DuAll Heating & Cooling Blog

Heating and Cooling Tip: Save Energy and Money While on Vacation

August 20th, 2012

When you’re on vacation you don’t want to have any worries about your Naperville home. There are plenty of steps you can take to ensure that your comfort systems and appliances are not eating up energy when you’re out of the house.  DuAll Heating and Cooling has some easy tips to save energy and money during your vacation.

Air Conditioning and Heating:  Turn your air conditioner off or use a programmable thermostat with a vacation mode. There’s no reason to keep the house as cool when there’s no one home. If you’re away in the winter set your heating system to 60 degrees: this will keep your pipes from freezing.

Water Heater:  Because having hot water is not a concern when no one is around to use it, water heaters can either be shut off completely at the breaker switch, set to “pilot”, or turned down to the lowest temperature setting.

Appliances and Electronics:  Unplug TV and entertainment systems; they still draw power when plugged in even while turned off.  Unplug computers that have instant-on features, toasters, coffee pots and any other devices that can leech energy.

Refrigerator and Freezer:  If completely empty, clean and unplug the refrigerator and freezer.

Water:  Shut water off at the main water line valve and drain faucets to prevent water leaks or pipes bursting while away.

Lights:  Shut off all lights except for those on timers that will turn on and off automatically at preset times of day.  Hook up exterior floodlights to motion sensors that will shut off after a certain amount of time.

By following these simple steps you can save energy and save money while on vacation. For more tips on how to more effectively use your Naperville heating and cooling system, give DuAll Heating & Cooling a call today!

 

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What You Need to Know About Adding Central Air Conditioning to Existing Homes

August 13th, 2012

There are a number of factors to consider when looking at upgrading or adding central air conditioning to your Bolingbrook home.  These range from the air conditioner type, to its energy-efficiency ratings, the necessary AC capacity and proper AC sizing, as well as the fact that a ductwork system will be needed for it to function.  All of these are items which our skilled AC technicians can help you understand.

Central air conditioners are very energy-efficient providing anywhere from 15% to 30% more efficiency than those that are ten to twenty years old.  This is because every AC goes through rigorous testing and receives its own SEER rating which shows how energy-efficient it actually is comparable to others on the market.  A central AC unit is usually placed in an inconspicuous place such as outdoors in the backyard or in a garage or basement.  Central air conditioning systems are very quiet and easy to use.

As air conditioning contractors we will perform a heat-gain calculation that will determine how many BTUs the air conditioner needs to be in order to properly cool your space.  Things which get taken into account during this determination include square footage of the space, how much shade or sun is present throughout the home, whether insulation is present in the exterior walls of the home, as well as window and door placement.  These are all put together to calculate the AC capacity which is necessary to give you a properly sized air conditioner.

When looking at a central air conditioning system one of the biggest factors will likely be whether there is already an existing duct system which can be utilized, if it is in good shape, or if it needs to be repaired or replaced.  If there is no duct system then many central air conditioning systems require that a duct system be installed.  There are also other options such as ductless systems.

DuAll Heating and Cooling has experienced air conditioning technicians in Bolingbrook who understand the various factors associated with adding or upgrading to a central air conditioning system, and can walk you through the process of deciding whether it is the correct AC system for your specific needs.  Contact DuAll Heating and Cooling today!

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Air Conditioning Question: How Much Do High Efficiency Air Conditioners Save

August 6th, 2012

High efficiency air conditioning systems are designed to save money by cutting the amount of energy that it takes to use them.  If the air conditioner being replaced is ten years old, your monthly utility costs could decrease anywhere from 15% to 30% with your new system.

If the air conditioner being replaced is twenty years old, it could save you up to 40% in monthly utility costs.

Every high-efficiency air conditioner must be built to very strict standards which are created by the US Environmental Protection Agency.  The SEER gives you an idea of an air conditioner’s energy efficiency: the higher the SEER, the less energy the unit will use to keep your home cool. While higher SEER can mean a higher initial cost to purchase the AC itself, you will quickly make up the difference in cost with your monthly energy savings.

In addition, when a high-efficiency air conditioning system is installed professionally it can qualify for tax credits, tax breaks, and government rebates that will save even more money.

