Most homeowners understand the importance of maintaining their heating and cooling equipment. When the home is too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, the natural response is to call on professional service for equipment repair. Fortunately, however, there’s an alternative. You can lower service expenses dramatically by performing some simple repairs and maintenance on your own and saving money at the same time. You may even be surprised at just how many simple repairs and maintenance tasks you can do yourself.
Perhaps, one of the most important decisions you need to make concerning your heating and cooling options is to identify whether you need a ductless unit or an air conditioner. Ductless units require a duct to bring air in and out of the unit and, although they can be more expensive, they are more energy efficient. If you have a ductless unit but want more cooling options, you can always purchase a ductless system that has a backup battery for when the main unit is not functioning. These are generally quite inexpensive and don’t require you to have duct work done to them.
Another decision that most homeowners make regarding their heating and cooling needs is whether to have a gas or electric furnace. Although both types are effective, gas-fired furnaces deliver a warmer sensation to the home. Electric furnace models are available in both electric and gas models and are often less expensive than gas-fired units. Depending on your specific heating and cooling needs, you will likely need to make this decision. You should also consider if you use electricity with your furnace or if it is powered by gas or propane.
As mentioned above, some simple maintenance and repairs can ensure that your heating and cooling system are working correctly. If you find that your furnace isn’t heating or cooling properly, first determine what the problem is before calling a professional to come out. For example, checking to see if the pilot light is on will indicate that the furnace needs to be serviced. On the other hand, if your ducts are showing evidence of excessive debris inside them, it could mean that your heating unit needs to be replaced. No matter what the problem, however, calling a professional furnace repair service can save you time, money, and stress once your heating system is operational again.
There are also times, though, when you need to replace your heating or cooling system. There are many reasons why your Chicago HVAC system may need to be replaced. For example, if it is leaking, it is not an efficient heating and cooling system and you should replace it. Similarly, old motors could be faulty and need to be replaced. When you choose to replace your heating and cooling system, you will be faced with many decisions including which components to remove and which ones to keep.
Finally, if you decide to replace your heating and cooling system, you may have to move some things around in order to get the best price. In addition to the obvious things like your furnace, it could mean removing a window, moving an air conditioning unit or even moving your hot water tank. Regardless, of what you do, though, it is important to compare your heating and cooling costs with those of your competitors to make sure you are getting a great deal.
