DuAll Heating & Cooling Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Bolingbrook’

What’s the Difference Between Central Air Conditioning and a Heat Pump?

Monday, August 19th, 2013

One of the great luxuries that homeowners enjoy today is the wide selection of cooling systems available for installation in their homes. There is no need to feel as though you have to stick with what you know. As energy prices continue to rise, more and more homeowners are looking for more efficient, effective ways in which to cool their homes. If you are interested in exploring your air conditioning options, contact the Bolingbrook, IL air conditioning professionals at DuAll Heating & Cooling. We have many different air conditioning systems for you to choose from, and we can help you determine which is best for your home. Here is some information to consider about what sets a heat pump apart from central AC systems.

Here Are the Differences Between Central AC and Heat Pumps

Heat pumps and central air conditioning systems are actually very similar in many ways. Both feature an outdoor condenser unit, and both use a ductwork system to distribute cooled air throughout your home. The big difference between the two is the way in which they work to cool that air. Traditional split central air conditioners rely on the consumption of fuel in order to cool air. Heat pumps, on the other hand, utilize the heat transfer process. It is this innovative operation that allows them to operate so efficiently.

By transferring ambient heat out of your home (as well as back in when the heating season arrives), a heat pump is able to cool down your house while consuming just a small amount of electricity. The less energy your air conditioning system consumes, the less money you have to spend to operate that system. This means that you can cool your home more affordably and in a more environmentally friendly way. Contact a member of our team today if you are interested in learning more about the benefits of cooling your home with a heat pump.

Stop paying too much money to cool your home down. Schedule a heat pump or air conditioning installation with the Bolingbrook, IL air conditioning professionals at DuAll Heating & Cooling. No matter how you decide to cool your home, we can help you do so in the most efficient and reliable way possible.

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Water Heater FAQ: What is the Right Water Heater for My Home?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Your water heater is one of the most depended on appliances in your home and is in great demand throughout the day. We are so accustomed to having hot water come out of our pipes anytime we want it that we may forget that there is actually a machine in our basements or closets allowing that to happen. If you are in the market for a new hot water heater you have more choices than ever before. In order to ensure that you get the right water heater for your home, contact a Bolingbrook water heater professional.

At DuAll Heating & Cooling we are always happy to help our customers find the best hot water heater for their personal needs and hot water usage habits. The more information you have when you go to get your new water heater the more likely it is that you will get just the right one. Here are some things to consider.

The size of the water heater you need is a major deciding factor in finding the right one for your home. A professional service technician can help you find a properly sized water heater for your home. Do not let an over or undersized water heater reduce efficiency.

You will also have to decide between a tank or tankless water heater. Storage tank water heaters keep a reservoir of water hot at all times. Because they must continually heat this water, though, they are subject to standby energy losses. This problem is eliminated with tankless water heaters. When you open a hot water faucet cold water passes through the water heater and is heated on demand. This means that only the water being used is heated. If you have high water demands in your home, though, this type of water heater may be overwhelmed.

To be sure that you are purchasing the right water heater for your home in Bolingbrook, call DuAll Heating & Cooling. We will make sure that your new water heater is well suited to your needs and water heating habits. Work with a professional to be sure that you are getting the water heater you need and deserve.

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Residential Heating FAQ: What Is a Dual Fuel System and Do I Need One?

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Are you considering a dual fuel system but not sure if that is the right type of heat pump system for your home? Call the Bolingbrook heating experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling if you would like to know more about the benefits of a dual fuel system. We can explain the advantages of dual fuel over a standard air source heat pump system, and we’ll be glad to assess your current system to let you know if an upgrade would be a cost-effective choice.

Backup Heating with an Air Source Heat Pump

If you have an existing air source heat pump, you probably have a backup heater. Many people believe that a heat pump will not heat the home during times of extreme cold weather. However, this is not the case. Air source heat pumps—at least the standard ones—simply do not work as efficiently during freezing weather. Using a backup heater is mostly about getting more efficient heat in the winter.

Backup heat is usually provided by a gas furnace, since natural gas tends to be more efficient than electricity. And with a duel fuel or hybrid system, the heat pump control center will know when to switch from the electric compressor to the gas furnace for more efficiency. Before you decide to upgrade, there are a few factors to consider.