The skilled Bolingbrook AC technicians at DuAll Heating and Cooling work with high-efficiency air conditioners through a variety of AC services which include air conditioner installation and repairs.  Let our experienced team help you determine which high-efficiency AC system is right for your specific needs, ensuring you understand exactly how much money you will be saving.

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HVAC Guide: Quality Air Conditioning Installation Steps

July 30th, 2012

Installing a new central cooling system can be a sizable job, and it is definitely one to leave to the professionals. There are many steps in the process, and naturally you may want to know what to expect before the work starts. Here’s a step by step guide of what your Plainfield HVAC technicians will do when installing your central AC.

  • A spot will be chosen for the condensing unit outdoors. There are many factors to be considered when choosing this location, such as evenness of the ground, sunlight exposure, and code regulations concerning proximity to gas and electric meters.
  • A hole will be cut near the condensing unit, towards the bottom of your home. This will allow necessary wires and pipes to enter the structure.
  • If you do not have an air handler or a cased coil, an evaporator coil will be installed in your furnace. A line set will connect the condensing unit to the evaporator coil.
  • High voltage connections will required, as central systems run on 220 volts of electricity. Regulations call for safety/disconnect switch to be place by the condensing unit. This is definitely a job for a professional.
  • Once this is done, the low voltage wiring to the condensing unit will be completed. This will run to your thermostat. If your thermostat does not have both heating and cooling setting then a new one will have to be installed.
  • Finally, drain tubing will be hooked up to the evaporator coil, allowing the condensed water on the coil to empty into a floor drain. Now all that’s left is for your HVAC technician to solder your copper refrigerant lines and release refrigerant in the system. Pressures will be balanced, the high voltage wiring will be connected, and the entire system will be inspected. Your central system is now ready to go.

Remember, the installation of a central air conditioning unit is a big job, especially if you do not have preexisting ductwork in your home. Certain steps of the process can legally only be performed by certified Plainfield HVAC technicians. Call DuAll Heating & Cooling with any questions you have about installing central air in your home.

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Common Air Conditioner Problems

July 23rd, 2012

Our air conditioning systems are a wonderful tool that helps us stay cool and comfortable on the hottest of days.  However, there are some common air conditioner problems which can arise that are easy to identify such as leaks, sensor problems, and drainage problems.  If any of these air conditioner problems springs up with your air conditioning system, it is important to contact the experienced Plainfield air conditioning professionals at DuAll Heating and Cooling in order to have your air conditioner inspected and properly fixed.

Air Conditioning Leaks

When the refrigerant level gets too low, the cause can be that it was undercharged when it was installed, or that there is a leak.  If there is a leak, it is not ok to just continually add refrigerant, because there is an underlying air conditioning leak problem which needs to be resolved.  Not only are refrigerant leaks damaging to the environment, but it also means your unit has an improper refrigerant charge.  It is important that an AC technician such as ours come in and fix the leak with an AC repair, test to ensure the fix was done correctly and then charge the system with the proper refrigerant amount.

AC Sensor Problems

Air conditioning systems have a thermostat sensor which is behind the control panel for the AC.  The sensor is designed to measure the temperature of air that flows into the evaporative coil.  When AC sensor problems occur such as the sensor being knocked out of place, it will be quite obvious because the air conditioner will either begin to run almost constantly, or it will begin working in random spurts that have no real bearing on the true temperature of the air in the building.  A knowledgeable air conditioner technician can easily fix this type of air conditioner sensor problem.

Air Conditioner Drainage Problems

Air conditioner drainage problems generally occur because of a clogged drain in the AC system.  It could be that the condensate drain is clogged and as such is not draining appropriately, or it could be that the air conditioner was not mounted level.  Either way, a professional air conditioning technician such as ours can efficiently fix any air conditioner drainage problems which arise.

Contact DuAll Heating and Cooling today and receive the quality air conditioner support which you value and require no matter where you are in the Plainfield area.

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Air Conditioning Guide: Common Ductless AC Repairs

July 16th, 2012

All major home appliances and HVAC components will need repairs at some point. That is simply a fact of life that all homeowners should come to accept. One thing that helps for peace of mind when dealing with a certain repair job is to have an idea how common it is. That can help you settle the question of whether your Romeoville ductless air conditioner is a having a lot of trouble or just needs some routine repairs.

