How Much Longer Can Your Heating System Last?

April 23rd, 2018

question-markThe warm weather is moving in, and although we can’t rule out a few more surprises in our local weather, we’re almost at the point where heating systems in homes will shut down for the season.

Once you no longer have need of your home’s furnace, heat pump, or boiler for the foreseeable future, it’s good to assess its performance over the last winter and ask the big question: How many more years does this system have left in it? If you have reason to suspect that it may not make it through the next winter, now is one of the best times to arrange for a professional to replace it. Spring is a less busy period for HVAC technicians, and you’ll have plenty of time to think over your options and make the best choice.

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Could Your Furnace Be Unsafe to Run?

April 9th, 2018

old-basement-furnaceConcerns about the safety of natural gas furnaces are common. We often have customers ask us if it’s really safe to have a natural gas furnace in their home.

The first thing we tell people is that gas furnaces are the most common type of heating system found across the U.S. If furnaces had any type of bad safety record, they wouldn’t be allowed so extensively into homes. The manufacturers of modern gas furnaces are required to design their systems with numerous safety features and to meet many national, state, and local requirements. When you see the ENERGY STAR label on a furnace, it not only means the furnace meets the standards for energy conservation, but it was also built to meet demanding safety standards.

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3 Ways to Start Saving on Heating

March 26th, 2018

money-saving-piggy-bankThe end of the heating season is often a rough one. March and April can throw some of the coldest days of the year at us, and you can expect to see higher utility bills until the spring thaw finally sets in for keeps. But you’re probably paying too much for your heating—there are many small mistakes or tasks you may forget that will raise energy use and your bills.

Here are three ways you can start saving energy. They aren’t difficult to do—the last one only requires picking up the phone and calling our office!

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Could Your Furnace Use a Tune-Up?

March 12th, 2018

furnace-technician-serviceYour heating system is working just fine, for the most part. When you set the temperature on the thermostat, the furnace turns on and heat comes out of the vents. What more could you ask for? And why would you feel the need to schedule service for a furnace that is, for the most part, running smoothly?

However, furnaces should receive one service every year, even if they appear to be running properly. This service is a tune-up, and it’s the best way to ensure your furnace is there when you need it to work properly. Could your furnace be in need of this service?

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4 Ways You May Be Overworking Your Furnace

February 26th, 2018

furnace-technician-serviceYou need central heating in Lockport, IL—there’s no way around it. Portable heaters are a hassle, and they won’t protect your pipes or, of course, keep the whole house warm as you deserve. However, you may not need to be using your central heating as much as you are right now.

That doesn’t mean you should shut it off altogether. It just means taking the right steps to reduce usage, whether that’s moderating temperatures or watching the way it’s maintained. Here’s how you may currently be overworking your furnace.

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What’s That Knocking Sound Coming from the Water Heater?

February 12th, 2018

plumber-hot-water-heaterSometimes, a noise coming from an appliance is a major pain, and it may even alert you to danger in the system. Other times, however, a noise is so faint that it causes little alarm and you feel content to go about your day. A water heater can occasionally make a knocking or popping noise that falls somewhere between these two extremes.

We don’t think any noise from your water heater (or other home system) should be ignored. A knocking noise, especially, can indicate problems that can accelerate the longer you let them go on. We explain what this noise may be and what you should do about it in the guide below.

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Will a Furnace Work without a Filter?

January 29th, 2018

filter-change-ductsMost people associate a filter with one important thing: air quality. Filters keep dust from blowing around the home. More importantly to many people, it picks up allergens like pollen and pet dander, and may even stop the circulation of some germs that could make you ill.

However, not everyone suffers from allergies, asthma, or other conditions that would require excellent indoor air quality. If you’re one of the lucky few who doesn’t suffer from allergies, you might not worry too much about the filter. In fact, many such people—especially those who don’t want to deal with regular filter changes—have asked us this question: “Can’t I just run the furnace without a filter?”

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All About HVAC Maintenance Programs

January 15th, 2018

customer-service-survey-form-penThink of the last time a technician visited your home to work on your heating and air conditioning equipment. If you’re like most people, you called a technician because something was wrong with your heating or cooling equipment, and you probably only do this every few years. Yet most technicians recommend servicing your equipment once or twice a year.

Regular HVAC maintenance helps to keep your equipment running smoothly and it can reduce the cost of operation. Your equipment may even last longer than expected, but you have to keep up with annual maintenance sessions. What’s the best way to do this? An HVAC maintenance program from a local technician.

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The Differences Between Furnaces and Boilers

January 1st, 2018

radiator-relaxing-boiler

New homeowners or those who have never had to service their heating systems before may be a bit unclear on what type of heating system goes in their homes, or what their options are for a heating system replacement. Depending on who you speak to, a heating system may be called either a boiler or a furnace. But the fact is that these are two very different systems.

We want to make sure that you understand the differences between how these systems work and how they are set up in your home. By going over the very basics, you’re much better equipped to determine which system you have in your home, how you should keep up with maintenance, or which system is the best fit for a new home.

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Voted Best Heating and AC Company in Will County!

December 19th, 2017

We are proud to announce that we’ve been selected for the Best of Will County for 2017, voted as the favorite business in heating and air conditioning. And it’s all thanks to you!

The Herald-News hosted open voting for the best businesses in more than 65 categories, and we’re excited to share that YOU voted us number one. We were lucky enough to attend an after-hours style reception as the winners, and you can find our feature in the December 3rd issue of The Herald News.

We want to thank our loyal customers and invite new customers to see what a difference it makes to have a caring team on your side whenever you need service for your comfort equipment. Call J&A today—sleep tight tonight!

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