Here’s how you can compare the costs of other heat pumps that don’t use this type of technology. First, make sure you know the condition and efficiency of your current heat pump if you have one. If your old system was not sized correctly, or if you’ve made significant improvements to increase overall home efficiency, you may want to upgrade to a more efficient heating and cooling system to take full advantage of those changes.

Make sure you also understand efficiency ratings. They are measured differently for the different types of systems. Check with your heating contractor if you aren’t sure how to read the numbers. You can also just look for the Energy Star label. These models with be about 10% more efficient than the ones that meet today’s basic energy requirements. Also be sure to compare the cost of fuel in your area, and keep a record of your bills every winter so that you can see when you were paying more in heating costs.

If you have further questions or would like to go over your options with one of DuAll’s Bolingbrook heating specialists, call us any time.

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Why Commercial HVAC Maintenance Matters

Monday, November 5th, 2012

If you own a commercial building you know how much work goes into keeping that property in good shape, regardless of how you use it. When you have business owners or tenants renting space from you or if you have your own business in the commercial space you need to make sure that the environment is as comfortable for everyone involved. This includes tenants, employees, clients and potential customers. An uncomfortable workplace, business or tenancy makes a bad impression, and that is not something that any professional wants to do. Make sure that all users, visitors and inhabitants of your commercial building are as comfortable as possible to make your ventures a success. Duall Heating & Cooling can ensure the proper operation of your HVAC equipment in Bolingbrook

The only way that you can protect your commercial HVAC system is with regularly scheduled professional maintenance. Unlike a residential home, where temperature fluctuation is fine and systems are not in constant use, you commercial HVAC equipment is under extreme demand all of the time. Of course it is designed to handle this strain, but when a single component of this very large system is compromised the performance of the entire thing is put at risk. With a large system it does not take long for wear and tear to develop when a part of that system is not pulling its weight. Keep the workload balanced and ensure the proper operation of your commercial HVAC equipment with regular professional maintenance.

In addition to tuning up your HVAC system during maintenance service your commercial HVAC technician can also use this as an opportunity to inspect and discover any small, developing problems with your HVAC equipment before they have the chance to spiral out into serious issues. The smaller a problem is when it is discovered the less complex – and expensive – the necessary repairs are likely to be. By catching these problems before they have a chance to worsen you are eliminating the risk of having to shut down your commercial HVAC system for repairs and inconveniencing those people relying on your commercial property to conduct their business.

The biggest reason to schedule commercial HVAC maintenance is simply because these systems require a maintenance service professional, such as those at Duall Heating & Cooling, to carry out this service. There are far too many components that are far too complicated for anyone but a trained, certified professional to ensure are in good working condition. Be sure to have your commercial HVAC serviced during the off seasons to ensure its continued efficiency and effectiveness when you need it most. Protect your commercial HVAC property and equipment in Bolingbrook by calling Duall.

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Why Use an Energy Recovery Ventilator?

Monday, October 29th, 2012

If there was a way for you to use less energy to heat and cool your house would you be interested in learning about it? Most people would say yes. An energy recovery ventilator, as its name suggests, is able to capture energy from the air that is entering and leaving your home. It provides a number of other benefits to your home in addition to energy savings. Below are a few reasons to consider installing an energy recovery ventilator in your home in Bolingbrook.

How Does an Energy Recovery Ventilator Work?

An ERV is an additional component of your heating and air conditioning system that, at its most basic level, pre-heats or pre-cools the going into your heating and AC system. Here are the steps in the process for heating season:

  • Cold air from outside and warm, stale air from inside are drawn into the energy recovery ventilator.
  • The two air streams are not mixed but heat energy from the exiting stale air is transferred to the cold air coming in.
  • The now-cooler stale air is exhausted and the now-warmer outside air is filtered and pumped into the heat exchanger to be fully heated.

Efficiency Benefits

One of the main reasons for an ERV is the increase in energy efficiency. With warmer air coming into your furnace or heat pump, your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard. This allows your system to consume less energy and potentially save you money.