To answer that very question, here are three common repairs that ductless AC systems often need.

 #1: Leak Repair

Refrigerant leaks can spring up just about anywhere in a ductless AC: the condenser coil, the evaporator coil, the refrigerant line… While premature leaks are sometimes the sign of improper installation or neglecting maintenance duties, sometimes leaks just happen over time. Leaks will affect performance, but are easy for a Romeoville AC professional to fix and are generally not anything to worry about, as long as they are not a frequently recurring issue.

 #2: Charging Refrigerant

Frequently going hand in hand with common repair #1, refrigerant charging is a very common repair for a number of noticeable ductless AC issues. Even if there isn’t a noticeable leak, sometimes the refrigerant may need to be recharged anyway on account of poor installation or an improper charge in the past. Like all air conditioners, ductless systems need a certain level of refrigerant in order to operate properly, so recharging refrigerant when necessary is an important common repair.

 #3: Fixing Drainage Problems

A ductless air conditioner that is failing to properly drain the condensed moisture that has been extracted from the air can be a real annoyance. Especially in humid climates, these drainage issues cause problems. Often, the repairs are as simple as unclogging a drainage tube or replacing the pump motor. These are common problems and repairs, so they are not anything to worry about as long as they are handled professionally and in a timely manner.

There are other potential repair issues that you may run into with your ductless AC system, but these are among the most common repairs that technicians have to make. When in doubt about an issue with your Romeoville air conditioner, call DuAll Heating & Cooling to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

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The Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits

July 9th, 2012

A cooling system is a great comfort during the hottest months of the year. If you’re thinking about upgrading, replacing or installing your Naperville current cooling system, you might want to consider a ductless mini split system. While not as common as systems such as central air conditioning, ductless mini splits can provide a number of benefits and advantages over other cooling systems. Here is some helpful information for you to consider before shopping for a new cooling system. If you have any unanswered questions or concerns, call Duall Heating and Cooling for answers today.

First of all, one of the big advantages that these systems offer is right in the name. If the space that you want to service does not have room for bulky ductwork or if you are in a multifamily home, ductless systems eliminate the need for the ductwork. Like central systems, ductless mini splits have two main components. There is a compressor/condenser unit that is installed outside, and an indoor air handling unit that is generally installed on a wall. A conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant and drainage tubing connects the two components and requires only a small hole to be drilled in doing so. This makes the installation process fast and easy.

Another great benefit of ductless mini split systems is the zoning capability they allow you. If you are using the system to cool multiple rooms you can utilize multiple wall units. This allows you to control the temperature settings of different rooms individually. This is a great way to boost efficiency, as you will not be cooling rooms that do not require it. Remember, increased efficiency generally coincides with increased savings.

Along the same topic of energy efficiency, it’s no secret of the industry that most energy loss in cooling air is the result of duct losses, which account for more than 30% of energy consumption. It can be even less efficient if the ducts themselves are in an unconditioned part of the house such as an attic or basement.

In addition to all of this, there are numerous ways in which you can install your indoor air handling units. They can easily mount on a wall or hang from a ceiling. You can also mount the flush in a drop ceiling or opt for a floor standing model. We’ll leave the interior design options to you.

Weigh the pros and the cons carefully before making any decisions, and call Duall Heating and Cooling with any remaining questions about Naperville air conditioning installation.

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Ductless Air Conditioning Installation Steps

July 2nd, 2012

If you are ready to install a ductless air conditioning system in your Bolingbrook home or office, call DuAll Heating and Cooling. There are plenty of do-it-yourself jobs around the house, but a ductless system installation is not one of them. Our team of trained professionals will make sure that everything is done correctly, and we’ll keep you informed throughout the process installation process. In fact, we thought we’d start right now. Here is a walkthrough of the work involved when professionally and safely installing a ductless system.

Outside

Like window units and centralized systems, the louder components of a ductless air system are kept outside. We set up your condenser on a flat, hard surface, making sure it stays where we put it. Casings are generally waterproof, but elevating the components a few inches is ideal. We will keep your condenser an appropriate distance from your house, eliminating any noise. When our professionals install your system, you’ll forget that your condenser is even out there. DuAll wants you to enjoy your new cooling system without being kept up at night.

