Author: Update Heating and Cooling Services

Ductless mini splits are a type of heating and cooling system that is becoming increasingly popular. They are a great option for homeowners who want an energy-efficient and flexible way to heat and cool their homes. This post will discuss ductless mini-split systems, what makes them different than traditional central air systems, and the advantages of a ductless mini-split installation.

What Makes Ductless Mini Splits Different?

Ductless mini-split systems are different from traditional central air conditioning and heating systems in that they do not require air ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. Instead, each room or zone has its own indoor unit connected to an outdoor unit by refrigerant lines. This means that people can control the temperature in each room or zone individually.

Benefits of Installing Ductless Mini Splits

There are several benefits to installing a ductless mini-split system, including:

• Energy efficiency: Ductless mini splits are more energy-efficient, which can save homeowners money on energy bills. Being able to control the temperature of each zone individually allows energy to be saved on parts of a home that are not frequently used. Additionally, the lack of ductwork eliminates energy losses associated with ducts.
• Can heat and cool: Ductless mini-split systems can be used for both heating and cooling rather than needing to install separate air conditioners and heaters.
• Zoned heating and cooling: Ductless mini-split systems allow people to control the temperature in each area individually, allowing for greater flexibility and comfort.
• Easy installation: Ductless mini splits are relatively easy and fast for professionals to install, as they do not require air ducts.
• Quiet operation: Ductless mini-split systems don’t make as much noise as traditional forced-air systems.

If homeowners are considering installing a new heating and cooling system for their Illinois home, a ductless mini-split is a great option to consider. They are energy-efficient, save on energy costs, and provide zoned cooling and heating for personalized comfort.

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services is a plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning company serving the New Lenox area. They offer same-day services, 24/7 live answers, and straightforward pricing. Call them for ductless mini split AC systems in New Lenox, IL.

Benefits of Annual AC Maintenance

Don’t let a malfunctioning air conditioner disrupt your summer comfort in New Lenox, IL. AC contractors recommend annual air conditioning maintenance services to prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs.

These AC tune-ups provide numerous advantages for homeowners. Regular maintenance helps air conditioners run more efficiently, saving homeowners money on energy bills. Additionally, these services can identify and address minor issues before they morph into major problems, reducing the need for repairs and extending the lifespan of an AC unit.

Energy Efficiency

Annual AC maintenance optimizes an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Technicians meticulously clean the unit, removing dust, dirt, and debris that can impede airflow. They’ll also perform air filter replacements and clean the evaporator coils. This thorough cleaning allows air to circulate freely, preventing the air conditioner from overworking or using excessive energy to cool a home.

Additionally, regular maintenance includes system calibration. Technicians ensure all components function properly, guaranteeing accurate and efficient operation throughout the summer.

More Reliable With Fewer Air Conditioner Repairs

Regular air conditioner maintenance safeguards against costly emergencies and frequent repairs. Technicians perform a comprehensive inspection during each service, pinpointing and addressing minor issues before they become major. This proactive approach prevents unexpected breakdowns and eliminates the need for emergency AC repairs.

In addition, maintenance tackles issues that cause units to run inefficiently, such as dirt and debris buildup. Technicians meticulously remove these blockages, allowing air conditioners to operate smoothly without straining their components. This not only keeps the system functioning optimally but also extends its lifespan.

Longer Lifespan

Homeowners can book maintenance services to prevent premature air conditioner replacements. Annual maintenance services are an investment that keeps systems running smoothly and efficiently for many years.

These routine tune-ups help prevent air conditioning replacements by:

• Minimizing wear and tear: Regular cleaning and adjustments reduce stress on the system, preventing overheating and malfunctions.
• Catching problems early: Technicians can identify minor issues before they escalate into major breakdowns, saving homeowners from costly repairs and system damage.
• Preventing catastrophic failures: Maintenance significantly reduces the risk of an AC system experiencing a complete breakdown by changing air filters, cleaning the unit, and addressing potential problems.

To maximize cooling performance and efficiency, AC contractors recommend that homeowners schedule maintenance at least once a year, ideally in early spring before the summer heat arrives. Opt for experienced professionals who can accurately diagnose problems and perform necessary repairs to keep homes cool and comfortable all summer.

About Update Heating and Cooling

For more than 25 years, Update Heating and Cooling has provided quality HVAC services to the New Lenox area. They offer same-day services and send quality-trained technicians to every appointment. Call them today for air conditioning services like repairs and replacements in New Lenox, IL.

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

A home’s indoor air quality can greatly impact the residents of a household’s health. If there are many allergens and contaminants floating through the air, it can result in respiratory issues and health symptoms for family members. 