Health Benefits

Many energy recovery ventilators also provide air filtration and humidity control features that can increase the air quality in your home. During cooling season, moisture and heat from the outgoing air is added to the cold, dry air coming in. Using a ventilating system to bring in fresh air to your home might be able to reduce the pollutants in your home’s air. Some ERV systems also have filtration components to actively filter incoming air. Not only can indoor air quality and humidity contribute to your comfort levels, but it can also impact how quickly your furniture wears out.

If you have any questions about energy recovery ventilators or if you’re interested in having one installed in your home in Bolingbrook, call the experts at DuAll Heating and Cooling. We have years of experience working with these types of systems. One of our trained technicians can walk you through the process and determine if an energy recovery ventilator is right for you.

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Residential Heating Tip: Why Furnace Size Matters

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Whether you are installing a new furnace or retrofitting your old heating system, you must get the proper size for your home and heating needs. There are several reasons for this. You can always call the Bolingbrook heating experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling if you would like a better understanding of furnace size and why it is important.

To get you started, here are a few of the main reasons that not properly sizing a furnace can end up costing you more in the long run, especially an oversized furnace.

We are focusing on oversized furnaces since this is the most common problem in our industry. Many contractors will try to talk you into getting a furnace that is too big for your heating needs. In addition, the size of your ductwork must be able to deliver the extra BTUs of heating output. If not, you may end up paying more to repair a furnace that has broken down due to constant cycling due to limit switch problems. Not only that, it could wear out the heat exchanger, which is a costly replacement.

The BTU capacity of your new furnace should depend on other factors as well, including the square footage of the space you need to heat and how many doors and windows are in your home. The location and layout will also play a role in the sizing process. Make sure your thermostats are up to date as well. For new high-efficiency furnaces, you’ll need to install a two – stage thermostat that can handle the variable speeds of the fan blower.

If you have further questions, call the Bolingbrook heating professionals at DuAll Heating & Cooling. We can answer all your questions and set up a consultation with a technician to assess your home and current heating system if you are interested in a furnace installation.

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Commercial HVAC Tip: Getting Your Rooftop Unit Ready for Winter

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Routine maintenance in the fall is a vital part of keeping your commercial rooftop HVAC system working properly throughout the winter. It can also help to maintain efficiency and ensure optimal performance levels. For commercial rooftop HVAC professional maintenance services, call DuAll Heating & Cooling. We can help prevent equipment failure and costly repairs with an annual tune-up.

We also offer maintenance programs for our commercial clients to help you budget for your yearly maintenance visit. Now is the ideal time to schedule your rooftop unit check-up. Doing this in the fall allows our technicians to catch any problems before they affect your entire system.

When we visit your commercial business, there are many important tasks that we perform to ensure that the overall performance and efficiency is up to par. Our qualified technicians will thoroughly inspect your entire system with the following checklist:

  • Check heat exchanger on gas-powered systems
  • Inspect gas piping for leaks or other issues
  • Check the electrical wiring
  • Inspect ductwork for holes, cracks, or other damage
  • Make any necessary repairs and lube parts
  • Measure airflow for optimal performance
  • Test thermostat and efficiency levels
  • Test electrical and safety controls
  • Replace worn or broken parts

Calling DuAll Heating & Cooling for a fall tune-up is one of the best things you can do for your commercial heating system. Rooftop units require the work of a Romeoville commercial HVAC specialist, and that’s what we are. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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Why You Should Have Your Ducts Professionally Cleaned

Monday, October 8th, 2012

*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.

Having your ductwork routinely cleaned in your Plainfield home can help improve the flow of air through your ducts which can increase the efficiency of your duct system. The EPA estimates that just .42 inches of dust build up can reduce efficiency by 21%. The EPA also notes that indoor air is commonly more polluted than outdoor air. Removing contaminants and particulates like dust and dirt can also improve the quality of air in your house. But when it comes to cleaning your ducts should you try to do it yourself or hire a professional? Below we explore some of the benefits to hiring a professional to clean your duct work.

Knowledge of Duct Work

There are many components to a duct system and its corresponding air handler. There could be areas in your ducting that you may not be familiar with that you may avoid or skip over. A professional would be intimately familiar with all aspects of your duct system and have the skill to properly clean it.

