DuAll Heating & Cooling Blog

April 5, 2013: DOE Issues Enforcement Policy Statement on Regional Standards for Furnaces

April 8th, 2013

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has today issued an enforcement policy statement regarding non-weatherized gas furnace standards while the regional standards lawsuit is still pending, indicating that DOE will not enforce the standards.

On Jan. 11, 2013, DOE and the American Public Gas Association (APGA) filed a joint motion asking the court to enter an agreement to settle APGA’s challenge to DOE’s regional energy efficiency standard for residential furnaces. The settlement agreement would, among other things, vacate the energy efficiency standards applicable to non-weatherized gas furnaces, which have an upcoming compliance date of May 1, 2013.

The statement said, “In an exercise of its enforcement discretion, DOE will, during the pendency of the litigation, act in a manner consistent with the terms of the settlement agreement with regard to the enforcement of the standards.”

This means that DOE would act as if the non-weatherized gas furnace standards were vacated and would not enforce them.

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Water Heater Replacement Benefits – Energy Efficiency, Long Term Solution, Upgrade Potential

April 1st, 2013

Because up to 25% of our energy bill goes towards hot water, it is prudent to consider the benefits of replacing your water heater, rather than to continue repairing your old model. There are more options on the market today than ever before. Water heaters can be powered by a fuel, such as gas or oil, or by electricity. If they have a tank, they store the heated water in a large storage cylinder; tankless units provide limitless water that is continually heated. Only trust a local professional for your Bolingbrook, IL water heater replacement. Call DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

There are many benefits to replacing your old water heater with a brand new highly efficient model. Here are just a few:

Energy efficiency. This is perhaps the best reason; it is certainly the most cost-effective. Today’s water heaters are more and more efficient. Engineers and product designers have spent years fine-tuning the basics of efficient water heater so that you can enjoy clean, efficient hot water.
Long-term solution. If you’re tired of throwing your money at an obsolete and ultimately doomed appliance, take control and invest in the future of your home comfort with a new water heater. While repair may seem like an option in the short-term, there comes a point at which replacement becomes more financially sensible.
Upgrade potential. Are you interested in going tankless? Tankless water heaters do not run out of hot water, have no standby heat loss, and are highly efficient systems, running on electricity or gas. Water heater replacement is a great way to make the jump to a different type of system, one that fits the hot water needs of your home. Tankless systems can be outfitted at several points in your home to offer a versatile approach to water heating. They can also be combined with a conventional system to run an auxiliary appliance or fixture, if you need a boost.

Continuing to deposit your money into repairs for that old water heater may be ultimately more costly than simply replacing the system outright. For Bolingbrook water heater replacement, call DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

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Need Boiler Repair? Top 3 Repairs for your Boiler

March 25th, 2013

Boilers are one of the most popular and effective heating systems in the country. When you live in Illinois you probably use your heating system a lot during the cold winters here. With all that use it’s only natural that you would eventually need repair. Contact the Naperville, IL boiler repair experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling if you’re having any issues with your boiler. We have years of experience working with many different kind of boilers and wanted to share some of the most common repairs that we’ve seen.

Boiler Not Producing Enough Heat

When you turn on your boiler you expect it to produce heat for your home. But if you aren’t getting enough heat or if your boiler isn’t producing any heat at all you could have a serious problem. While this can sometimes be caused by a simple problem with your thermostats, it could also be something with the boiler itself. Call the Naperville, IL boiler repair professionals at DuAll Heating and Cooling if this is happening. It could be that the boiler’s water thermostat is set too low so it isn’t heating up the water enough. It might also be that there is sediment or mineral build up on the bottom of the boiler tank which is keeping the heat from getting to the water.

Boiler Leaking Water

With all of the water that your boiler uses and handles it will likely leak at some point. There are a few common places that are susceptible to leaks. The pump in your boiler is what actually pushes the hot water through your home. It can often leak water if the valves or gaskets are worn out. Also, the expansion tank is another are that can sometimes leak. The tank itself can also leak if the pressure inside is too great or if it is rusting. Call the Naperville, IL boiler repair technicians at DuAll if you’re having any water leaks with your boiler.

