loose in its housings, or a damaged spot may be releasing air quickly enough to create an odd noise.

A trained professional can examine your duct system and determine if you simply need repairs, or if you’d be better off with full-bore duct replacement. For over 100 years, Shavitz has delivered safe and reliable air conditioning services throughout Chicago, including areas like Morton Grove, IL. Duct replacement services are one of our focuses, and we can provide sound consultation before beginning any installation procedures.

Call us today and let us show you how we can help with your duct replacement needs.

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Is Metal Ductwork Better Than Flexible Ductwork?

Friday, August 30th, 2013

The air conditioning and heating systems that allow us to control our indoor climate are incredibly vital to the present and future comfort of our homes. While the range of system types and brands on the market today seems daunting, if not overwhelming, you must begin by finding an HVAC contractor you can trust to get the job done right. If you’re in the market for a new forced-air distribution system, you need to make sure that your ductwork is just as good as the rest of the system. There’s simply no substitution for the quality craftsmanship of a trained and experienced ductwork professional in Northbrook, IL. Let Shavitz take care of your duct installation or replacement. We will make the entire process run smoothly. Call us today.

There are two basic types of ductwork to keep in mind when deciding upon your new system: rigid sheet metal and flexible ductwork. Each has its advantages.

  • Sheet metal. One of the major advantages of sheet metal ductwork is its staying power. Because of what it’s made out of, it tends to last a long time, especially when it is properly cared for. As a rigid material, your sheet metal ductwork needs to have adequate space. Your ducts will need to be appropriately sized in order to match the heating and cooling system. That way, you can be sure to have excellent performance and energy efficiency.
  • Flexible. Flexible ducts are made out of corrugated plastic, often wrapped in insulation. While they tend not to last as long as sheet metal, they are very cost-effective. Their shape and size also allows them to be installed in locations that would not accept full-sized sheet metal ductwork.

While sheet metal ductwork tends to be a better long-term choice, flexible ductwork has the advantage of relatively low upfront cost and versatility. It all depends on the unique needs of your home and your budget. At Shavitz, our friendly technicians can make sure that your Northbrook, IL home has excellent ductwork so that you and your family remains comfortable year-round. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

 

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What Types of Ductwork Are There?

Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

Are you in the market for a new HVAC system? Are your ducts no longer effective? Whether you’re looking to replace your existing ductwork or you need a comprehensive ductwork system for your new home’s central air or gas furnace, you need to ensure that your ductwork perfectly compliments the other components of your AC and heater. As with many things these days, there is no shortage of ductwork operation available to residential consumers these days. But making the decision does not have to be a daunting prospect–you don’t have to make it alone.

Let Shavitz take care of your ductwork needs in Skokie, IL, whether its duct installation or replacement. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

There are two major types of ductwork that are common in residential homes: flexible and sheet metal.

  • Flexible ductwork. Flexible ducts are often utilized in spaces where hard and rigid ductwork would be difficult or even impossible. They are typically comprised of durable plastic material and often surrounded by an insulation. Such ducts are versatile but they need to be installed correctly because they can be difficult to seal if improperly installed.
  • Sheet metal ductwork. This type of ductwork comes in either rectangular or cylindrical lengths, and can be highly effective and efficient. Anything made out of metal is also highly durable and reliable. Galvanized steel ducts are often wrapped with insulation on the outside.

You also need to make sure that your ducts are properly insulated, especially if they run outside the space of conditioned air. Over time, your ductwork is subject to various temperature and pressure fluctuations, and they may need to be routinely serviced in order to function properly. Cracks, leaks, loose connections, and debris accumulation can also severely impact your HVAC system’s ability to perform as it should. If you notice any issues with your ductwork, you should not hesitate to get in touch with a professional technician sooner than later.

At Shavitz, we can take care of your Skokie, IL ductwork service needs quickly and effectively. We provide comprehensive installation and replacement so make sure to get in touch with us wen you’re ready to get started on your new ductwork.

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