DuAll Heating & Cooling Blog

Will Thanksgiving Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

November 27th, 2014

We’ve all heard it before: you feel so sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal because of the main event: the turkey. For years, people have credited extraordinary levels of tryptophan in turkey as the reason we all feel the need to nap after the annual feast. But contrary to this popular mythology, tryptophan is probably not he largest responsible party for your post-meal exhaustion.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means it’s something that our bodies need but do not produce naturally. Your body uses tryptophan to help make vitamin B3 and serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that sends chemicals to the brain to aid in sleep. But in order to get this essential amino acid, we have to eat foods that contain it.

Turkey has somewhat high levels of tryptophan, but so do many other foods, including eggs, peanuts, chocolate, nuts, bananas, and most other meats and dairy products. In fact, ounce-for-ounce cheddar cheese contains a greater amount of tryptophan than turkey. In order for tryptophan to make you feel sleepy, you would have to consume it in excessive amounts, and serotonin is usually only produced by tryptophan on an empty stomach.

The truth is, overeating is largely responsible for the “food coma” many people describe post-Thanksgiving. It takes a lot of energy for your body to process a large meal, and the average Thanksgiving plate contains about twice as many calories as is recommended for daily consumption. If anything, high levels of fat in the turkey cause sleepiness, as they require a lot of energy for your body to digest. Lots of carbohydrates, alcohol, and probably a bit of stress may also be some of the reasons it feels so satisfying to lay down on the couch after the meal and finally get a little bit of shut-eye.

If you feel the need to indulge in a heaping dose of tryptophan this year, go ahead! Turkey also contains healthy proteins and may even provide a boost for your immune system.

Here at DuAll Heating & Cooling, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy and contentment this year. Happy feasting!

Tags: Thanksgiving
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What Types of Contaminants Can Hurt Your Indoor Air Quality?

November 17th, 2014

Many homeowners may think that the air quality in their homes is significantly better than outside. A house is sheltered, after all, and circulates its own air rather than taking it from outside. What may surprise them, then is the revelation that indoor air quality can actually be quite poor. There are a number of common indoor air contaminants that can provoke allergies, make you sick, and even prove fatal. Here is a list of the most common contaminants.

Animal/Insect Dander

If you have a cat or dog, you know about the absurd ability they have of shedding large amounts of hair all over the place. Along with hair, they also shed dander, which is comprised of groups of skin cells similar to dandruff. Dander causes strong allergic reactions in some people, and is actually the source of cat and dog allergies. This problem can be made worse by forced air heaters and air conditioners, which serve to propel the dander throughout the house.

Just like common house pets, insects shed dander as well. Insect dander is often small bits of exoskeleton, and provokes a similar allergic response when inhaled. Unlike pets, these insects often lurk in the ducts themselves, giving their dander a much wider reach when the A/C or heating is turned on.

Bacteria/Viruses

Bacteria and viruses are also quite common airborne contaminants within a home. These microscopic organisms can survive and thrive in all sorts of unlikely places, including the ductwork of your home. Their most common form of entry, however, is often on or in a person that has been outside. When that person coughs or sneezes, the germs are scattered into the air and are able to infect others.

So, what are you supposed to do about these contaminants? Well, there are a number of air filters and purifiers on the market that are designed to remove these contaminants from the air. We recommend using one or more of them to improve the air quality in your home.

If you need to install an air purifier in your home, call DuAll Heating & Cooling. Our experts provide indoor air quality services throughout Naperville.

Tags: Indoor Air Quality, Naperville
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3 Signs that You May Need Commercial Heating System Replacement

November 10th, 2014

Winters in Illinois can be tough. For your commercial enterprise to thrive during this chilly time, you need to have an efficient and effecting heating system to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Although regular maintenance and prompt repairs will help keep your business’ heating system operating, eventually an aging heater will reach a point where the best option is to retire it and have professionals install a new one.

Below are three warning signs of a commercial heater that is coming to the end of its life. If you suspect you may need commercial heating system replacement in Bollingbrook, IL soon, contact our specialists at DuAll Heating & Cooling right away. We will help determine if it’s time for a replacement and handle the installation work if it is.

