You may have just installed a brand new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, or you’re in the market looking to upgrade your filters and you’re probably wondering as to what would be the best choice for you. Well that actually varies depending on certain factors. MERV Rating Probably the most important factor to look into, a “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value” (MERV) rating distinguishes filters by their capabilities to strain the air of particles. The ratings span from 1 to 20, with the highest being the best. This gives both consumers and technicians an easy method to differentiate these and make a decision. Common Filters: Fiberglass - these are the most common as it is used for equipment, and was not really designed for much improvement of the quality of air in a home. Pleated - At 10 dollars per piece these are classified at MERV ratings 10 to 13 High-efficiency - These are more pricey as it’s able to purify air from contaminants by 85%. These span from MERV 14 to 16.

Every household deserves a feeling of comfort and security. Our HVAC’s can provide us both, by enabling us to experience a temperature in which we desire and, if one takes the necessary measures, can keep out undesirable particles outside which would have contaminated the air quality of a home. Spring is the transition from a cold winter towards a warm summer, and with this brings allergens that could induce unhealthy reactions from our bodies. A homeowner must be cautious towards this matter and prepare their own systems for this season. Test Your Air Conditioner Your heater has been doing majority of the work for the past few months but now that things are going to get hotter soon it would be best that you assure yourselves of a proper working and dependable air conditioner. Before the heat, test your model and see if everything is working fine. You could also have a technician examine it if possible, especially if it has been serving your household for quite some time now. Have needed repairs done while you still don’t need its services. In the event that you are recommended to purchase a new unit, it would be best to do it while temperatures are still low because when it increases you can expect an increase in competition also looking to buy an air conditioner. Buying during springtime will also increase the chances of availing for an AC discount before the summer when demand of that product is high.

As a Chicago homeowner, you should be familiar with how your HVAC system works. But if you only understand the basic controls of on and off, then you'll definitely run into technical issues later down the road. Your home's cooling and heating may be running smooth and efficiently today, but don't wait until something unfortunate happens especially if it could have been avoided. Here are 4 mistakes Chicago homeowners make with HVAC maintenance. Forgetting To Change Your Air Filters HVAC systems have air filters that help trap unwanted debris and purify the air coming into your homes. These are very important to routinely monitor and must be cleaned or replaced as often as necessary, varying from once or thrice a year depending on your unit and system usage. Failing to do so will clog up debris within your system and reduce your HVAC's efficiency. Not Sticking To Routine Maintenance Your HVAC system is like your body, it needs proper care and attention. Although not as often as we humans need, HVAC systems should still follow a set routine checkup. There are maintenance tricks you can do yourself without having to hire an expert technician. These are cost-efficient and are fairly easy to accomplish. Simple things like: Cleaning the surroundings of your indoor/outdoor unit.

Owning an HVAC system in your homes brings a lot of benefits, not only does it keep your house clean from unwanted dirt circulating the air but it also keeps the inside of your homes cozy and comfortable when seasons become too hot or too cold. Choosing the best HVAC system requires a lot of decision making, ensuring that you score the best quality HVAC unit in the market that helps provide uttermost comfort for your homes and family members living in it. Here are 7 questions to consider before you purchase your own HVAC system: What Size Should I Purchase? Before selecting an HVAC system, you have to make sure that it perfectly fits inside your homes and does not occupy too much space. For example, if you purchase a large HVAC system but your home is quite tiny, then it will have problems in running. Take the time  to study the layout of your homes, take note of the dimensions, and this will help figure out what size is best fit for the indoors. Both a small and large HVAC unit has its pros and cons, take the time to ask an HVAC technician what unit size is most needed for your homes.

Warmer days are fast approaching and your HVAC system needs to be in good shape to switch from heating your home to cooling it. One of the key components of the cooling system is the evaporator coil. In the months when it was unused and harsh weather, it could have been damaged or deteriorated without your being aware. Those several months may have rendered it too expensive to fix compared to the benefits and there could be a better version out in the market by now. Not convinced you need to get an updated version of this? Here are some helpful reasons why you should consider an upgrade. Using A Damaged Coil Is Risky A tear or hole in the coil would let the refrigerant out. This causes your system to work inefficiently and adds stress to the system, speeding its wear and tear. Eventually, other parts end up broken, which costs more to fix on top of the expense of the wasted refrigerant. The leaking would also cause environmental problems. If you’re still using freon, this refrigerant has been phased out due to considerable environmental concerns. It’s also harder and more expensive to acquire due to the limited availability of the product. Talk to your HVAC technician about switching to the newer coolant and have the coil replaced to reduce depleting more.

We’re looking forward to the sunny weather and it’s not just warmth. It’s the best time to get ready for those colder months. When you start to feel chilly inside your homes even with a thermostat installed and your heating system running in good condition, there’s a lack of proper insulation. This causes problems financially because a house that’s not well insulated experiences fluctuations in electricity. Here are ways to keep yourselves warm and cozy during the cold Chicago weather. Cover The Walls Covering your walls actually help in keeping your household warmer. Use a thick rug, cloth, blanket or curtains to prevent cold air from further coming in. For better results, have your walls insulated. It’s a costly method but it won't cause a drastic increase on your energy bills. Contact a professional to help insulate your walls easily.   Keep Windows Secured Another key tip in keeping your house warm is keeping your windows tightly shut and sealed, especially at night when the air is cold. To keep the atmosphere inside warmer, open your windows in the morning to let the sunlight in, then close it at night time. Keeping your windows open at night will prevent heat trap. It becomes helpful if you have thick curtains which can help keep the room warmer. For better results, close your curtains after dusk time.