Environmental Comfort Team, Inc. Elgin IL Heating,Air Conditioning, and Radiant Heat specialists

For immediate
service call:
(630) 830-9970

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Also see Related Topics:

AIR CONDITIONER COVERS

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS

1. How do I get the right furnace or air conditioning unit for my home?

Answer: The first step is to get heat loss and heat gain calculations done. How long you plan to stay in the home also is important. Do you have allergies? Weigh comfort versus installation cost. Also weigh service and energy costs.

2. How do I know if my furnace has a crack in the heat exchanger?

Answer: Have the person that says your furnace heat exchanger has a crack show you the crack. Welded seams in heat exchangers often times look like cracks. Call someone for a second opinion or call us for a second opinion. We can check for carbon monoxide in the flue of your furnace as well as in your house. In practically all cases you have time to make a decision. See item 3 below.

3. Does a crack in my furnace heat exchanger mean that there is carbon monoxide in my home?

Answer: A crack in the furnace heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide in your home. Use common sense. If you do not have one, get a carbon monoxide alarm with a digital read out. Crack windows, especially in sleeping areas. If there is a crack in your furnace heat exchanger get estimates to change the furnace in the near future. A restricted flue, or lack of combustion air (air at the burners to burn the gas) are much more serious problems. [see new furnace paragraph 10]

4. How do I know if the Heating and Air Conditioning Company that I use is honest and has the technical ability to do good installation and or service work?

Answer: Unfortunately it is not easy. Many companies know how to create a good image. In this society there is an emphasis on “looking good”. Integrity does not seem to be a high priority. Dealing with a large company is no guarantee of honesty or technical ability. It also depends upon the person who comes through your door. Ask a lot of questions. Talk to your neighbors. Get as much information as you can from anywhere you can get it.

5. How do I know that you are any better than any other Heating & A. C. Company?

Answer: You Don’t. I have no simple or easy answers to this question either. Ask us a lot of questions. Do all you can to check us out. Get as much information as you can from anywhere you can get it.

6. Which furnace or air conditioner is the best?

Answer: We sell Rheem because they have some features that we think make sense. The company that you do business with is much more important that the brand of equipment that they sell. Did you ever ask this question of car owners? Many car owners have strong opinions about which car is the best. Can they all be right?

7. The rooms in my home do not heat or cool evenly. What can I do to get even temperatures?

Answer: There are different approaches to solve the problem. One approach is to make sure to get heating and cooling load calculations to make sure that the furnace or air conditioner is not too large. The unit will run longer and you will have more even temperatures. Another approach is to purchase a two stage furnace or air conditioning unit. It is also important that the ductwork is tight so that you can actually control air flow. It is also possible that the ductwork to the trouble spot is inadequate or not insulated properly. Sometimes a booster fan will help, other times a booster blower is necessary. Sometimes a unique solution is necessary to solve the problem.