3 ways to tell that you may need heating replacement

Continually rising bills: A single spike in your company’s heating bills may indicate that the system requires repairs. But if the bills keep rising each month, and no amount of repairs or maintenance can stop it, you probably have a system that is too worn down from the decays of age. It is more cost-effective at this point to retire the heater and have a new, energy-efficient model replace it.
Constant noisy operation: Is the sound from your heating system creating a disruption inside the work place? Loud operation is an almost certain sign that the heating system requires repairs, and if this has become the norm rather than the exception, you should consider having the whole system replaced. These sounds usually come from components that are too worn down to work well any more.
High repair costs: Take a look at the bills for the repairs the heating system has needed over the last two years and tally them up against the cost of replacing the system. If the cost of any single repair is half the price of putting in a new heater, then it is costing you far too much to keep the system running. Call for heating technicians to examine the heater and give you a more definite answer about your best path going forward.

Our team of professionals stays up-to-date with the latest developments in commercial HVAC technology, so you will know that your new heating system is state-of-the-art. Put our experience to work for your company.

For the finest quality commercial heating system replacement in Bollingbrook, IL, call on the NATE-certified technicians at DuAll Heating & Cooling today.

Tags: Bolingbrook, Commercial Heating System Replacement
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Reasons That Water Heater Replacement is Only a Job for Professionals

October 27th, 2014

A water heater that receives regular maintenance from professionals once a year and has any repair needs that come up attended to promptly can often last for over 20 years. But eventually, the stress of operation and general wear and tear from water and sediment in contact with metal over so many years will cause the heater to reach a point where it is too expensive to operate, or will no longer deliver you the amount of hot water your family needs.

When that happens, you should contact local skilled professionals with experience installing water heaters to replace your old system and put in a new one. DuAll Heating & Cooling has the training and tools to give you a great replacement for your water heater in Naperville, IL. Give us a call today if you’re ready for a fresh start with your water heater.

Yes… you do need professionals for this job

You may have had you water heater long enough that you won’t recall the type of work that went into installing it. Or perhaps you inherited the water heater with the house. Either way, you don’t want to find out how much labor and technical skill is required for this job the hard way: by attempting it yourself.

First, even before a single tool comes out to hook up the water tank to pipes, a water heater needs to be properly sized for a home. It’s important that the water heater can supply 1) a sufficient supply of hot water for your family’s needs, and 2) not waste energy doing it. It will require experienced professionals to determine the right sized heater for your needs, and you do not want to risk making the wrong choice.

When it comes to the actual work, there is a great risk from amateur installation of leaking pipes and poor soldering jobs. One of the most prominent reasons for later repairs on water heaters is shoddy initial installation work. You don’t want to live with a water heater that needs continual repair work and which leaks water everywhere.

It is especially important that you call for professionals if you use a gas-powered water heater, which is the most common type. (And for excellent reasons, and they are very cost-efficient to run.) In most locales, it is illegal to work on any system hooked to a gas main unless you are a licensed professional. You don’t want to take any risks of creating toxic and combustible gas leaks.

Water heater replacement is a simple and fast job when you call on experts like the team at DuAll Heating & Cooling. Water heater replacement is a job we handle often.

Don’t waste time and money on amateur work, and don’t risk you or your family’s health: call DuAll Heating & Cooling when it’s time for a new water heater in Naperville, IL.

Tags: Naperville, Water Heater Replacement
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New water heater efficiencies as of April 16, 2015

October 22nd, 2014

The US National Appliance Conservation ACT (NAECA) will require water heaters to be more energy efficient beginning April 16, 2015.. What this means to you? You will be able to have existing water heaters installed past this date until existing supplies last. Manufacturers, however, will not be allowed to make or sell products that meet the new standard. How to prepare? Budget for higher cost water heaters or proactively replace older water heaters before that date. And if your water heater looks anything like this, then you have waited too long!!!

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Plainfield Furnace Repair Guide: Is Your Home Not Getting Enough Heat?

October 20th, 2014

Is your heater working, but not quite as well as it should be? Is your heater not achieving the temperature set on your thermostat? A heating system that is working ok, but not great, most likely needs furnace repair in Plainfield. There can be a few reasons why your furnace isn’t producing the heat it should be, and it’s best to hire a professional to determine the reason why. At DuAll Heating & Cooling, our NATE-certified technicians can handle any heating issues you may have, so call us today.