Knowledge of Common Problems

When you get sick, you go to a medical professional like a doctor because of their knowledge about disease and the human body. Likewise, a professional duct cleaner would know what to look for as they clean your ducts. They might notice a problem that you would just brush over. Duct cleaners can also let you know about other issues that might be negatively impacting your ducts like possible leaks and sealing problems.

Professionals Have the Right Tools

According to Discover Magazine a normal 6-room house accumulates 40 pounds of dust each year. If you have an insect infestation or mold growth, these problems can cause serious health risks to you and your family. Having a professional duct cleaner who has the proper tools, breathing apparatus and disposal methods can be a huge benefit to you.

Call the duct experts at DuAll Heating and Cooling to ask us about our professional indoor air quality services.

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Home Heating Guide: Why Install a New Boiler?

Monday, October 1st, 2012

One of the great things about boilers is that they last for so long. In fact, unlike some other types of heating systems in Romeoville, boilers can last up to 30 years or more under certain conditions. But there will probably come a time when you have to install a new boiler. If you’re not sure it’s time for a new boiler just yet, here are a few things to think about that might make your decision a bit easier.

Better Efficiency

Even if your boiler is still working well, it may make sense to replace it if it is more than 15 years old or so. That’s because the newer boilers on the market these days are so much more energy efficient than their predecessors that upgrading to a newer model can actually save you a great deal in energy costs going forward. This savings can quickly allow you to recoup what you invested in the new boiler, and as long as you properly maintain your new boiler, you’ll continue to see those savings every month.

Fewer Repairs

It’s also worth considering replacing your boiler if it needs frequent repairs, even if they’re generally minor. These regular repair bills will add up over time, and a boiler that needs this type of service on a regular basis probably isn’t operating at peak efficiency anyway. By purchasing a new boiler now, you’ll be eliminating those recurring repair bills, and you’ll probably benefit from lower monthly energy bills as well.

Professional Guidance

Deciding to replace your boiler isn’t an easy thing to do, so it’s often a good idea to seek the advice of a Romeoville heating technician. They can take a look at your system and let you know whether they think you’re better off hanging onto your current boiler for a little longer or if an upgrade is really in your best interests.

If you need heating installation in Romeoville or the surrounding area, give DuAll Heating & Cooling a call!

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Air Conditioning Question: Reasons My AC is Not Cooling Well

Monday, September 24th, 2012

If your air conditioner is not working properly, there are a number of possible things that might be the root of the problem. Today we are going to take a look at some of these possible issues and what you can do about them, or if they are severe enough, when you should call a Naperville Air Conditioning professional for an inspection.

*  Thermostat – The thermostat could be set too high or it could simply be improperly set. Check the setting first and then lower it to a temperature well below what you need, such as 65 degrees. If the system still does not turn on or cool properly, it is likely an issue with the air conditioner.

*  Dirty Evaporator Coils – Next, check your evaporator coils. If they become too dirty or have debris on or around them, this can keep the refrigerant from cooling properly and cause problems with your air conditioner’s efficiency.

*  Undersized Unit – If your system never quite cooled your home properly, it may be undersized. A load calculation can determine if this is the case.

*  Blocked Condenser Unit – Check outside to determine if any debris or other things have built up around your condenser. Blocked air flow or vents can cause a number of problems, including reduced cooling in your home.

*  Bad Compressor – While this is hopefully the last possibility, it is still possible. A bad compressor can lead to a slew of issues and eventually your system will simply stop working. If you have checked everything else and cannot find the problem, call a technician to inspect your condenser unit and compressor.

*  Low Refrigerant – If refrigerant gets low, often your system will stop cooling at all. There is likely a leak somewhere that should be inspected before the system is turned back on again. Only a professional should ever recharge or repair a refrigerant leak.

If any of these problems occurs and you are unsure what to do next, make sure you call a professional that has been fully trained in identifying and responding to such issues. The fastest and most effective way to ensure your home’s air conditioner gets back up and running properly is to call in a pro.

DuAll Heating & Cooling has been a trusted provider of air conditioning services in Naperville for over 20 years, contact us today!

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