DuAll Heating & Cooling Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Plainfield’

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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Air Conditioning Tip: Types of Repairs Ductless Mini Splits Might Need

Monday, September 17th, 2012

A ductless mini split air conditioning system is no different from a traditional central air conditioner in many ways. The types of repairs you might face during routine operation of your air conditioner are a prime example as any number of issues might develop that you need to deal with. Here are a few and how you should handle them.

Clogged Filters

Each of your satellite units and the outdoor condenser has a filter in it that needs to be cleaned or changed on a regular basis. If any of them gets clogged it can lead to that unit freezing over due to blocked air flow. Freeze ups are not as common in ductless systems but can happen and the result is messy and uncomfortable.

Inoperable Satellite Unit

A ductless system has more components than a traditional central air system. If you have multiple satellite units inside, you can have between 3 and 9 total devices that need to be serviced. So, a single satellite unit is just as important as any other. If one stops working for any reason, it’s possible that it is a standalone problem, but it could also be a systemic problem so the entire system should be inspected. Contact DuAll Heating & Cooling to schedule an inspection today. Our cooling experts have been a trusted provider of air conditioning services in Bolingbrook for over 20 years.

Electrical Issues

If your ductless mini split system starts short cycling, the cooling is suddenly inefficient or you hear any strange buzzing or smell burning wiring from the condenser, you should have a professional inspect your entire system immediately. Circuit breaker flips are also a problem if they occur repeatedly.

Refrigeration Line Problems

Each indoor unit has a refrigeration line stretching back to the condenser. While these lines are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and are usually protected during installation, damage can occur. If you notice or suspect damage to any refrigerant lines, turn off your system and call for professional service immediately.

Call DuAll Heating & Cooling today, our Bolingbrook air conditioning technicians are experts in air conditioning installation and repair.

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HVAC Question: Why is it Important to Hire NATE-Certified Contractors?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

If you want to install or maintain your Plainfield heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, hiring a NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified contractor is vitally important. NATE certified technicians have proven their skills and knowledge by passing specialized NATE tests.  NATE is recognized as a reliable source of ongoing education, training and technical certification for HVAC technicians. Hiring a NATE certified technician to install, repair or maintain your Plainfield HVAC system can help you ensure that your system will operate reliably, safely and efficiently.

Reasons for Why You Should Hire NATE Certified Contractors

  1. NATE Certified Technicians Ensure Quality Work

The technicians certified by NATE specialize in various industry categories like air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, light commercial refrigeration, oil and gas heating and air distribution. They undergo training to update their technical knowledge and they are dedicated to maintain the professional standards of the HVAC industry.

  1. Expert Advice

Hiring NATE-certified contractors enables you to get advice from technicians who have vast knowledge and experience in the field.  They will help you to get the most possible out of your HVAC system.

  1. Fewer Callbacks

NATE certified technicians install the HVAC system properly. They diagnose problems in your air conditioning system effectively by using the latest tools and techniques. They also fix them, so that your HVAC system will start functioning properly again.  Their expert service results in fewer callbacks.

  1. Lower Energy Bills

Hiring NATE-certified professionals keeps your HVAC system working at its maximum possible energy efficiency. An HVAC system that runs at its peak efficiency also keeps you and your loved ones comfortable. Improper installation or maintenance not only affects your comfort and increases your utility bills, but it also reduces the life span of the system.

If you need HVAC service in the Plainfield area, give DuAll Heating & Cooling a call!

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Air Conditioning Tip: How to Get the Most Out of Your Zone Control AC System

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

A zone control system is an energy saving upgrade for your Plainfield home’s air conditioner that can save you quite a bit of money on your cooling bills. But it is important that you use the system to its fullest to ensure you get the most you can out of it.

To start, you should ensure that your zones are well defined. Zone control systems allow multiple thermostats to be installed throughout your home, but those zones should be designated carefully to match your household usage patterns. For example, a single zone can be set for upstairs bedrooms that are generally empty for the same period of time each day. However, you might want separate zones for your living room and kitchen – where you spend time equally but are doing different things and therefore have different cooling needs.

Most zone control systems have digital thermostats, meaning you can program them carefully to turn on and off at certain times of the day. You can turn your upstairs cooling off automatically at 8am every day after everyone leaves for school and work, and then leave it off for a few hours after everyone gets home until just before bed time. Simultaneously, you can lock the thermostat in places that are rarely occupied like your attic or basement. You may want cooling available in these spaces, but it isn’t worthwhile to spend the money to have them cooled regularly.

A good zone control system should be used to supply cooling to those rooms that need it only when necessary. So, make sure you and your family understand exactly when the air conditioner should be on and which thermostats can be used and when. If used properly, such a system can reduce your cooling bill significantly each year without sacrificing anyone’s comfort. For more information about installing a zone control system in Plainfield, give DuAll Heating & Cooling a call today!

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

Monday, 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

Monday, 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

Monday, 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

Monday, 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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