Furnace and Air Conditioning Maintenance in Foxcroft

Minimizing duct contamination in Foxcroft is a good idea whether or not you choose to have your home’s air ducts cleaned. Here are some tips on how to commit to a good preventive maintenance program.

Keeping dirt out of your system

• Use the highest efficiency air filter that will work with your HVAC system, and change the filters regularly.

• If those filters become clogged quickly, change them on a more frequent basis.

• Make sure none of your filters are missing, and that air is not able to bypass your filters through gaps.

• Make sure you ask your service provider to clean your drain pans and cooling coils when you have your HVAC system checked or maintained for other reasons.

• If you are having any renovation or construction work that leads to dust being produced in your home, seal off return and supply registers, and do not operate the HVAC system until after the dust has been cleaned.

• Vacuum your home and remove dust on a regular basis. Use the highest efficiency filter bags available for your vacuum cleaner, because vacuuming can actually lead to an increase in the amount of dust in the air of your home.

• If you have in-duct humidification equipment in your heating system, make sure you closely follow manufacturer recommendations for maintaining the humidifier.

Preventing moisture

The most effective way of preventing biological growth in air ducts is controlling moisture. There are several ways that moisture can enter your ductwork, with one of the most common being improper installation or servicing. Condensation on or near your air conditioner unit’s cooling coils is another major reason for ductwork moisture contamination. While controlling moisture can be challenging, there are some things that you can do.

• Properly and quickly repair any water damage or leaks.

• Make sure your air conditioner condensate pan drains correctly. If there is a large amount of standing water or debris, or both, you may need to call a professional immediately. Look for any wet spots in the insulation near those cooling coils.

• Ensure that your ducts are properly insulated and sealed in areas such as crawl spaces and attics. This will help the system work as intended and will help prevent moisture due to condensation. Make sure your heating and cooling system is properly insulated.

Preventing duct contamination in Foxcroft takes some work. But if you pay careful attention to your ductwork and HVAC system, as well as make sure you have the highest efficiency filters and vacuum filter bags, you can make sure your ducts are operating as they were intended. To learn more, give Approved a call at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

Colby Point Gas Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement

A water heater pilot thermocouple sends a small current of electricity to your water heater’s gas valve when the probe is heated to a certain temperature. This current informs the valve that the pilot is lighted, and the valve can send gas to the burner if needed. To check your water heater thermocouple, press down the pilot button on the gas control valve and light the pilot. If, after you hold down the button for 30 to 60 seconds, the pilot light goes out after you release it, then you probably have a faulty thermocouple.

If you need a Colby Point gas water heater thermocouple replacement, you can do it yourself but you will need to be pretty handy with tools. If you’re not, then you should call the professionals with Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102.

However, if you want to take the project on by yourself, here are the steps you need to take.

 

Thermocouple replacement guide

First of all, always follow all of the safety rules when you are working around gas. You can find a universal thermocouple kit that will work on most water heaters at your local hardware store.

 

• Turn off the gas to your water heater.

 

• Set the temperature control knob (located on the gas control valve) to the lowest setting.

 

• Turn the pilot control knob to the off position.

 

• Remove the inner and outer burner assembly access panels.

 

• Use a 3/8 in. end wrench to remove the old thermocouple.

 

• Use a flashlight to slide the new thermocouple in place. The tip should fit 1/8 to ¼ in. past the pilot head.

 

• Attach the other end to the gas control valve. Check all of your connections for any gas leaks. Once you are sure there are no leaks, now you are ready to light the water heater pilot light.

 

Again, if you are not 100 percent convinced that this is a job you feel confident in taking on by yourself, do not try it. Please call the professionals with Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102 for your Colby Point gas water heater thermocouple replacement.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

Belden Furnace Igniter Problems

There are several reasons behind your Belden furnace igniter problems. If your igniter is going out prematurely, there are some things you can do first before calling a professional. However, if these fixes don’t work, then you should call in a professional. At Approved Comfort, we’ve been helping Belden residents and others throughout the Chicago area for the past 17 years. Give us a call at (815) 219-7102 to see how we can help you. 

Reasons igniters can go out prematurely:

• You improperly handled the igniter by touching the gray glass portion.
• The igniter installed was not made for the furnace
• The home line voltage is too high. Make sure that your voltage is in the 110-125 volt range. Anything over that will not only cause furnace igniter failure, but premature light bulb failure as well.
• Debris from bugs or from the heat exchanger can land on the igniter when no heat is needed, and when heat is needed this debris can short out the igniter. Make sure you keep your heat exchanger and furnace clean.

Reasons for high heating bills

Here are some reasons why your furnace may be cycling on and off too much, resulting in a high heating bill.

