American Weathermakers

Importance of Maintaining Your Boiler

Your home's boiler is one of the hardest working pieces of HVAC equipment you have. Whether it is used for water heating, forced-air or radiant heating, or does double duty, it requires regular maintenance like any other appliance. Annual inspections performed by an air conditioning repair company are very important to extending the life and improving the efficiency of this appliance. Inspections can also help prevent problems that could leave you without heat or hot water during the coldest parts of the year.

• In general, gas-fired boilers are highly efficient appliances. However, without regular maintenance, they can lose efficiency. This can cost you more on your utility bills than you need to be paying, and it can also shorten the life of your boiler.

• Without the appropriate maintenance, your boiler is likely to be more problem-prone. This can leave you in a tough spot if your boiler fails on a cold day. Imagine not being able to do laundry, take a hot shower, or enjoy radiant heating—an unmaintained boiler is a problem waiting to happen.

• Another concern with gas-fired boilers is carbon monoxide leaks. Boilers may have connections that are not properly sealed, such as those that have not been maintained for a while. This can result in exhaust leakage, which contains carbon monoxide gas. This gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It can also be fatal, which is why it is important to have your boiler inspected for gas leaks on a regular basis. The ignition and burner systems of your boiler should also be inspected for safety and clean burning.

• The interior of your boiler may be subject to corrosion due to a lack of maintenance, so it is essential to have it checked on a regular basis. It is also important to have the pressure-relief valves inspected for proper operation. These valves allow access pressure to be safely released, and when these valves are not in working order, pressure can build to dangerous levels.

American Weathermakers can inspect and help maintain your boiler so that it operates efficiently and as expected every season. Visit us online to learn about our full range of HVAC repair and inspection services in the Glenview area, or contact us today at (847) 509-7777 to schedule your inspection.

Improve Your Air Quality with Air Duct Cleaning

Your air ducts can become depositories for debris, dust, allergens, and pollutants that all compromise your comfort and your health. It is recommended by professionals that your air ducts be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, but an especially thorough cleaning can help extend this time period to 5 to 7 years.

Problematic ductwork may need to be cleaned more often. It is recommended by the EPA that families suffering from unexplained allergies or respiratory issues have their ducts cleaned. In between professional cleanings, homeowners can use vacuums to clean floor vents and carpets. Watch this video to find out more about keeping your air ducts clean.

To learn more about having your air ducts cleaned, contact American Weathermakers at (847) 509-7777. You can also visit our website for additional information about our HVAC services in the Glenview area.

Baby on the Way? What You Should Know About the Importance of Indoor Air Quality

You may have heard about indoor air quality and how poor indoor air quality can cause allergies, cold-like symptoms, and respiratory discomfort before. While you may not have worried too much about this previously, having good indoor air quality is of paramount importance if you are expecting a baby. This is because infants are much more sensitive to changes in their environment than adults are.

• Indoor air quality is a measure of the harmful pollutants in your indoor air. These pollutants can be mold spores, dust, dust mites and their debris, allergens, volatile organic compounds, household chemicals, and more.
   
• Poor indoor air quality can cause anything from minor discomfort to serious health problems in adults—and these effects are far more serious for babies. Newborns go through a phase in which their immune system is still being built up, so it is vital that they have a healthy and safe environment to grow in.
   
• If your indoor air quality is less than ideal, the problem can have many different sources. Changing your air conditioner’s filter every month, regularly cleaning your floors, and having your ductwork maintained by a professional air conditioning repair service are all excellent ways to keep your indoor air quality at acceptable levels.
   
• Preparing your home for your new baby is an involved process, and it should include an inspection of your ductwork and evaluation of your indoor air quality by a professional HVAC service company. An HVAC technician will be able to diagnose sources of indoor air pollution and offer you solutions that include air purification, duct cleaning, and more to help improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Keep your home comfortable for your baby and your family. Let American Weathermakers help improve your indoor air quality and make your home a healthy and comfortable place to live. Visit us online or call us at (847) 509-7777 to learn more.

Check Out These Links For More Information About The Products American Weathermakers Can Offer For Your Home

Home energy costs come primarily from heating and cooling needs. If you’re a homeowner who would like to learn more about increasing your house’s energy efficiency, please read the following articles.

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discusses ductless, or mini-split, air conditioning units and their benefits for homeowners.
• Homeowners now have choices when it comes to water heaters. As ConsumerReports.org explains, in addition to the traditional standing water heater, consumers have their pick of several other varieties.
• Are you looking for a new air conditioner? If so, take a look at the tips provided in this article from Good Housekeeping.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health provides information about indoor air quality and humidity.
• An alternate energy source can prove extremely valuable when your normal means of power is not available. HowStuffWorks.com lists the different kinds of emergency power currently on the market.

For more than 60 years, American Weathermakers has been providing quality heating and air conditioning repair services to those who live throughout the Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Glenview areas. To learn more about our heating and cooling products, or to schedule a repair, please call us at (847) 509-7777.

Why Regular Air Conditioning Inspections Are Vital to Maintaining Maximum Efficiency

During the summer months, homeowners work their air conditioners harder than ever to keep temperatures at a cool, comfortable level. Unfortunately, this puts immense stress on the AC system, making it more susceptible to failure or malfunction. The stress of increased use is compounded by the fact that most homeowners don’t maintain their units regularly. Instead, they wait until it’s too late, leading to expensive repairs and days without functioning air conditioning. Here are some reasons why regular air conditioning inspections are vital to maintaining maximum efficiency:

• Maximum Efficiency
Air conditioners are complex pieces of equipment with many components, some of which are sealed off. Regular inspections give trained air conditioning technicians a chance to thoroughly check every component of your air conditioner for potential issues. Regular inspections can, therefore, help maximize your unit’s efficiency. Over time, your air conditioner naturally loses efficiency due to the wearing of parts, neglected filters, and other issues. During an inspection, a technician can identify any problems that could be potentially hurting your unit’s efficiency. When your air conditioner is not working as well as it should be, you end up paying more in energy costs.

• Increased Lifespan
Replacing an air conditioning unit altogether can be an expensive, time-consuming affair. While replacement certainly has benefits, it is not something you want to do prematurely. Even old units can function effectively and efficiently if maintained properly. Regular inspections can maximize the lifespan of your old air conditioning unit, ensuring that you don’t have to invest a large sum of money in a new air conditioner.

• Reduced Costs
Perhaps the most appealing reason to have your air conditioning unit regularly inspected is the savings you will enjoy. Whether the air filters are dirty or there is a more serious issue with your air conditioning unit, regular inspections will ensure that weaknesses are addressed and your air conditioning unit is working at maximum efficiency. This means you will spend less per month to keep your home cool.

Don’t let high energy costs ruin your summer. Have your air conditioning unit regularly inspected so you can avoid expensive repairs in the long run. To learn more about the importance of inspections and preventative maintenance, call American Weathermakers at (847) 509-7777.