Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Chicago’

AC Installation Guide

Monday, July 12th, 2021

homeowner-talking-to-smiling-ac-technician-working-on-outside-ac-unit

This isn’t an instructional guide on how to install an air conditioner on your own–that would be ill-advised. Rather, we want to arm you with factors to consider before you pay for an air conditioner to be installed. This could save you time, money, and major headaches!

After all, this is a big investment. Considering that the energy your HVAC systems use accounts for half of all your energy use, that’s a big deal! We want your air conditioner installation to be as painless as possible. So, what is it that you should consider? Read on to find out!

Tags: Air Conditioning Installation, Chicago
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Is Professional Duct Sealing Worth It?

Monday, June 28th, 2021

In many cases, particularly in older homes with ductwork that’s just as old, it may benefit you to replace your ductwork when you get a new HVAC system. This helps your HVAC system work as effectively and efficiently as it’s meant to for years on end. But, your ductwork damage isn’t always that detrimental. Sometimes, the answer is instead duct sealing.

Duct sealing is a professional service we provide. Of course, you might be thinking, “why can’t I just use duct tape to seal my ducts?” Well unfortunately, duct tape is not appropriately named. It’s not really appropriate for problems with your air ducts after all! The reason for this is because it gets brittle and starts breaking off due to temperature fluctuations. Instead, you need the special mastic sealant that our professionals use. Read on to learn more!

Tags: Chicago, Duct Sealing
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Why Do Business Owners Choose Rooftop AC Installation?

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021

When it comes to providing effective heating and air conditioning to businesses and commercial properties throughout Chicagoland, the most popular option on the market is the packaged rooftop HVAC system. You’re familiar with these, even if you think you aren’t.

You can probably look up at any commercial space, including apartment buildings, and see modular units on top of the roof. Maybe you never noticed these were full-service HVAC systems, but they’re actually pretty popular for areas such as ours with a big population and lots of buildings.

Why are these such a popular choice? Read on to find out!

Tags: Chicago, Commercial HVAC, Rooftop Air Conditioners
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Should You Go Ductless This Summer?

Monday, May 17th, 2021

hand-using-remote-to-turn-on-ductless-air-handler

When it comes to cooling down your living space or heating it up, wouldn’t it be nice if you could use just one system? Well, you can! A ductless system, also referred to as a ductless mini-split due to its setup, is a heat pump-style system that’s become the preferred HVAC choice for many homeowners throughout Chicago and beyond, for good reason.

Ductless systems are not only a fantastic option for keeping your home comfortably cool in the summer, but they can also heat up your home in the winter, too. So, if you’re considering going ductless this summer for your cooling needs, it may benefit you this fall as well! Read on to learn more.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Chicago, Ductless Air Conditioner Installation
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Don’t Ignore These End-of-Season Furnace Noises

Monday, May 3rd, 2021

It’s the end of the heating season, and you’re probably just about ready to shut your furnace down in favor of your cooling system, right? Before you do that though, it’s important to make sure you address any heating repair needs you might have, so that you don’t find yourself with an inefficient or even completely broken down furnace next fall when you need the system again.

One of the most apparent signs that something is amiss with your furnace is loud, unfamiliar noises. Now, your furnace is always going to make some noise. You’re probably even used to the standard sounds you hear from it… like the whir of the motor starting up for the blower fan or the whoosh of the air coming through the vents.

However, you know the typical noises you hear on a daily basis better than anyone. So if your furnace starts making unfamiliar or loud noises, it’s time to give our team a call for repairs. Read on as we uncover some of the most common signs we get called for and what they might mean.

Tags: Chicago, Furnace Repair, Skokie
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Signs You Might Need Boiler Repairs

Monday, March 22nd, 2021

If you asked us what one of the most dependable types of heating systems is, we’d definitely say the boiler system. Since they need fewer moving parts than more conventional systems like heat pumps or furnaces, boilers tend to accumulate less wear and tear, and have a longer lifespan.

But, like any other important home appliance, boiler systems still need repairs on occasion. Read on as we uncover some of the signs that your boiler needs repairs sooner rather than later.

Tags: Boiler Repair, Chicago
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Does My Boiler Need Professional Maintenance?

Monday, March 8th, 2021

Are you one of the many homeowners in our area who relies on a boiler for your heating needs instead of the traditional furnace? This is definitely a great choice, especially if you have limited room in your living space for ductwork, since a boiler operates by circulating hot water through concealed pipes to terminal points like radiators or baseboard heaters, where the heat then radiates into the rooms.

Most households that utilize these powerful systems appreciate the comfort and energy savings that they bring. They also like how rarely these boilers need repair. Since boilers contain fewer moving parts than furnaces or heat pumps do, they wear down a lot slower, and don’t require as many repairs as traditional furnaces do throughout their useful lifespan.

However, it’s important that you don’t let this slower aging and fewer repair needs trick you into thinking you boiler system doesn’t need maintenance. Because yes, it does need maintenance!

Tags: Boiler Service, Chicago
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Boosting Heating Efficiency in the Last Stretch of Winter

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

animation-of-house-with-money-symbols-coming-out-of-chimney

In our last blog post, we talked about the differences in AFUE rating (energy rating) between gas and electric furnaces. If you read it, then you know the one that will be more efficient for your home depends on a number of factors. But whether you have a gas or electric furnace, there are some steps you can take to boost the efficiency even more, and subsequently save money.

The first step we’re going to share with you is this: schedule maintenance! Yes, this is a service we typically recommend in the fall, before you need your system the most. But the fact of the matter is that consistent maintenance is key to helping your heater work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

So let’s say you’ve got the maintenance part down, what else can you do to use your heater more efficiently before warm springtime temperatures arrive?

Tags: Chicago, Heating Services
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Do Your Windows Look Like This?

Friday, February 19th, 2021

condensation-on-window-spelling-out-the-word-condensation

From potential mold or mildew growth to bubbling paint, water damage from condensation on your windows isn’t good. When outdoor temps drop, condensation on windows is often on the rise. So what should you do about it?

Tags: Chicago, Humidity Control, Smart Thermostat, Window Condensation
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Is It Ever Too Late for a Furnace Tune-Up?

Monday, December 28th, 2020

woman-huddled-under-blanket-drinking-from-mug

There is one scenario where it would be too late for a furnace tune-up, and that’s if your heating system is completely broken down to a point that it’s beyond repair. We are going to assume that if you’ve come across this blog post, that is hopefully not the case for you! If you’ve made it to winter without having your heater maintained yet, it’s not too late.

True, we typically recommend this service in the fall. The reason for this is because it’s before you need your system the most. Maintenance allows our technicians to make sure it’s in the best shape possible for the cooler season. But what matters more than timing is consistency. So long as you’re having your furnace tuned-up once a year, you’ll be able to keep it in good shape throughout its service life. Read on as we uncover why consistent professional maintenance is so important.

Tags: Chicago, Furnace Repair
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