DuAll Heating & Cooling Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Naperville’

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

Monday, 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!

Continue Reading

Boiler FAQ: What Does Boiler Maintenance Involve?

Monday, 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.

Continue Reading

Residential Heating Tip: Benefits of a Maintenance Savings Plan

Monday, January 28th, 2013

At DuAll Heating & Cooling, we offer comprehensive Naperville heating maintenance savings plans for customers throughout the area. We know that the heating system in your home is big investment and that you want it to work when you need it most during the winter.

We created our maintenance savings plan with all of this in mind. When you enroll, you get many benefits. Here are just a few:

  1. Discounts on parts and labor on all repairs: With our seasonal maintenance plan, you can save 10% on any needed repairs during the season. You also get routine tune-ups every year for no additional charge.
  2. Free tune-up reminders: You no longer have to remember to schedule your heating tune-up. now we can keep you on schedule with reminders to schedule your yearly maintenance exam.
  3. Extended equipment life: With regular maintenance, you can prevent the number one reason for system failure—improper maintenance. Systems that are properly maintained will last a lot longer.
  4. Reduced heating bills: Do you want lower utility bills? Regular maintenance with one of our maintenance plans can save energy and put money back in your pocket.
  5. Priority service: Enrolling in one of your plans allows you to get ahead of non–members, even during the busiest time of the heating season. We guarantee that you won’t wait more than a day for service.
  6. Safety: Perhaps the greatest benefit is that you get the peace of mind that your heating system has been through a safety check before the heating season begins.
  7. Satisfaction guarantee: With our plans, you can cancel it at any time and for any reason, no questions asked. We refund any unused portion of your investment as well.

For all these reasons and more, call DuAll Heating & Cooling for all your home heating maintenance needs!

Continue Reading

Heating Tip: Why Is There No Heat In My Home?

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you live in Naperville, then you know how important it is to have a good heating system. If your heater has stopped working, it can be miserable trying to keep warm in your home. That’s why DuAll Heating and Cooling works hard to provide complete Naperville heating services. For our customers in the Chicago and Naperville area, we thought it would be helpful to put together a quick list of some of the reasons why you might not be getting any heat in your home. If this is happening to you, make sure you contact DuAll Heating and Cooling if you don’t have any heat. We’ll send one of our trained technicians to your home to figure out what the problem is and offer a solution.

Clogged Air Filter

Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of furnace and heat pump problems is a clogged air filter. Without proper maintenance, the filter can get clogged with dirt and dust which restricts the flow of air into your home. When you call a heating contractor, one of the first places they may look is at your air filter.

Thermostat

Another common culprit of no heat is your thermostat. If the thermostat in your home has malfunctioned, it might be sensing that your home doesn’t need heat so it’s not turning on your heater. A visit from your Naperville heating contractor will be able to determine if that is the case.

Burner

If you have a gas-fired furnace or boiler, there could be an issue with the burner. If the pilot light has gone out there won’t be any heat. Additionally, there could be a problem with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects if the pilot light is lit. If it detects heat, then it allows fuel to flow into the furnace. If it doesn’t detect heat, like when the pilot light goes out, it will shut off the flow of gas. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it could have inadvertently shut off the gas to your burner.

Fan

If the fan for your furnace or heat pump is broken, there won’t be anything to push the air through your home. This could be because the motor is broken or because the fan’s belt is broken. Either way, you should call a heating contractor as soon as possible to fix the problem.

If you have any of these problems or if you suspect that it is another issue, call DuAll Heating and Cooling for all your heating in Naperville needs today. Our technicians are highly trained and have experience repairing many different types and brands of heating systems. We’ll be able to figure out what the problem is, fix it and get you back up and running as soon as possible. Call us today!

Continue Reading

What Can Cause a Heat Pump to Make Noise?

Monday, November 26th, 2012

It is quite normal for heat pumps to make noises. This is especially true in the cold winter months. Most heat pumps have valves that carry out the task of reversing the flow of refrigerant when you switch between the cooling and heating modes. When the pump goes into defrost during winters, the valve is made to shift position. This is accompanied by a whooshing sound that persists for a few seconds. The compressor tends to get much louder after this. Another time when you may hear sounds is during shutdown when Freon pressure tends to equalize. Both of these are totally normal.

Another case where you may hear loud sounds coming from your heat pump is when the outdoor unit shuts off or starts running. Scroll compressors have a tendency to do this in a more noticeable manner. Similarly, some outdoor units tend to create a buzzing sound even when they are not running. This sound is created by the 24-volt reversing valve coil. Since this doesn’t waste any energy, it is nothing to be worried about. The sound of vibration is another common complaint and is quite difficult to get rid of. Rubber tubing can help in this case, but the vibration is not really doing any harm to your pump.

On the other hand, if you hear very loud sounds which resemble metal hitting metal, it may be time to worry. These sounds are often created when the fan blades hit against ice, wires or even tubing. If this is the case, you need to shut the unit off at once. This is a bad sign and can damage the fan and even the motor to an irreversible state. In fact, a misplaced tube can hit the fan blades and also cause a leak leading the Freon to flow out. Grinding or squealing sounds may point to a similar problem that needs to be fixed promptly. So if you hear any of these sounds, make sure you shut the pump off immediately and call for professional help.

Anything including low refrigerant charge, a faulty reverse valve, and defective motors or compressor valves can cause this problem. So make sure you get it checked by a Naperville heating professional if the problem persists.

Call the Naperville Ductless Mini Split experts at DuAll Heating & Cooling to find out what your options are. Contact DuAll Heating & Cooling today!

Continue Reading

How to Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump This Winter

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Do you get excited about your utility bills? It’s unlikely. With the price of energy rising, people in Naperville are looking for every way to reduce the amount of energy that they use. There are many ways that you can cut corners when it comes to your energy consumption. We thought that it would be helpful for our customers in Naperville if we assembled some easy ways to get the most out of your heat pump as you’re trying to stay warm this winter. If you’re interested in learning more about these tactics, contact the Naperville heating professionals at DuAll Heating and Cooling.

Insulation

Insulation is by far one of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your home. The principle is pretty basic: keep more of the hot air inside your home. To maximize your efforts, start with your ceiling insulation. Climb up into the attic where the insulation for your ceiling is typically exposed. If you notice that there are areas that are thin, old or that aren’t touching completely touching the ceiling joists, it might be time to call a heating contractor. You should also check the insulation in your walls and floor as well.

Seal Your Doors and Windows

Another place where heat loss occurs is around door jams and window sills. You can have your heating contractor inspect these areas and suggest an insulation method for them. You should also check the access door to your attic and to your basement.

Seal Your Ducts

Another great way to improve efficiency is to have your ducts inspected. Your ducts are the veins of your heat pump, delivering hot air to all the rooms that need it. If there are holes, cracks or leaks in your ducts then that hot air that you spent money heating is just drifting outside.

Get Your Heat Pump Maintained Before the Winter

A great way to make sure that your heat pump is running at peak efficiency is to have it regularly inspected, repaired and maintained. Your heating technician will be able to detect small repairs that could be decreasing the energy efficiency of your heat pump. They can also replace any worn belts and lubricate the fan’s bearings to make sure that it is working well.

If you have any questions about any of these services, then contact DuAll Cooling and Heating. We would love to visit your home in Naperville to help you get the most out of your heat pump. Reducing your energy consumption is always a good thing. Call us today!

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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!

Continue Reading