To avoid these problems, homeowners can take steps to improve the indoor air quality in their homes. This post will explain the impact of poor indoor air quality on health and offer tips for improving it.

Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality in a house can cause numerous health symptoms and issues for family members. Some of the most common health problems people might experience due to indoor air pollutants include:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Aggravated asthma and allergy symptoms

Air Filter Replacement and Routine Maintenance

In order to improve a home’s indoor air quality, homeowners should routinely change their air filters, usually at least every three months. They should also schedule regular heating and AC maintenance with professionals. Maintenance is recommended annually for both the heater and air conditioner. 

Replacing the AC filters and furnace filters when needed and keeping up with maintenance will not only benefit indoor air quality but also provide many other benefits, such as improving the system’s efficiency, keeping operating costs lower, helping prevent problems and breakdowns, and extending their lifespan.

Air Purifiers, Cleaners and Filtration Systems

Another way for homeowners to improve their home’s indoor air quality and the health of those in the home is to install indoor air quality products, such as a whole home air purifier or air cleaner. These devices can be installed into the heating and air conditioning system and ductwork to provide cleaner air for the entire home. 

These indoor air quality systems can help remove airborne allergens, bacteria, germs, and other contaminants to help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms, improve the health of those in the home, and get rid of bad smells around the house. Professionals can help homeowners decide on which can be the most beneficial for their homes.

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services has more than 25 years of experience serving the New Lenox area. They provide same-day services, straightforward pricing, and free estimates on new equipment. Call them for indoor air quality services in New Lenox, IL. 

What Is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are pivotal in keeping homes dry and preventing flooding and its negative consequences. These systems are typically installed in basements, automatically pumping water out of a sump pit to prevent flooding and water damage. This post will explain the benefits of sump pumps, the different types, and how to ensure they work well.

Benefits Sump Pumps Provide

Sump pumps are essential for keeping homes dry during major storms or other causes of home flooding, preventing flooding and the damage and effects it can cause. They help households avoid costly repairs for foundation damage and water damage to walls, flooring, personal belongings, and more. 

Standing water in a home without a sump pump also leads to high humidity and an increased risk of mold and mildew growth, as well as the health symptoms it can cause. However, a sump pump can improve indoor air quality by reducing humidity levels and reducing the risk of mold growth. 

Common Types of Sump Pumps

The two types of primary sump pumps are submersible and pedestal pumps. There are several differences between them, such as: 

• Submersible sump pump: The motor for these pumps is submerged in the sump pit. While they are typically more expensive and have a shorter lifespan than pedestal pumps, they also offer benefits. Submersible sump pumps are more powerful and operate quieter than pedestal pumps. 
• Pedestal sump pump: Unlike the submersible pump, the motor of these pumps is above the sump pit. This makes the unit noisier when it operates, but it can also make it easier for plumbers to access it for maintenance and repairs. These pumps are less powerful than submersible pumps but less expensive and have a longer lifespan.

How to Ensure the Sump Pump Works 

Homeowners must ensure their sump pump works so that it can protect homes from flooding when needed. Property owners should regularly schedule sump pump maintenance and inspections with a plumber to keep them functioning. This will allow them to identify and fix any issues before the sump pump is required.

Homeowners can also perform routine tests to ensure the sump pump works, especially before periods of heavy rain. It’s as simple as pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit until the float switch triggers the pump and starts to remove the water. This confirms the pump automatically turns on when the water level reaches a certain point, removes the water, and then turns off. It will also assess the pump’s speed in water removal. Homeowners should also check their sump pump backup or install one if they don’t already have one. A backup for the sump pump will protect the home from flooding, even during a power outage or if the primary sump pump fails. 

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services has more than 25 years of experience serving the New Lenox area. They offer same-day services, flat-rate pricing, and free estimates on new equipment. Call them for sump pump services in New Lenox, IL. 

How Switching to LED Lights Can Save Energy and Money

If homeowners are still using incandescent light bulbs in their light fixtures, they may be wasting energy and spending more money than necessary. Switching to LED lights and retrofitting their existing lights can resolve these issues and provide many benefits. 

LED lights are more energy-efficient than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, resulting in less energy usage and lower energy bills. This post will explain the benefits of LED lights and some information about switching to LED lighting. 

What Is LED Retrofitting?

LED retrofitting is a convenient way for homeowners to hang onto an existing lighting fixture, even if it doesn’t already have energy-efficient LED bulbs. Electricians can evaluate the light fixtures to determine if they can be retrofitted to accommodate LED bulbs.