For Naperville, IL boiler repair make sure that you call DuAll Heating & Cooling today.

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Heating & AC: Ductless Mini Split System Installation Process

March 18th, 2013

As spring and summer approach, homeowners throughout Bolingbrook, IL are looking for ways to be more energy-efficient, to improve the indoor air quality of their home, and to be eco-friendly. More and more homes are making the switch to ductless mini splits not only for these reasons, but also because they enjoy the flexibility and minimal disruption of ductless installation. Whether you’re in the market for an air conditioning system for your new home, or thinking about switching from conventional central air, you need to know about the installation process. For more information about ductless mini split systems in Bolingbrook, IL, call DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s take a look at some of the basics of the ductless mini split system installation process:

No ducts. This is perhaps the greatest advantage to going ductless, and therefore greatly distinguishes ductless from ducted systems. Retrofitted ductwork can involve demolition and renovation of your home, as even flexible ducts have to be snaked through your walls and in the attic. Ductless systems, on the other hand, generally need only one small hole for the conduit to pass through the exterior of the home and to connect to the outdoor unit, which can placed as far away as 50 feet, depending on the model and particular home setup.
Air handler. The ductless indoor air handler is a sleek, attractive, and compact device that sits high on a wall or suspended from the ceiling. You can usually install about 4 air handlers to one single compressor/condenser unit. These can be placed around the house to create cooling zones, each with its own thermostat. The air handler is nearly silent and can also be operated by remote control. It extracts hot air as well as circulates cool air much more efficiently than duct extraction.
Outdoor unit. The outdoor unit of is not unlike its counterpart in a conventional central air. It houses the compressor, which is the engine that pumps the pressurized refrigerant through the refrigerant cycle. The condenser coils are also located there, where the heat from your home dissipates.

The ductless installation process is straightforward and relatively unobtrusive, but it needs to be done professionally to ensure that you get the most out of your cooling for years to come. For ductless mini split installation in Bolingbrook, IL, call DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

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Benefits of Whole Home Humidity Control

March 11th, 2013

Improper humidity levels are a real nuisance, but many homeowners fail to realize the fact that poor humidity levels can actually have a serious impact on not only your comfort but the condition of your home as well. If your home suffers from consistently high or excessively humidity levels you may want to consider a whole home humidity control system installation. The Bolingbrook, IL humidity control technicians at DuAll Heating & Cooling are here to help you make your home a more comfortable place to live. Contact us today to learn more about the whole home humidity control system options in your area.

High humidity levels can create a great number of problems in your home. One of the most prevalent issues is a general reduction in comfort. Humidity traps heat, and if your home is too humid it can be very stuffy and uncomfortable. Because biological pollutants, such as bacteria, mildew and mold, thrive in damp conditions, high humidity levels can also lead to problems with such pollutants. Using a whole home dehumidifier in Bolingbrook, IL is a great way to avoid such issues. These devices work with your air conditioning system to remove excess moisture from the air. They can also work independently to allow you to dehumidify your home on days when your AC is not needed.

Very dry conditions in your home are no more desirable than very humid conditions. A lack of humidity in your air can make it difficult to keep your home comfortable efficiently. It can also lead to sore throats and dry, itchy skin. Static shocks can also be a problem in homes with very low humidity levels. These shocks are very annoying, but they can also do real damage to costly electronic equipment. By restoring proper humidity levels to your home with a whole home humidifier in Bolingbrook, IL you can protect your comfort and your home as well.

Contact DuAll Heating & Cooling today if you are interested in learning more about whole home humidity control. Our Bolingbrook, IL humidity control technicians can help make your home a more comfortable place to live. Call today to schedule service.

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Does Your Furnace Fan Need Repairs?

March 4th, 2013

Your home furnace consumes fuel to create heat, which it then distributes throughout your home. If it starts to make strange sounds, heats unevenly or inefficiently, or if you notice that your heating costs have spiked from one month to the next, then there may be something wrong with your heating system. One of the common problems furnaces sometimes develop concerns their fans, which force the hot air out of your furnace and into your home. If you feel that your furnace is not operating effectively or efficiently, call the Naperville, IL furnace experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling today to schedule repair service.

