General HVAC Questions

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. An HVAC system provides heating and cooling to your indoor space. An HVAC system can also be enhanced to filter, purify, dilute, and humidify the air.

An HVAC system provides heating and cooling to your indoor space. Typically consisting of an indoor unit to produce heat during the winter and an outside unit that removes heat from the indoors in the summer. An HVAC system can also be enhanced to filter, purify, dilute, and humidify the air.

The main components that comprise an HVAC unit include a furnace, indoor evaporator coil, outside condensing unit, filter, copper refrigerant tubes, ductwork, Exhaust venting pipes, and a thermostat to control it.

The four types of HVAC systems that are common in homes in our area are split systems, hybrid systems, ductless systems, and packaged heating and air systems.

HVAC systems come in a variety of types and efficiencies. The best HVAC system is the one that provides you with peace of mind and whole home comfort. If your current system is not providing you with the very best comfort , give us a call at Air-Rite Heating & Cooling to discuss your concerns and we will help find a solution to get your air right.

Plumbers are pipe experts (i.e. toilets and sinks), and HVAC technicians are air experts. The HVAC technicians can help with HVAC equipment and anything to do with air from heating, cooling, humidifying, filtering, diluting and venting.

Electric HVAC systems are the most energy-efficient because they use 100% of the energy they consume, so none is wasted.

Some systems run on natural gas or propane while others are powered by electricity or water.

Yes. HVAC systems need regular maintenance to keep them running properly and efficiently.

Each month you should check and change the furnace filter. The manufacturers of furnaces and air conditioners recommend Bi-annually inspections and annual maintenance by an HVAC technician. A general rule of thumb is to check your furnace once each season. Carrier Manufacturer’s Maintenance Checklist, Page 10 Ask your HVAC dealer for more details on joining an annual maintenance plan.

Over time, using your HVAC system will wear down the machine and ultimately cause either part breakage or total system failure. Performing regular maintenance will prevent breakage and maximize its lifespan. Check out our maintenance plans here.

Think of a HVAC Service Plan like maintenance on your vehicle. You depend on the reliability of your vehicle to get you safely to your destination. What would happen if you did not perform regular oil changes and maintenance? Now think about your furnace and what it does. It is operating 24/7 during the frigid Chicago Weather. Now think about what your air conditioner does. The outside unit is exposed to weather all year long. The Heating and Cooling System has many moving parts involving electrical, plumbing, and gas to provide you with Comfort and Peace of Mind. If these parts become weak or fail, it could result in higher utility bills or a breakdown. While checking and changing your filter on a regular basis is important, the furnace and air conditioner manufacturers recommend annual maintenance by a HVAC technician. During this maintenance visit, the technician will clean, check and evaluate your equipment. If regular maintenance is not performed, the manufacturers’ Warranty may be compromised. If you have further questions about service plans, give us a call! Ask about any available rebates from the Utility company for maintenance. . Our service representatives will be happy to speak with you.

A leaking HVAC system could be the result of a few things. The AC system removes humidity from the air and the water runs down a drain. A clogged floor drain or condensate drain (the white PVC pipes) can cause that water to back up into the system. During summer months, if there is a leak of the refrigerant, it can cause the indoor coil in the ductwork to “freeze up”. This condensation issue can produce excessive water in and around the unit. High efficient furnaces and humidifiers also drain water during their operation. If the drain is clogged it could also create a backup of water. Make sure when you change the humidifier water panel each winter, that the panel is installed right. It may leak if not properly installed. Another possible cause is that the nearby water heater is leaking. If the floor drain is backing up, call a plumber,. If you think the cause is a frozen AC coil or clogged PVC pipe, turn off your system, and call on a HVAC technician at Air-Rite Heating & Cooling.

The best way to find out if the fan motor is not working properly and repair if needed , is to have a qualified HVAC technician diagnose and repair or replace it.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a rating system for Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps.. The higher the rating, the less electricity your system uses to provide cool air. Most ACs that were installed before 2009 are a minimum of 10 SEER. rating After 2009, the U.S. government mandated that all AC systems have a minimum 13 SEER rating. Many homeowners choose AC units with a 15-17 SEER rating. Starting January 1, 2023 the minimum government mandate is 14.00 SEER2 for air conditioners for the northern states, the testing procedures will also change so the rating will be SEER2 replacing SEER.

The most common reason is a refrigerant leak or a dirty indoor filter. Other reasons could be that the furnace is failing or air conditioner components are malfunctioning.