If they can, the electrical contractors can adjust the lights, such as adding new components and replace the light bulbs with LED bulbs. This lets property owners keep their existing light fixtures while saving energy costs. Electricians can also replace fixtures to make them compatible with LED light bulbs.

Reasons to Install LED Lighting

Installing LED lights has many benefits. When homeowners consider switching to these energy-efficient lights, one of the biggest advantages they will experience is reduced electric bills compared to traditional lights. 

Homeowners will also enjoy longer lifespans from their light bulbs with LEDs compared to incandescent bulbs, preventing homeowners from having to replace the bulbs as often. LED lights are also safer than other types of light bulbs because they do not generate as much heat, and they do not contain dangerous chemicals. 

Switching to LED Lights? What You Need to Know

When homeowners make the switch from incandescent, fluorescent, or other types of lights to LED lights, it’s essential that they understand what to expect from LED retrofitting. While retrofitting lights has many upsides, it’s also crucial for homeowners to set expectations. Electricians strive to retrofit all lights, but in some cases, they cannot—or it makes more sense to replace the light fixture. If it is difficult to obtain compatible bulbs for their lighting fixture, then it can be beneficial to install a new light fixture more compatible for LED bulbs. Buying a new fixture gives homeowners more options and flexibility.

It’s also important for property owners to understand if other devices can be used with their lights, like dimmer switches. LED lights might not be compatible with existing dimmer switches, requiring new LED dimmers to be installed. Dimmer switches give property owners more control over the lighting in their houses and may also reduce the household’s energy usage. Homeowners should schedule an appointment with an electrician for LED retrofitting so that it’s done properly and to get the most out of their LED lights.  

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

The experienced team at Update Heating and Cooling Services provides quality HVAC and electrical services to Will County. For over 25 years, they have hired quality-trained technicians and provided same-day services. Call them for LED lighting installation and retrofitting in New Lenox, IL.

All About Air Duct Cleaning and Maintaining Clean Ducts

A household task that many homeowners might overlook is duct cleaning. Air duct cleaning services can improve indoor air quality and provide numerous benefits to households and their residents. This post will explain the advantages of duct cleaning, signs it’s needed, and how homeowners can help keep the air ducts clean between professional duct cleaning appointments. 

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

HVAC technicians recommend having ductwork cleaned regularly for many reasons. Some of the benefits duct cleaning and clean air ducts provide include:

• Improving the indoor air quality of a home by removing dust, dirt, and allergens
• Reducing allergy and asthma symptoms by eliminating allergens and contaminants from the ductwork
• Getting rid of mold and mildew in the ducts
• Eliminating foul odors from the household
• Increasing the efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems by improving airflow
• Protecting heating and cooling systems and helping them last longer

When Air Duct Cleaning Should Be Scheduled

Homeowners should schedule air duct cleaning routinely or when they notice signs pointing to dirty air ducts, such as:

• Increased allergy and asthma symptoms
• Growth of mold or mildew
• More dust than usual around the house
• Dusty and dirty vents 
• Weak airflow from one or more vents
• Increased heating and cooling costs without a change in usage
• Bad smells coming from the ducts and vents
• There’s been a recent home improvement project, repair, or renovation

Tips to Keep the Air Ducts Clean

In addition to scheduling professional duct cleaning when needed, homeowners should also perform tasks to help keep them clean to extend the benefits of clean air ducts. The following tasks can help keep the ductwork clean between professional cleaning visits:

• Regularly clean, dust, and vacuum the home to reduce dust and debris around the house that can end up in the ducts
• Replace dirty air filters on time, typically at least every three months
• Schedule routine heating and air conditioning maintenance with a professional
• Ensure the home has proper humidity levels to prevent mold and mildew from growing
• Consider installing an air filtration system to reduce allergens 

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services is a plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning company serving New Lenox, IL, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, quality-trained technicians, and straightforward pricing. Call them today for air duct cleaning services in New Lenox, IL. 

Starting the New Year With a New Heater Installation

After ringing in the start of 2024, homeowners should start thinking about projects they want to tackle in their house this year and what appliances they may need to replace. If they have an aging or faulty heater or furnace, they may need to put heating replacement at the top of their list. This post will share signs homeowners should watch for that indicate they may need a heater replacement, different heating systems, and the importance of maintenance on a heater.