• The furnace is too large. If your furnace is over-sized for the space that it is heating, then it will likely cycle too often. On the coldest day, a properly-sized furnace should run almost all of the time. The main sign that your furnace is inefficient is cycling on and off too often.

• A dirty filter. If your heat exchanger is not getting enough airflow, that will cause the furnace to cycle too often as well. The furnace will turn off to keep from overheating and possibly causing a fire. It is important that you keep the filters changed on a regular basis.

• The evaporator coil is dirty. A dirty coil restricts airflow and causes too much cycling. Look at the coil and make sure it is not clogged on the bottom side. If you choose to clean the coil yourself, make sure you clean in the direction the fins are running. If you do not, you run the risk of bending over the fins and causing even more airflow restriction. This job is best left to a professional unless you have a special coil fin cleaning tool.

If you are having Belden furnace igniter problems or your furnace cycles too often, and you are unable to fix the problem, call Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

Diagnosing Crystal Lake Furnace Problems

On a cold night in Crystal Lake, it’s never a good thing when either there isn’t enough heat coming from your furnace, or there’s no heat, period. Most furnace repairs need the help of a qualified technician, but there are some things you can do to diagnose common heating problems before making a service call. Diagnosing Crystal Lake furnace problems is not that difficult. Here are some troubleshooting tips that you can try – some may seem ridiculous, but you’d be surprised how many times we come out to a home only to find that a simple thing like a thermostat setting was the only reason a furnace was not working.

 

• Look to make sure your thermostat is not on the “cool” or “auto” position, but the “heat” setting. Make sure you set the temperature a few degrees higher than room temperature, because if it isn’t set in that position the heat will not come on.

 

• Look for any sort of electrical problem. Find the power switch that is located on or near the furnace and make sure it is turned on. If the switch isn’t located on the furnace, it will probably be located near the basement stairs. If that switch is on, you may have a tripped circuit breaker in the service panel box that usually hands on the wall where the electric meter is located. Move the breaker switch off before moving it back to the “on” position.

• Hit the red safety button (it may be yellow on some models). On most heating systems, the electric motor has an overload reset button that pops out when the motor has overheated, and this shuts the furnace down. Make sure the motor has completely cooled and then press the red button back down again to manually restart the furnace. If the button does not reset within a minute, or if after the reset the furnace turns off, call a technician.

• Make sure the furnace is getting fuel, and that the gas is turned on if you have a gas furnace. The gas valve should be turned to the “open” position. If your furnace uses liquid propane, make sure the tank is not empty. The tank’s gauge appears like a round dial. The gauge for an oil furnace is typically on the top of the oil tank or at the side of the tank.

• If you have a forced air heating system, replace the furnace filter. The heating efficiency of a furnace can be significantly reduced by a clogged or dirty filter. The filter should be cleaned every three weeks through the heating system and changed every three months. If you have a fiberglass filter, it should be changed monthly.

Again, the steps involved with diagnosing Crystal Lake furnace problems are fairly simple. Try all of them before you make a service appointment. If those steps do not work, though, please call Approved Comfort as soon as possible at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

 

A tankless water heating system heats water on demand, when you need it. The concept behind this technology is very simple to grasp, as you will learn later. A tankless system differs from the traditional tank-style water heater in that a tank-style system heats water and stores it until it is needed. Tankless water heaters have been popular in Europe and Asia for several years, but did not start to gain popularity in the United States until the 1990s, when energy prices rose dramatically. While the earlier models did a decent job of heating water at a lower price and with less of an impact on the environment, they were not nearly as technologically sophisticated as are today’s models.

Tankless water heaters can handle the demands of an entire home and also have several applications for commercial use. The technology varies among different models, but the way they work is pretty much the same, and it is very easy to understand.

• A flow sensor detects when you turn on a hot water faucet and activates the tankless water heater.

• A series of heating elements heat the water, and continue to do so until the sensor recognizes that the flow of water has been stopped by the faucet being turned off.

There you have it. That is basically how all tankless water heaters work. Unlike a tank-style system, a tankless heater does not have to cycle on and off all day. This can result in a significant reduction in energy costs associated with heating water – some models can slice those costs in half. While a traditional system overheats water to ensure that the hot water supply does not run out, a tankless system does not need to do so. It can run continually without running out of hot water. In addition, because a tankless system is not as susceptible to the mineral and sediment build-up commonly found in tank-style systems, they can last twice as long. They are usually about the size of a briefcase so they free up space that can be used for storage, and their warranties are typically much longer as well.

