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Chicagoans Can Still Save Big on HVAC!

February 1st, 2012

The thick of winter in Chicago didn’t show up until January. For many of us the mild winter meant less use of the furnace and odds are the system really hadn’t been put to the test until the first big snowfall of this year. Now you may be faced with the need to replace that old furnace. For many this is their current predicament and they are kicking themselves for not acting sooner. The federal tax credits and rebates ran out at the end of 2011. Many homeowners have accepted the fact that they are going to have to pay full price, but wait a second! There are still substantial savings out there to be had, but you need to know where to look!

Two Ways to Save:

  • Gas Company Rebates: The local gas companies in Chicago, Nicor and People’s Gas, are still offering rebates on high efficiency furnaces and air conditioners. Replacing both units can get you up to $800 in rebates, and even if you can only afford to replace the furnace, you could still get up to $200 back on your purchase. Every penny counts and the savings could be enough to make buying that high efficiency furnace worth it.
  • Lennox Home Comfort Systems: If the furnace and air conditioner you plan to purchase are from Lennox Home Comfort Systems, you could stand to save even more! They are currently offering manufacturer rebates up to $1450! » Read more: Chicagoans Can Still Save Big on HVAC!

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Go Green, Heating, Money Saving, Value

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Lennox Furnaces Stand the Test of Time

October 3rd, 2011

People are always asking, “Who is the best HVAC manufacturer?” There really isn’t a straight forward answer to that question because no matter who made your furnace, it will not be its best without proper installation and yearly maintenance. With that said, we recently dealt with a customer who was very satisfied with his Lennox furnace. He had scheduled a serviceman to check over the system for the season, and though it was found that the unit needed to be replaced, the customer couldn’t have been happier with what he had gotten out of his unit over the years.

37 Years of Service

            This customer’s Lennox furnace was installed back in 1974. This made the unit 37 years old, and when you consider that the typical furnace will last 20 to 25 years, this unit truly did stand the test of time. When we asked about the history of the unit, the customer was proud to tell us that over the years he only had one minor repair done to the system. The thermocouple was replaced about 15 years prior, and when you consider the number of expensive things that can fail on a furnace, this one low cost repair was truly remarkable. » Read more: Lennox Furnaces Stand the Test of Time

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Posted in Contractors, Furnace, Heating, Maintenace, Value

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An Emphasis on Noise Reduction

August 8th, 2011

When looking for a new air conditioner, many homeowners focus on the obvious first. Energy efficiency and cost are the top two concerns on the buyers mind, but once you have narrowed down your choices in these categories, you will probably still have a few different systems to choose from. How will you choose? Well, we suggest you take a look at the sound levels produced by each of the systems on your list of choices. Excessive noise from the air conditioner condenser has become something that many of us simply tolerate. However, with the technology available today, you don’t have to put up with a noisy air conditioner any more!

The Lennox XC 21

To better explain how technology has changed to make air conditioners quieter, we searched for a unit that was virtually silent. We found the Lennox XC21. This beefed up air conditioning system offers the buyer a 21.00 SEER rating and the high return you will receive on this purchase every month in the form of energy savings will defiantly make up for the extra cost. This unit wasn’t all energy efficiency and savings though. It also had many perks that contributed to its ability to operate quietly. » Read more: An Emphasis on Noise Reduction

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Information, Value

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High Efficiency Air Conditioners Offer Worthwhile Savings

July 27th, 2011

I was surprised the other day by how many of the highest efficiency air conditioners HVAC contractors are keeping in stock. Usually they seem to stock a few of each size and model, and more often than not, many companies will carry lower efficiency units in bulk. This is due to the fact that, in the past, many homeowners would only want to purchase the bare minimum in energy efficiency. They didn’t care about long term savings, and the initial out of pocket cost was more important than the potential for future savings.

Going Green Despite the Economy

Today, things are different. I was surprised to find out that more customers are “going green” than in years past. I know the economy isn’t healthy, so why would people want to spend extra to go green? I guess the answer has to be the rising cost of utility bills. Utility costs are driving the high efficiency air conditioner and furnace market to an all time record high. » Read more: High Efficiency Air Conditioners Offer Worthwhile Savings

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Go Green, Money Saving, Value

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Thermostats: Wired or Wireless

July 7th, 2011

It’s rare but it happens. One day you’re HVAC system starts working intermittently, or it just quits working all together. Your blower motor might start running when the system is turned off or not come on one time and then work perfectly the next. These are symptoms of a bad thermostat or a short in the thermostat wiring.