Signs Heater Replacement Is Needed

To keep homes warm and safe all winter, homeowners need to know the signs to watch for that can indicate they need a heating replacement. Some of the symptoms property owners should watch for include:

• If the system is getting older and nearing the end of its lifespan
• If homeowners are frequently scheduling repairs on their system to keep it working
• If the heater is not producing enough heat or a house is taking too long to warm up
• If a home’s energy bills are increasing without a change in usage of the heater
• If the heater is making strange sounds
• If odd odors or a burning smell is coming from the unit

Homeowners should schedule heater service at the first signs of an issue so a technician can repair or replace it to quickly restore comfort to their house.

Choose the Right Heater for a Home

When property owners need to schedule a heater installation at their house, they must choose a suitable heating system. A professional can help homeowners decide between many types of heating systems. Some of the most popular types include:

• Furnaces: These are the most popular type of heating system in the U.S. Powered by gas or electricity, the heated air is transferred through the house via ductwork.
• Boilers: These systems heat water and circulate the steam throughout the house via radiators, baseboards, or radiant flooring. These are generally more energy-efficient than furnaces.
• Heat pumps: These units use electricity to operate and can conveniently both heat and cool houses. They can be part of a ductless system and are also typically more energy-efficient than furnaces.
• Radiant heating: These are underfloor heating systems that heat the home with warm water in a series of pipes. They can also use less energy than traditional heating systems.

Don’t Forget the Importance of Heating Maintenance

Whether a new heater is installed or homeowners still have an older heater, regular maintenance should be performed on the heating system. Routine heating maintenance is essential to keeping the heater working correctly with fewer problems, a longer lifespan, better energy efficiency, and lower heating costs. The benefits of heater maintenance include:

• A more energy-efficient heating system
• Reduced energy costs
• A longer-lasting heater
• Fewer repairs are needed on the system
• Improved safety by ensuring all components are working correctly
• More consistent, even heating throughout the house
• Improved indoor air quality
• Compliance with heating system warranties, as some, require annual professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services is a plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating company serving New Lenox, IL, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, free estimates on new equipment, and beneficial membership plans. Call them today for heater installation and replacement in New Lenox, IL.

Ways Humidifiers Prevent Dry Air During Winter

Winter weather brings cold temperatures and snow to Illinois but can also bring cool weather to homes. When the heater runs, it can make homes dry and uncomfortable, which can cause respiratory problems, cracked skin, chapped lips, and other issues for households.

Homeowners can prevent these issues with a whole-house humidifier installation. New Lenox, IL, HVAC technicians explain the benefits of a humidifier, including reducing allergy and asthma symptoms, improving skin conditions, and even improving the health of indoor houseplants.

Reduce Respiratory Symptoms

Household members with allergies or asthma issues can experience increased symptoms during the winter if the air in their homes gets too dry. Dry air can irritate sinuses, nasal passages, throats, and other parts of the respiratory system. 

Installing a humidifier can reduce these symptoms. A whole-house humidifier adds moisture to the air to prevent throat, nasal, and sinus problems. This can benefit allergy and asthma sufferers by preventing further symptoms.

Whole-home humidifiers can also help improve symptoms from respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. In addition, they can reduce the spread of illnesses. They can even help with sleep apnea by making it more comfortable to sleep.

Get Healthier Skin

Suppose household members notice their skin getting dry and flaky during the winter months or even start to suffer from cracked knuckles or chapped lips. These issues are caused by dry air in the house. 

To improve these problems, homeowners can install a humidifier. These units add moisture to the air, which provides more moisture to household members’ skin.

Humidifiers can provide many benefits to homeowners, including preventing skin from drying out, reducing the frequency of cuts and irritations, and preventing cracked lips. Humidifiers can also reduce skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis and even improve signs of aging. 

When homeowners notice increased signs of dry or irritated skin, they should schedule an appointment to have a technician test their indoor air quality to determine if it’s too dry. HVAC contractors can recommend installing a whole-house humidifier if needed.

Improve Indoor Plant Health

Often overlooked humidifier benefits include improving the health of indoor house plants. By adding more moisture to the air, plants can thrive. 

If the air in a house gets too dry, it can cause leaves to fall off, plants to dry out, and even diseases and infestations. Installing a humidifier can reverse these effects. Plants can get bigger, avoid infections, and have healthier leaves and stems. 

The added humidity will significantly benefit tropical plants, which need increased moisture to flourish. 

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

With more than 25 years of service, the Update Heating and Cooling Services team provides quality repairs and replacements to New Lenox. They offer same-day services by quality-trained technicians. Call them today for humidifier services in New Lenox, IL.