Reasons for Reduced Heat

There are a few reasons you may experience reduced heating with your furnace:

Dirty air filter – dirty air filters can restrict air flow, which can decrease the volume of air flowing through your system, including the amount of warm air being delivered to your living spaces.

Faulty ductwork – your ductwork suffers wear and tear like any other part of your system. Cracks, holes and disconnections can create a great deal of air loss, which can result in less heating reaching your home.

Problems with the blower – the indoor fan that blows the hot air into your ductwork may be experiencing issues. A worn fan belt can decrease the amount of air flow, as can a problematic blower motor.

Imbalance in the system – there is a certain balance of pressure that needs to be maintained in order for your furnace to work correctly. Faulty ductwork can throw this balance off, making it hard to heat.

Blocked registers – make sure all vent registers are clear of debris, furniture or drapes as this can interrupt the flow of air.

Dirty burner – a burner that has a layer of dust and dirt can’t operate as it should, which may reduce its heating output.

Reduced heating can compromise your comfort and cost you money in extra energy usage. As you can see, there are a number of reasons why a furnace may have decreased levels of heating, which is why it’s important to hire an expert to inspect and make needed furnace repairs in Plainfield.

If you are experiencing problems with your furnace, call DuAll Heating & Cooling today and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals.

Tags: Furnace Repair, Plainfield
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When Is It Time for a New Boiler?

October 13th, 2014

Boilers are durable heaters that may last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. But if you wait until the last minute for replacement, you’re bound to have a mess on your hands, as you may only think to call for service after leaks damage your home, or you are left without any heating until replacement is finished.

This is why it’s important to be able to spot the signs that your old boiler is shot. The heating experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling have put together this list of a few of the ways you can tell it may be time for boiler replacement. Of course, every boiler is different, so always be sure to consult an expert before making a decision.

Old Age: If your boiler is approaching its expected lifespan, replacement is generally a good choice. Your older boiler has gotten a lot of use over the years, and, unfortunately, a breakdown is possible, especially if you seem to call for repairs frequently. In may be less expensive to replace your boiler now than to replace a broken system in the future.
Improper Size: Unfortunately, some contractors simply do not heed the proper sizing guidelines for boilers. Many choose larger boilers to ensure the customer gets adequate heat. But an oversized boiler will cost you more to run, using a lot of fuel and ultimately wearing down much sooner. If an oversized boiler causes you trouble, a new unit may be necessary sooner rather than later. A contractor should resize your new unit rather than replacing older components with similar ones.
Leaks: Leaks can indicate minor issues, such as a problem in the pressure valve, that simply mean your boiler needs minor adjustments or a couple of new components. However, leaks could also indicate corrosion or other damages that are beyond repairs. Calling for replacement is sometimes the only option when leaks are caused by rust and corrosion.

DuAll Heating & Cooling can help you decide whether you need boiler replacement in Bolingbrook. We can install, repair, or maintain any boiler model, so give us a call today!

Tags: Boiler Replacement, Bolingbrook
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Which Needs More Repairs: Furnaces or Boilers?

October 6th, 2014

If you are purchasing a new heating unit, you may be most concerned about the initial cost of installation. However, there are often more important considerations to take into account that may help you save money over time, such as energy efficiency and repair costs. Saving money over time with your system is important, and a professional can help you choose the most efficient system which could eventually compensate for the initial price. But how can you predict how much money your unit will cost in repairs throughout the life of the system?

For the most part, there’s no way to tell how much heating repair your unit will need over time. With proper care and maintenance, a heating system may need very few repairs in its lifespan. However, there are a few differences between the types of repairs you will need for a furnace or boiler, two of the most common heating systems available. But which requires the most repairs: a furnace or a boiler?

How much heating repair your unit will need depends on a variety of factors. First, you can prevent repairs by scheduling proper maintenance. With maintenance, a technician inspects your system, cleans components, and makes some adjustments to keep it working as it should. Second, some heating systems will need more repair if they are sized or installed improperly. Incorrect installation is an unfortunate reason for heating repair, which is why it’s important to choose qualified technicians for the job.

In general, however, a unit with more mechanical parts may be more likely to run into trouble. Boilers use water to transfer heat to your home, while furnaces distribute warm air through the ductwork. Furnaces use a lot of power to move fans and other mechanical parts, which means they may be more be likely to break down than boilers, which instead radiate heat throughout the home.