Complicated and Costly

The reason I bring up this topic is because today I ran into this very problem. Diagnosing the problem when fairly quick, but the repair was a head scratcher. The reason this repair was so difficult was because the thermostat was located on the second floor and the furnace was in the basement. This meant I would have to run a new thermostat wire through ceilings and floors in order to get to the furnace. This would require cutting access holes and after a lengthy discussion with the homeowner about these facts, he decided to go with the easiest and cheapest option of installing a wireless thermostat. » Read more: Thermostats: Wired or Wireless

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Information, Value

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Is Your Cash Flying Out the Window?

July 5th, 2011

I just left a service call that left me totally amazed at the lack of attention some people pay to their electric bills. The homeowner in question had a nice home in a nice neighborhood. Everything seemed normal until I tested the current draw on his air conditioner. What I found was truly shocking! His air-conditioner was robbing him blind. What do I mean by that? I mean that the air conditioner was using almost double the electricity needed to cool his house!

Paying Double

The only question I had for this customer was, “How long have you been paying double on your electricity bills?” The homeowner was confused and honestly couldn’t tell me how long this had been going on for. He just attributed the change in cost to the rising cost of energy in this country, and paid off his bills without ever questioning the extra expense. This has got to be the best reason for tuning up your air-conditioning system. A well tuned system will save you money, but more importantly it can alert you to an electricity thief living in your own home. » Read more: Is Your Cash Flying Out the Window?

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Money Saving, Value

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Does Energy Efficiency Really Matter?

June 22nd, 2011

My next door neighbor and I built our homes at the same time back in 1996, and our layouts are about the same. However, when it came to the heating and cooling equipment, he chose to go with the builders’ choice and I decided to get the newest technology at the time. His furnace was an 80% efficient up flow gas unit and I decided to go with a 92% up flow gas furnace.

Same House, Substantial Savings

I wish I knew exactly what he spent in gas and electric over the past 15 years, but all I do know is that my gas bills are about 12% less than his every month. It boggles my mind to think about how much more he’s been paying than me on his gas bills for the past 15 years! Since we live in similar homes you would think that our costs would be the same, but the energy efficiency of the HVAC system really does matter! » Read more: Does Energy Efficiency Really Matter?

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Money Saving, Value

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Energy Efficiency and a New Air Conditioner

May 18th, 2011

Looking for a new air conditioner this summer? If you are, you have come to the right place for a bit of advice. One of the most important decisions you will have to make concerning this purchase is the energy efficiency of the new air conditioner. Choosing a SEER rating and checking system compatibility are the main concerns, and making the wrong choices could seriously impact your future savings.

SEER Ratings Explained

First let’s take a look at SEER ratings. Like AFUE ratings for furnaces, SEER ratings tell the homeowner just how energy efficient their air conditioner will be. The ratings range from 13 to 21 and the higher the SEER rating is, the more energy efficient that unit will be. The number corresponds to the number of BTUs per hour per watt of electricity that the system will create. The more BTUs your unit can make per watt of electricity the better! However, you can’t blindly choose a new air conditioner without first considering the furnace. » Read more: Energy Efficiency and a New Air Conditioner

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Money Saving, Value

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Make the Right Choice: Repair or Replace?

March 9th, 2011

Investing your hard earned money in a new furnace may not seem like something you can afford to do right now. Many homeowners would rather put a band aid repair on the problem rather than replacing the entire unit. However, there is at least one situation where buying a new unit is a much better option than repairing the problem with the furnace. The problem concerns your chimney. Older furnaces use a chimney through the roof of the home to vent out the gases that are created during combustion.  When the chimney is old or in bad shape, it can cause problems for your heating system. Back drafting and crumbling mortar are just two of these problems, but both will cost you thousands in expensive chimney repairs. » Read more: Make the Right Choice: Repair or Replace?

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Posted in Furnace, Heating, Value

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5 Minor Renovations to Upgrade Your Home

February 3rd, 2011

Many homeowners would love to remodel certain areas of their home, but simply do not have the money to do so. Depending on the difficulty of the project and the contractor you enlist for help, a standard kitchen or bathroom remodel can cost upwards from $25,000! Most of us don’t have that kind of money to spend on our homes, but that doesn’t mean we have to settle for what we already have. There are many budget-friendly renovations that homeowners can do on their own to bring new life into outdated rooms. Here are 5 minor renovations that make a major difference:

  • Refinishing Cabinets and Painting Doors: The cabinets in your kitchen or bathrooms can often be refinished easily, especially if they are made of wood or plywood. A fresh coat of paint can make even the oldest cabinets look like new without the cost of replacement. Painting the front door of the home creates an attractive new color can create a much needed focal point to an overall boring or outdated landscape. » Read more: 5 Minor Renovations to Upgrade Your Home

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Posted in Home Services, Money Saving, Remodeling, Value

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