The heat pump unit outside should never be covered as it operates year round. The Air Conditioners are designed to be outside year-round, so covering them in the fall and winter isn’t necessary. Doing so actually could cause harm by trapping moisture inside and causing premature rusting. However, if you decide to cover your unit, use a cover that fits it well and allows airflow through it. Remember to remove it before operating the air conditioner. Note if any parts not supplied or designated for use by the equipment manufactures, or damage resulting from their use might not be covered under a factory warranty.

If your AC unit is more than ten years old and would cost $700 or more to repair, we recommend replacing it instead. You’ll end up saving money. Not sure about the condition of your system, you can schedule a technician to clean and check your system to give you a better idea of its performance and any anticipated repairs.

Most AC manufacturers offer a 1-5 year parts warranty. If you originally purchased your unit and registered it with the factory, it might have an enhanced warranty. Our HVAC technicians will be able to obtain your equipment information and determine warranty eligibility. Just remember to ask the technician at your next service!

Possibility. Ceiling fans cool people which could result in more comfort and allow the thermostat temperature to be raised up a few degrees. The ceiling fan should be turned off when there is no one or pet in the room. Ceiling fans can’t lower the temperature of your home in fact they can add heat, which is counterproductive.

A dirty AC filter creates a poor flow and disrupts the cooling process. The lack of air over the indoor evaporator coil can cause the whole system to freeze and become inoperable. If this occurs, turn the unit off and allow it to thaw. Be prepared with towels for the water to run off. Check the filter if it is indeed clogged, change the filter, once the unit is thawed, turn the unit back on. If the filter is clean or it freezes up again, call for service on your HVAC System.

On average, a well-maintained AC unit could last 10 – 15 years. However, there are other variables such as electric service, weather and location that impact its lifespan.

Check out our blog that talks about how to troubleshoot your AC system!

We typically can replace a furnace or air conditioner in one day.

Most AC filters are disposable and should be checked or replaced monthly. It is very important during the cooling season to have a clean filter. The system needs to move a lot of air quickly so airflow is really important. To benefit the air conditioner performance, a MERV 8 filter could be used during the cooling season. We all live in our homes differently so the timing will be different for everyone. Check your filter each month and it will help you decide how frequently it needs to be changed. If you’re using a high velocity 1” filter(cheaper one, you can “see through”), change it about once every month. To benefit the air conditioner performance, a MERV 8 filter could be used during the cooling season. If you have an advanced filtration system, with ratings of MERV 10 and higher, typically 4”-7” wide, you could probably change the filter at the start of each new season. Again, every home is different, so your schedule will be personal to you.

A conventional HVAC system that is common in our Chicago area, consists of a gas/electric furnace, air conditioner/heat pump and a whole house duct system. However, if you are looking to condition one room, a man cave, a small addition, or even your garage, a ductless system might be more appropriate as it is easier to retrofit with or without ductwork. In addition to conditioning a smaller space it can help keep the air in that space separate, rather than mixing in with the rest of the home.

Although ductless mini-splits may seem easier to install than traditional HVAC units, we still recommend consulting an expert HVAC technician to install yours to achieve optimum results. Our installation process typically takes one day to complete.

While you don’t need to install a ductless unit in every room, doing so has its benefits—such as an easier installation process and quieter run cycles.

Ductless mini-split systems are designed to be much quieter than standard systems. They’re an ideal option for those seeking quiet comfort.

Yes, of course we do. Our Comfort Consultants are certified Healthy Air Experts that specialize in finding the right solution for you. These solutions address the humidification, filtration, ventilation, and purification of your home’s air.

HVAC filters help to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other small particles (some so small, we can’t see with the naked eye) out of the indoor air that you breathe. Not all filters are alike. Some are there simply to protect the furnace’s internal components from large particulates while others enhance your indoor air quality and remove the particles you don’t see. Otherwise, these particles remain suspended in the air and people become the filters. People spend 90% of their time indoors.

Common causes include dust, cleaning products, air fresheners, mold, and pet dander. Need a solution? Our Comfort Consultants are Indoor Air Quality Experts.Since indoor air pollutants are addressed differently, they can help find a solution of better filtration, purification, or dilution of your indoor air.

Since every system is different, they require different filters. Find the filter, either in a slot at the furnace or it can be found in a large air grille near the floor level. The size will be printed on the edge of the filter. Contact Air-Rite Heating & Cooling to ask about what filter is best for your system.

Since we all live in our homes differently, the timing will be different for everyone. Check your filter each month and it will help you decide how frequently it needs to be changed. If you’re using a high velocity 1” filter(cheaper one, you can “see through”), change it about once every month. If you have an advanced filtration system, with ratings of MERV 10 and higher, typically 4”-7” wide, you could probably change the filter at the start of each new season. Again, every home is different, so your schedule will be personal to you.