A professional diagnosis of your home heating system is needed to resolve the problem, but recognizing some characteristic symptoms of your furnace can go a long way to helping you make the call. In the case of your furnace fan, making sure it is running properly is important because it determines the rate at which the hot air flows into your home.

Fan is not running. If your furnace fan is not running, it could be an electrical problem, such as a tripped circuit breaker or faulty fuse. But a more serious problem may also be the culprit, such as the blower motor or its capacitor. Remember that the fan may have to be switched on at the thermostat to work.
Fan is running continuously. This might be an adjustment at the thermostat, which may have an option for the fan to run continuously, or at the furnace itself if there is a fan control switch, which may be faulty. But it may not be so straightforward. It’s always best to schedule professional repair service for your Naperville, IL furnace.

Your furnace fan is only one component of a complex heating system. Remaining alert to the various symptoms of a faulty furnace means ensuring the warmth of your home. You may also want to consider scheduling a program of routine maintenance with a local furnace technician, who can catch major problems before they damage your system. Whether it’s your furnace fan, or any of the various filters, motors, valves, and vents of your Naperville, IL furnace, you can count on DuAll Heating & Cooling to provide excellent service. Call us today!

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3 Common Air Conditioning Repair Services

February 25th, 2013

Keeping your home comfortable is likely a big priority for you. Summer is right around the corner and many homeowners are anxious to start using their air conditioning system again. But if your air conditioning system isn’t working well then the inside of your home might be just as hot and humid as it is outside. DuAll Heating and Cooling provides complete air conditioning repair in Naperville, IL. We know how important it is for you to stay cool in your home which is why we put together this quick list of some of the most common AC repair that we see.

Common Air Conditioning Repairs

With all the use that your air conditioning system gets throughout the year it will eventually need repairs. At DuAll Heating and Cooling we offer fast and friendly air conditioning repair in Naperville, IL. These are 3 of the most common air conditioning problems that our technicians run into.

AC Not Providing Enough Cooling

If your air conditioning system isn’t providing you with enough cooling then you have a real problem. This is often caused by a clogged air filter but can also be caused by low refrigerant. While both of those are easy fixes for your technician, it might also be that your compressor isn’t working or that the fan motor is broken. Call your Naperville, IL air conditioning repair company if you’re not getting enough cooling in your home.

Air Conditioner Making Strange Noises

If your air conditioning system has started to make new or unusual noises it likely means that you need repairs. Common AC noises are hissing, gurgling and squealing. Hissing usually indicates that you have a refrigerant leak or that your compressor is leaking air. Gurgling might mean that you have low refrigerant and squealing is often caused by a bad fan belt.

Clogged Air Conditioning Air Filter

The air filter for your AC system is there to keep dirt, dust and other contaminants out of the moving parts. If it isn’t changed regularly it can get clogged and cause big problems. It can cause your air conditioning system to have to work harder to cool your home. It can also cause you to not get enough cooling in your home.

Contact DuAll Heating and Cooling for all your air conditioning repair in Naperville, IL.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Common AC Noises and What They Mean

February 18th, 2013

DuAll Heating & Cooling provides air conditioning repairs in Naperville, IL and the surrounding towns. We offer comprehensive air conditioning repairs and maintenance services for all types of AC systems. Is your air conditioner or heat pump making a loud noise? While all AC systems make some noise, they shouldn’t make excessively loud or unusual noises. For this week’s blog post, we’ve put together a list of some common AC noises and whether or not they are cause for concern. Call us if you need an air conditioning repair.

Noises Made by Heat Pump Reversing Valve

Your heat pump has a reversing valve that reverses the flow of refrigerant when the system switches from heating to cooling, or vice versa. You may hear a type of whooshing sound immediately after it does this, but it should only last for a few seconds. If it lasts longer than that, or if your heat pump is not switching tasks properly, then call a repair technician.

Compressor Noises

Some compressors make loud noises when they turn on, especially on older units. This noise can be described as a buzzing sound, which is created by the reversing valve coil. Noise from the vibration of the compressor is another common noise, but this is nothing to be concerned about.