Reasons to Be Thankful for Heating and Cooling Contractors

After cooking all day, setting the table, and enjoying Thanksgiving with their families, homeowners might leave important people off their list for whom they are thankful this Thanksgiving – their HVAC technicians. Heating and cooling contractors provide many essential services to households all year that often go overlooked.

Some key services they provide include keeping heaters and furnaces running to avoid the chilly winter air, keeping air conditioners running to keep houses cool in the hot summer heat, and improving indoor air quality to keep homes safe and healthy.

Keep Houses Warm and Cozy All Winter

Illinois winters can be brutal. With mounds of snow and frigid temperatures, it’s essential for property owners to have a reliable, fully functioning heater to keep their house warm. A warm home will not only keep households comfortable, but it will also protect residents from the effects of the cold.

Technicians make this possible by performing routine heating maintenance to inspect systems and identify defects. If a contractor sees an issue during a tune-up, they can repair it before it leads to a larger problem later. HVAC contractors also provide essential heating services like repair and installation, ensuring that homes always have a working heating system.

Keep Homes Cool and Comfortable in the Summer Heat

Technicians also provide essential air conditioning services throughout the summer or whenever needed, ensuring that homes always have a functioning air conditioner. Performing routine air conditioner maintenance keeps it running efficiently and can help identify issues with the system that need to be repaired. This will help prevent unexpected breakdowns and prevent additional problems.

When needed, technicians can perform prompt AC repair or installation to keep homes comfortable and prevent people from getting stuck in the heat without working air conditioning. If the house gets too hot, it can lead to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Improve Indoor Air Quality to Keep Families Healthy

There is an overlooked benefit that HVAC technicians provide to households. By ensuring the heater and air conditioner work correctly and performing additional indoor air quality services, HVAC contractors can also improve the air quality in a house, which keeps people healthier.

Poor indoor air quality can have many negative effects on health, as people breathe in allergens and pollutants that can worsen respiratory illnesses and allergy symptoms. However, there are many services they provide that can eliminate contaminants and improve the health of everyone in the home, especially those with allergies and asthma.

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services is a plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical company serving New Lenox and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, same-day services, and a Comfort Club Membership. Call them today for heating, air conditioning, or indoor air quality services in New Lenox, IL.

An Overheating Furnace Can Cause Fires, Gas Leaks

When homeowners start to smell burning odors in their homes, it can quickly create fear for households. As they check their homes for smoke, they could soon trace the smell to the furnace. If a furnace overheats, it can result in serious threats like fires and carbon monoxide leaks.

Property owners can reduce their risks of an overheating furnace by using tips from trusted experts. This blog post will share the symptoms of an overheating furnace, the dangers of overheating, and how to prevent a furnace from overheating.

An Overheating Furnace Is a Threat to Households

An overheating furnace can be a very dangerous threat to a household. If this happens, it can put families at risk of furnace fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fires can occur as the furnace components get too hot, and carbon monoxide leaks can occur if a unit’s heat exchanger develops a crack. Both of these threats can be deadly to households, so it’s essential to act quickly.

There are also other consequences of overheating furnaces. They can include needing to replace furnace parts and even the entire system if the lifespan is reduced or the damage is too severe. To prevent these issues, homeowners must schedule repairs and inspections immediately after noticing signs of an overheating furnace.

Overheating Furnace Symptoms to Protect Households

Property owners need to be able to identify the symptoms of an overheating furnace to immediately get the furnace repaired and avoid dangerous threats to their household.

Furnace contractors recommend homeowners watch for signs like:

• Burning odors come through the vents or from the furnace
• Strange noises like humming
• The furnace shuts down by itself
• Extremely hot air is coming through the vents
• Burn marks on the components inside and outside the furnace
• Increasing energy bills as the furnace overworks
• Circuit breakers that keep tripping to protect the household from the risks

How Property Owners Can Prevent an Overheating Furnace

The safest way to deal with an overheating furnace is to take steps to prevent it from happening at all. While this isn’t possible in all cases, there are things furnace contractors suggest homeowners do to prevent an overheating furnace, including:

• Schedule yearly furnace maintenance services. This allows technicians to identify problems with a unit that can lead to overheating and repair them during the inspection to prevent them from occurring later.
• Have a technician clean the system to remove dirt and debris. This can be done during an annual tune-up.
• Perform air filter replacements about every one to three months. The frequency depends on the type of filter and the household.
• Ensure vents are open and unobstructed to prevent an airflow problem that can lead to overheating.

About Update Heating and Cooling Services

Update Heating and Cooling Services has more than 20 years of expertise serving New Lenox and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, same-day services, and a comfort club. Call them today for furnace repair or maintenance in New Lenox, IL.