If you don’t change your filter routinely, your HVAC system will perform poorly and the equipment could break down. Your system will have to work harder, causing it to become less energy efficient and more costly to operate .

Sometimes air filters get clogged, which reduces the quantity and quality of airflow. To fix this problem, just install a new air filter, using the sizing information on the existing filter. It’s that easy! Upgrading the filtration system can help improve your indoor air quality and good health.

With so many varieties of HVAC systems installed, the location of the filter may vary. You can find the filter, either in a slot at the furnace or it can be found in a large air grille near the floor level in the living space. Older systems could have the filter inside the furnace or in an unsealed slot in the ductwork. The filter size will be printed on the edge of the filter. This placement allows the filter to clean air from your home before it enters the HVAC unit.

Check and change the furnace filter monthly. The manufacturers of furnaces and air conditioners recommend Bi-annually inspections and annual maintenance by an HVAC technician. A general rule of thumb is to check your furnace once each season. Carrier Manufacturer’s Maintenance Checklist, Page 10. Ask your HVAC dealer for more details on joining an annual maintenance plan.

No, they come in various qualities and dimensions.

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This efficiency rating measures the amount of heat a furnace produces compared to the amount of fuel it consumes. A higher AFUE rating means your furnace is more efficient, which will lower your fuel costs. Most systems installed today are 80% AFUE up to 97% AFUE. Carrier’s Infinity Furnace boasts ratings up to 98% AFUE. That means for every $100 you spend in heating, only 2% if wasted.

The furnace may blow cold air in the beginning of the heating cycle while the system and ductwork warms up. Make sure your thermostat is set to heat and that the fan setting is turned off. If the thermostat is in the “Fan ON” mode, it will constantly circulate the air in your home. While this is great for air filtration, the room temperature air circulating can often make the home feel cold and drafty. Another reason could be the humidistat, it could be in Blower Activation mode. Some Aprilaire humidifiers can turn the furnace fan on to add humidity when the furnace isn’t heating . This room temperature can also feel cold. If you’re still only getting cold air and do not hear the furnace firing up, a HVAC technician can diagnose the issue.

Your furnace should last for over ten years with proper installation and maintenance. To maximize the life of your furnace, choose a trusted professional to install it, replace filters regularly and conduct routine maintenance checks.

We typically can replace a furnace or air conditioner in one day.

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This efficiency rating measures the amount of heat a furnace produces compared to the amount of fuel it consumes. A higher AFUE rating means your furnace is more efficient, which will lower your fuel costs. Most systems installed today are 80% AFUE up to 97% AFUE. Carrier’s Infinity Furnace boasts ratings up to 98% AFUE. That means for every $100 you spend in heating, only 2% if wasted.

It controls the blower/fan on the furnace/air handler. When in the ON position it will circulate the air in your home when the furnace or air conditioner is not running. In most homes, the thermostat is in the dining room on the first floor. When the furnace or air conditioner turns off, the conditioned air will move. The warm air will rise , while the cooler air will “fall” to replace that warm air that rose. It is called the stack effect. So while the thermostat is typically located at the midpoint in the home, the occupants in the top floor or basement do not receive the same level of comfort that the thermostat controls in the dining room on the main floor. By selecting the FAN to the ON position, this will allow the air to mix in between heating and cooling cycles. If not, the air will stratify one degree per foot. Running the fan continuously, will help to even out the temperatures in the home. While even temperatures contribute to comfort, some homeowners refrain from running the fan due to equipment noise and electrical consumption. While the air movement will help the home feel cooler in the summer, in the winter, it may make the home feel drafty. Try it, you might like it, especially in the summer.

Older furnaces usually have a PSC motor and could cost a little over $1 a day electrically to operate the furnace fan. When it comes on it comes on in full force whether it’s needed or not. . Furnaces manufactured after July 2019 are equipped with energy efficient motors. These motors can adjust the air flow based on the temperature needs and could operate per pennies per day. If you have an older furnace, the motor can be upgraded to an ECM motor. Some Electric Utility companies even offer a rebate for the upgrade replacement.

We do! Check them out here.

Exact pricing varies by unit type and installation, but an HVAC unit usually costs between $3,500 and $12,000.

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We accept several forms of payment. You can pay today, charge it, or get financing. Click here for more information.

While our main office is in Naperville. Our technicians are available to service the Greater Chicagoland area. Check out our full list here.

Call us, or if you prefer, fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Since each system is different and service varies based on type and maintenance needed, the best place to get information on our service is to reach out to us here.

You can tape the ductwork connections in your basement with special metal foil tape, not the well-known version duct tape. Do not tape the furnace metal venting pipes By sealing your air duct system, it can improve airflow to rooms furthest from the furnace.