Fan Blade Noises

If you hear loud noises that sound like metal knocking against metal, this can be created when the fan blades hit against each other, ice, or even refrigerant tubing. Turn off your heat pump if you hear this clanking noise. If you don’t, the cause of the issue can damage the fan, compressor, and eventually the motor. If the blades are hitting the refrigerant tube, it can cause a refrigerant leak, which can cause a number of serious problems. Grinding or squealing noises may also be caused by something wrong with the fan blade.

If you hear any unusual or loud noises while running your AC system, call the Naperville IL air conditioning technicians at DuAll Heating & Cooling after you shut off your system. Contact DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Naperville
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Air Conditioning Repair FAQ: Do I need an AC repair?

February 11th, 2013

While the winters in the Naperville, IL can be rough, the summers can also be hot and humid. Having a good air conditioning system is a necessity when the humidity and temperatures rise. But if your air conditioning system needs repairs, your home might be just as hot and sticky as the outside air. At DuAll Heating and Cooling, we provide complete air conditioning repairs in Naperville IL. We realize how important it is for you to get your AC unit repaired and working as quickly as possible. We thought it would be a good idea to put together some of the signs that you should watch for that could indicate that you need AC repairs.

Common Signs of Air Conditioning Repairs

When you run your air conditioning system as much as we do here during the summer, it’s only a matter of time before it breaks down. Here are some of the indicators that could mean you need air conditioning repairs.

Not enough cooling – If you aren’t getting enough cooling from your air conditioning system it means that something is wrong with it. There are a number of things that could be causing this. It could be that your air conditioner’s air filter is clogged or that there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system. The fan motor might be broken too. The only way to know for sure is to call a professional air conditioning contractor for air conditioning repairs.
Strange noises – If you start to hear new sounds from your air conditioning system pay attention to them. They likely mean that you need to call for air conditioning repairs in Naperville, IL. Gurgling sounds mean that you likely have low refrigerant. If you hear a grinding sound from the outside unit it probably means that the fan motor bearings are worn out. Hissing noises usually indicate a refrigerant leak or that the compressor is leaking.

Benefits of Professional Air Conditioning Repairs

When you start to have problems with your air conditioning system make sure that you call for a professional air conditioner repairs in Naperville, IL. An air conditioning contractor has the experience and training to get the job done faster and with high quality.

For all your air conditioning repairs, Contact DuAll Heating and Cooling today!

Tags: Air Conditioner Repair, Air Conditioning, Naperville
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Boiler FAQ: What Does Boiler Maintenance Involve?

February 4th, 2013

If you ask any home heating professional what the most important action you can take to preserve the integrity of your boiler is, they will likely say scheduling regular boiler maintenance. When it comes to getting the best, most efficient and reliable performance from your boiler there is just no substitute for high-quality maintenance service. Many homeowners in Naperville still fail to schedule routine maintenance. We at DuAll Heating & Cooling want to try and change that. Here is some information about what boiler maintenance actually involves. We hope that you are convinced of its importance.

When you schedule professional boiler maintenance in Naperville, your entire home heating system is evaluated, tuned up and, if necessary, repaired. A thorough visual inspection will be completed. All joint fittings and connections will be checked for signs of leaks. All gaskets on the doors will be replaced as necessary.

The front and rear doors of your furnace will be opened and surfaces will be cleaned when needed. The doors will then be sealed and closed. Water cut off controls will be removed, inspected and replaced as needed. Your boiler will be flushed to remove any sediment and buildup within the boiler.

Your burner will be inspected and cleaned, and you pilot electrode will be adjusted or, if necessary replaced. The motor, its contacts and moving parts will also be inspected, cleaned and repaired if needed. A number of safety checks will be performed and the results recorded.

As you can probably tell, boiler maintenance is not a job that can be successfully completed by anyone other than a qualified professional. There are simply too many tasks that must be completed to ensure the safe, efficient and effective operation of your boiler. From the lubrication of all moving parts to the cleaning of the system and everything in between, your boiler maintenance needs the expertise that only a professional can provide.

For more information about boiler maintenance in Naperville or to schedule service, call DuAll Heating & Cooling. We can make sure that you are getting the best performance possible from your boiler. Contact us today with any questions you may have.

Tags: Boiler, Boiler Maintenance, Heating, Naperville
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