Inside

Ductless mini split systems feature indoor, wall mounted units that disperse the conditioned air. This allows you to create temperate zones, heating or cooling only those rooms you want to, only as much as you want to. Most manufacturers recommend positioning the indoor unit high up on your wall, approaching the ceiling. Cold air circulates throughout the room from top to bottom. When we install your blowers we make sure that all measurements are accurate and that your units fit in your walls perfectly.

And in Between

This would be the tricky part, but our AC team in the Bolingbrook area has the experience and training necessary to handle all steps of the installation process. A hole, about 3 inches in diameter, is drilled in your wall. Copper tubing and refrigerant lines connect the indoor and outdoor components, and a condensation line keeps the humidity out of your home. Now the mounting plate is installed and the mechanical components are connected. Your new system will be up and running in no time.

Remember that many areas require the work of a licensed plumber or electrician for this installation. Letting the Bolingbrook air conditioning professionals here at DuAll install your system will ensure that your warranty is not voided and your system is installed right.

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Air Conditioning Tip: Ductless Systems For Home Additions

June 25th, 2012

While ductless air conditioning systems can be used to cool your whole home, they are also a great option for home additions. In some cases, adding ducts to the new space can be difficult or expensive, so a ductless system is a great way to make sure that your entire home stays comfortable. They are also very energy efficient and versatile, which are features any homeowner can appreciate.

Ductless systems are composed of an outdoor unit, with the compressor and condenser, and an indoor air handling unit. Since the outdoor units are connected to the indoor components only by a small conduit (with the power cable, condensate drain, and refrigerant tubing in it), they are relatively easy to install. If you are adding a ductless system to a room addition, you only need a small hole in the wall for the conduit to connect to the air handler. The air handler itself can be hung from the ceiling or on a wall, giving you a variety of interior design options. Ductless systems are also very energy efficient, and, of course, they don’t require ducts to be installed in your new space.

Even if adding ducts to the new space seems feasible, you might still want to consider a ductless system. When your Naperville air conditioning contractor performed an initial load calculation for your home, they took into account the current size of your home. If you added a large addition, your central air conditioner might be too small to keep your whole home comfortable. An overloaded air conditioner will not only be unable to keep your home at the desired temperature, but it will also use a lot of energy. Adding in a ductless system for the new rooms can solve both these problems.

Ductless systems are easy to install and an effective solution for keeping your new addition comfortable. To learn more about having a ductless air conditioning system installed in your home, give DuAll Heating & Cooling a call today!

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Air Conditioning Guide: Different Types of AC Systems

June 19th, 2012

If you are thinking about buying a new air conditioning system in Chicago, you should a take a little time to consider all your options. You not only have to keep in mind the different types of air conditioners, but also the different energy efficiencies and advanced features available. Simply replacing your old system is not always the best option, making yourself familiar with all the types of AC available will help you find the best system for your home.

Central air conditioning systems are the most common type of cooling systems for residential homes. A split system consists of an outdoor compressor unit, an indoor air handler, and a series of ducts that distribute the air conditioned air throughout your home.  Central air conditioning system comes in a variety of sizes to be able to meeting the cooling needs of almost any home. However, ducts are necessary part of central air conditioning systems, which can make their installation an extensive process.

If your home does not already have ducts or you are looking to cool only a small space, ductless mini split air conditioners are great option. Ductless mini split air conditioners are very energy efficient, and since they don’t use ducts, they avoid all the energy losses associated with forced air systems. The outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor air handlers through a conduit (containing the power cable, the suction tubing, the refrigerant line, and a condensate drain) , and the indoor air handlers distribute the cooled air throughout the area. Since each one of the indoor units can be controlled individually, ductless systems are easy to zone, which can also reduce how much energy you use to cool your home.

For larger, commercial buildings, rooftop air conditioners are often used. These air conditioners have all the components in one cabinet, and they distribute the conditioned air via ducts (similar to central air conditioning). Rooftop unit are for cooling large spaces, so they are rarely used for residential homes.

The right air conditioner for your home will meet both your cooling needs and your budget. For more information about installing an air conditioning system in Chicago, give DuAll Heating & Cooling a call today!

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