However, only a heating technician can help you choose the right system for your home.

If you need furnace or boiler installation, or if you run into the need for heating repair in Romeoville, call DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: Heating Repair, Romeoville
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Schedule Maintenance for Your Plainfield Rooftop Unit Today

September 29th, 2014

Rooftop units are the perfect commercial HVAC units for both the heating and cooling season. But when you need repairs for your light commercial rooftop unit, it can be a pain, taking up a lot of your time and disrupting the flow of your business day. The best way to prevent repairs from taking up too much time in your day is by scheduling maintenance twice a year. This is to ensure that your unit is at peak performance throughout the heating and cooling season, and it can even help prevent repair needs and save you a lot of money this year.

The Maintenance Process

Your rooftop unit is meant to last a long time, but, because its location on the roof leaves it fairly exposed to the elements, you may run into a few problems over time. Below, we detail a few of the most important steps of maintenance and how they help improve performance, efficiency, and the comfort of everyone in the building.

Cleaning: One of the most important steps of maintenance is a thorough cleaning of the various components of your HVAC unit. This is because as parts become dirty, your unit simply is not in top shape. A dirty condenser coil, for example, cannot give off heat effectively, resulting in inefficient cooling. A clogged filter can make the fans work harder, taking far longer to heat or cool your property.
Adjustment: Parts of your rooftop unit may become bent or otherwise fall out of place over time. Technicians will look for common problems including loose parts and bent fan blades which simply require a minor adjustment to keep running as they should.
Inspection: Perhaps the most important part of professional maintenance is a full system inspection. Many HVAC repair needs go unnoticed for long periods of time because they are too small to have an obvious effect on your building, which is why you need a contractor to tell you when your unit is in need of repairs. Damaged parts wear down your system quickly, resulting in further repairs and, possibly, early replacement.

For maintenance or repairs on light commercial rooftop units in Plainfield, call the expert team at DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: Plainfield, Rooftop Units
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How Is the Rotobrush Used for Professional Duct Cleaning?

September 22nd, 2014

*DuAll Heating & Cooling no longer offers duct cleaning services. Take a look at our other indoor air quality services to find the best solution for your needs.

When you hire a company to perform duct cleaning in Naperville, you want to be assured that your ducts are being cleaned at a level that improves energy efficiency, indoor air quality and your comfort. The way DuAll Heating & Cooling makes sure this happens is by using the patented Rotobrush Duct Cleaning system for all duct cleaning appointments. The Rotobrush system allows our trained technicians to clean every angle of your ductwork without causing damage, and the HEPA vacuum of the Rotobrush system ensures that all contaminants are removed safely. If you are in need of a professional duct cleaning, call us today!

Features of the Rotobrush Professional Duct Cleaning System

Powerful, portable HEPA vacuum – the vacuum of the Rotobrush system is powerful and portable; it also uses HEPA filters to contain and capture the contaminants in your ductwork, ensuring that they are safely removed from your system and home.

Hose and brush system – the Rotobrush system has an advanced, patented design that allows it to clean and remove dirt, dust and any other build-up in your system, even in the crevices of turns. This is due to the design of the Rotobrush head and how the head and hose of the system work together.

The Rotobrush head is a rotating, full brush. The bristles are strong enough to clean, yet gentle enough not to do damage to your system. The brush scrubs the inside of your ductwork at 450 rpm while the nozzle of the hose, which is part of the brush head, sucks up any and all debris and contaminants loosened by the rotating brush.

Flexible hose – the hose of the Rotobrush system contains the cable that manages the movement of the hose and brush, and because of its slim yet durable design, the hose can reach for long distances and curve easily through a complicated duct system.

The Rotobrush is one of the best duct cleaning devices on the market, and offers something most other duct cleaning systems cannot: 360 degree cleaning. Not only is this system powerful, it can reach the crevices and turns other systems may not. When you combine the cleaning capacity of the Rotobrush with the expertise of our DuAll Heating & Cooling technicians, you can be assured that your duct cleaning in Naperville will be beneficial and long-lasting.

Call the duct cleaning experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling to set up an appointment today!

Tags: Duct Cleaning, Naperville
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