Once again, even though all tankless water heaters operate on the concept covered above, they come in a wide range of models and a wide range of technologies as well. They range from basic models to others that provide automatic thermostatic control. And with the range of technologies available, there are also variations in performance. To learn more about tankless water heaters, and to find out the best type for you, please call the professionals with Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

4 Ways to Make your Water Heater More Efficient

There are many steps you can take to increase the efficiency of your hot water heater. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of your system.

 

Insulate the tank

Unless your water heater’s storage tank already has an insulation value of at least R-24 or greater, adding insulation to it can reduce standby heat losses by 25-45 percent, which can reduce water heating costs by 4-9 percent. An easy way to determine if your water heater tank needs insulation is to simply touch it. If it feels warm, it needs more insulation. Insulating your tank is relatively easy and inexpensive.

 

A pre-cut jacket usually sells for $10-$20 and will pay for itself in energy cost savings in a year. Be sure to choose insulation that is rated at least R-8 or greater. Read and follow installation directions carefully, and leave the thermostat access panel uncovered. On an electric water heater with an insulating jacket, do not set the thermostat above 130 degrees F, since this could cause the wiring to overheat.

 

A piece of rigid insulation or bottom board under the tank can help prevent heat loss to floor, potentially saving another 4-9% of heating energy. Generally, this is easiest to install when the tank is first installed.

 

Gas water heaters – Generally, it’s best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor add an insulation jacket or blanket to a gas water heater due to the difficulty of the task. If you want to install it yourself, read and follow the directions very carefully. Keep the jacket or blanket away from the drain at the bottom and the flue at the top. Keep the airflow to the burner unobstructed, and be sure to leave the thermostat uncovered. Do not insulate the top of a gas tank, since the insulation is combustible and can interfere with the draft diverter.

 

Insulate the pipes

Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and allows lowering the temperature setting on the water heater by 2-4 degrees F. Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within the first three feet of the water heater. Also, cold water inlet pipes should be insulated the first three feet. On gas water heaters, keep insulation at least six inches away from the flue.

 

Timers (electric heaters only)

For electric water heaters, installing a timer can save an additional 5-12 percent of energy. Water in the tank can remain hot for more than eight hours while the water heater is not in operation, depending on the insulation and age of the system. It is usually best to set the timer during hours when the hot water use it lowest, typically at night for most buildings. Timers may have to be readjusted if your home experiences a shortage of hot water.

Timers can cost more than $60, but usually pay for themselves in about a year, and you can install them yourself. For gas water heaters, timers are not cost effective due to their pilot lights.

For more information on increasing the efficiency of your water heater, call Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

Approved Comfort Water Heater Installation Process

Here is a quick look at how the typical water heater installation process works.

First, when calling us at (815) 219-7102, you should have the following information ready:

• The tank size of your current water heater.

• Where the water heater is located (In the garage on a 18” stand, in the basement down a flight of stairs, in a crawl space in the side of the house, etc.).

• The address where the installation will take place.

• One of our representatives will recommend one or more model water heaters that fit your needs. He or she will also inform you if there may be potential additional services and charges needed perform the installation.

Then you need to do the following:

• Decide which model water heater you want.

• Decide on a payment method.

• Schedule an installation appointment with our representative.

• Be present at the job site for the duration of the installation. 

 

The installation will consist of:

• Our technician bringing the model water heater you purchased to the job site.

• Our technician performing a pre-installation inspection to determine the scope of work necessary to perform a legal installation. Our inspections serve as estimates for additional charges, if applicable.

• The customer signing the inspection acknowledging any additional work and applicable charges necessary to legally install your water heater.

• The customer providing an accepted method of payment before the start of the installation.

• Our technician installing the water heater according to the terms of the estimate. Your water heater will be hauled away by our technician at no additional cost.

• Our technician cleaning the job site.

• The customer signing a completion form stating the installation was completed satisfactorily.

 

In some cities and counties, a work permit is needed for a water heater installation. When the permit is received, follow the instructions on the permit to schedule an inspection with an inspector from the applicable jurisdiction. The cost of the permit will be included in your bill and your service tech will apply for the permit as soon as our work is done.

The customer must be present for the local jurisdiction’s inspection of the water heater, which is performed to ensure that the installation was done correctly and safely. Once the inspector signs the permit, the water heater installation is complete.

 

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

Lower your Energy Bills with Advances in Water Heater Technology

 

Manufacturers are developing a variety of new technologies in water heating products and systems to meet the demands of homeowners who want greater convenience and lower energy bills – and to comply with new federal energy efficiency standards for such products, which go into effect in 2015.

Among the technologies helping to advance water heater innovation are condensing gas-fired systems and heat pump technology. Manufacturers are also incorporating solar and geothermal equipment into product lines as these technologies move into the mainstream. These changes are creating new and innovative products that encourage contractors to have conversations with their customers about how water heating has evolved and can make a significant difference in the home to create greater savings and meet their changing needs.

With new technologies, manufacturers want consumers to think more proactively about water heating products so they can make more informed decisions about selecting the optimal water heater for their needs. Planned replacements also allow the consumer to financially prepare for the purchase and give the plumber/contractor enough time to order the higher efficiency unit.

A hybrid electric water heater model featuring heat pump technology will offer new energy saving technologies, enhanced comfort algorithms, and the hybrid industry’s first color touch screen LCD display. This easy-to-use, interactive touch screen display, similar to those found on other popular consumer electronics, will provide homeowners greater insight into their water heating energy usage and tools to maximize energy savings.

Another major manufacturer has introduced a new line of gas water heaters that it says costs less to operate and heats water more than 40 percent faster than current models. These new units reportedly have a first hour rating of 90 gallons for a 50-gallon tank, meaning homeowners get three times the amount of hot water in an hour than what the tank actually holds.

Solar systems expand

Manufacturers are increasingly offering solar and hybrid solar systems to meet demand in certain markets. The tanks typically have some type of additional system that keeps water hot when the sun isn’t shining, or during periods of high demand. One major manufacturer has expanded its solar heating products to more than 30 models.

The competitive nature of our industry means that manufacturers are constantly introducing new, more energy-efficient options. Every company wants to stand out from the crowd and launching improved technologies is a surefire way to get noticed.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

What's Included with your Standard Water Heater Warranty?

Most tank water heaters come with a warranty of at least 5 years on the tank and 1 year on other parts. A water heaters warranty can usually be checked at each water heater manufacturers website; you will need to get your serial number from the side of the water heater tank.  Most basic warranties are typically six years on the tank and six years on the other parts.

 

Tank leaking

 

If your water heater starts to leak within the tank warranty period, the manufacturer needs to be contacted. The manufacturer will either have you choose a contractor to replace your water heater by exchanging it at a local supplier, or they will send out their own pre-selected contractors. Either way, your entire water heater will be replaced, and you will still be responsible for the labor regardless of who replaces it. See your manufacturer website or water heater literature for the exact procedure you need to follow.  If you have any questions your welcome to give us a call at Approved Comfort and we would be glad to help you.

 

Bad controls or elements

 

Should there be a broken or bad part, the manufacturer will probably pay for the part(s) only. You will be more than likely be required to pay for the labor portion of the bill, which is normally the largest part. The thermostats on an electric water heaters rarely fail, if they do they will usually make the red reset button pop out. Heating elements on electric water heaters do fail more often, they usually show this by a lack of hot water or no hot water at all. For gas water heaters the most likely part to fail is the thermocouple.

 

Extended warranties

 

Most manufacturers of water heater have some sort of extended warranty that can last up to 10 years. These warranties typically cost more than $100 and still only provide tank or part replacements. Labor is never included in extended warranties. In most cases, the water heater you receive is usually the same water heater as the five- or six-year warranty.

 

If you have any questions regarding how water heater warranties work, please call Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102. 

Lake In The Hills Tankless Water Heater Installation

Tankless water heaters have been in use throughout Europe and Asia for decades as people have used them as domestic hot water heaters. The technology behind tankless water heaters has been adapted by North American manufacturers in particular in the last decade. These devices have been adapted to be able to handle the more demanding rates of water flow found in the majority of whole-house residential U.S. and Canadian applications. Tankless water heaters are especially popular in apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, mobile homes and manufactured homes, vacation properties and guest houses. Hotel/motel operators, builders and even real estate developers have benefitted from the added value that tankless water heaters have brought to their projects in recent years.

While the large majority of tankless water heater purchases in North America have been for whole-home residential water heating applications, there are others as well that have become quite popular. These include:

• Solar or geothermal water heater booster
• Radiant/hydronic heating
• Commercial water heating
• Hair/beauty salons
• Boosters in commercial laundry facilities
• Restaurants
• Spas
• Schools, churches and other organizations
• Emergency showers and eyewash stations

For more information on tankless or any other kinds of water heaters, please call Approved Comfort at (815) 219-7102.

 

 

 

 

About the Author:  Danny Martin is CEO and President of Approved Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. For nearly 20 years Danny has helped more than 2,000 McHenry County homeowners and business owners keep cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter. Headquartered in the Lake in the Hills region - Approved Comfort provides a complete offering of Heating and Cooling Services including: AC Installation, AC Replacement, AC Repair, Furnace Installation, Furnace Replacement, Furnace Repair, Indoor Air Quality Services and much more.  You can book a service call or get a free estimate by contacting Approved Comfort direct on 815-219-7102.