HVAC System

How Well Do You Know Your HVAC System?

/in /by

We’ll always emphasize that having efficient, well-maintained  HVAC systems is extremely important. But when it comes to our customers knowing the ins and outs of these systems, we know this may be a challenge.

Well, your HVAC systems no longer have to be a mystery. Take a second to check out this full breakdown of an HVAC unit, and feel free to engage in a conversation with us about these parts next time we come around.

8 Parts of an HVAC System

Air Return: 

The air return vent is the beginning point of your system’s ventilation cycle. Inside the vent is a fan that sucks in air. Then, that air is drawn through a filter. Once the air passes through the filter, it passes through the main system and will heat or cool the system.
Note: Dirt and debris in your air return clogs your filters – dust your return regularly.

Filter:

The filter’s purpose is to block particles from entering the air stream to ensure both your HVAC system and air stays clean.
Note: A dirty filter is one of the key components of HVAC problems. Cleaning it regularly is essential.

Ducts:

Air ducts serve as another pathway to distribute heat and cool air through your home.
Note: Clean these every two to five years.

Exhaust Outlets:

This outlet simply expels the exhaust generated by your system.
Note: You’ll want to check the chimney flue or vent stacks annually, as exhaust can become dangerous if it builds up in your home.

Outdoor Unit:

Also referred to as the “condenser unit,” this outdoor fan unit provides airflow which removes heat from inside your home and thrusts it outdoors.
Note: Keep this unit away from vegetation, as plants can cause major complications.

Compressor:

Within the outdoor unit lies the compressor. Its purpose is to convert gas refrigerant into a liquid, which then gets sent to the coil.
Note: This unit consists of many moving parts which can cause issues. Check it regularly to avoid excessive repairs.

Coils:

Also located within the outdoor unit, coils allow refrigerant to pass through, creating cool air.
Note: Coils can freeze up, potentially causing restricted airflow. Check and clean these annually.  

Blower:

Warm air is drawn through the main housing of the unit from the blower.
Note: Having a blower that moves warm air efficiently ensures system durability. As we’ve recommended with every part of your HVAC system, check this part regularly.

SMART not only knows your HVAC systems in and out, but we will maintain them as regularly as you need. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

New AC Unit

When Should You Buy a New AC Unit?

/in /by

With fluctuating weather coming over the last few days of spring, making sure your air conditioning unit is up to par is important. Considering that you may not have cranked your AC in a while, there’s a possibility that you may be overdue for a new one. If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering where to start. No need to worry; we have a checklist that will make sure you know when you need to replace your AC, as well as what to look for when you do.

#1: When Should You Replace Your AC Unit?

    • If your AC unit is more than 12 years old. These units may have older technology that is costlier for you in the long run, such as Freon refrigerant, which is much less efficient and causes high repair costs.
    • If there are problems with your blower motor, compressor, and condenser. These are typically less than 50% of your entire unit’s cost, so they’re worth replacing.
    • If your unit is less than a 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) rating. AC units can have up to a 20 SEER rating, and the better your unit will run, the less it’ll cost you down the line.
    • If you’ve had three or more prior repairs to the unit.
    • If your unit is over-sized or under-sized. Incorrectly-sized units can cause lack of humidity control or unit failure.

#2: What Should You Consider When Replacing Your AC Unit?

Green Options
Green options, like SEER ratings, are important factors in saving you money. Look for greener heat pumps, ductless systems, and systems using geothermal energy.

Sizing
To get a properly sized AC unit, have your unit sized according to the guidelines from Manual J of the Air Conditioner Contractors of America. Then, have it sized based on the latent and sensible cooling load.

Easy Maintenance

Ensure the parts that need cleaning, such as the inside coil and air filter, are easily accessible on the unit. Cleaning the unit every summer, or when it’s dirty, will help you avoid repairs or having to replace it frequently.

Placement

Make sure the unit can be placed in areas away from the sun, but not completely covered in shade, such as the north or east side of your home. This will ensure the unit has plenty of air circulating through it.

Our highly educated and skilled contractors will ensure that you have the right installation to save you time and maintenance on your new AC unit. There’s a $200 rebate in it for you, too. Contact us to get your AC installed today.

 

AC System Freezing Up

Why Is My AC System Freezing Up?

/in /by

As the weather continues to warm up, your AC system will undoubtedly experience an increased workload. While the glorious feeling of an air conditioned home is one of the summer’s most comforting feelings, the mishaps that can come with it are enough to offset the benefits as a whole.

Among those, the dreaded frozen AC system.

There are a variety of possibilities that can cause your AC system to freeze up. In almost all cases, it’s important that you don’t attempt to tackle these on your own, as they will require the help of an experienced professional.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Over time, your evaporator coil will acquire a buildup of dirt and dust. You can identify this issue by checking the status of your air filter. If the filter is clean and the you’re still experiencing decreased airflow, your evaporator coil is a likely culprit.

Fortunately, evaporator coils don’t become dirty enough to make a significant difference overnight. However, it can be difficult to identify its effectiveness until it’s too late. A SMART contractor can help.

Low Refrigerant

Over time, system wear and tear can cause leaks in your refrigerant line. While a variety of causes can be attributed to a leak, it can also lead to your system freezing up. Judging on the age of the system and location of the leak, you may be able to repair it, but in some cases, you may need to buy a new system entirely.

Impaired Blower Motor or Relay

If your blower motor is not running at the correct speed, your system could freeze up. In some cases, the speed of the blower motor may vary, which can cause problems as well. A defective relay can also cause issues with both stopping and starting, but these can be difficult to diagnose. Contact us, and we’ll help get it fixed in no time.

SMART Customer Appreciation

SMART Customer Appreciation

/in /by

We pride ourselves on being able to serve our customers with the best value, service, and knowledge.

We are able to provide great value through our rebate program, which gives discounts for your heating and cooling needs. Through our partnerships with SMACNA Greater Chicago Chapter and SMART Local 265 union, as well as providing our contractors with continuing education programs, we ensure that you are given the most knowledgeable contractors and quality service.

We appreciate our customers greatly, and we’re pleased to find that they appreciate us just as much.

In honor of our amazing customers, we’d like to showcase a few of the wonderful letters we have received.

“Dear Friends,

Please forgive the lateness in sending this letter to you. Thank you for the rebate I received when purchasing my new air conditioning system in late Fall last year. I’m so very grateful – you folks don’t HAVE to offer rebates and yet you did. It was a nice surprise when determining the cost. The rebate saved me a lot of money.

Thank you not only for the rebate but for all that the Sheet Metal Workers do. The workers who installed my air conditioning system were professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. They definitely knew what they were doing and offered advice that wasn’t intended to get more money out of me – simply trying to help me get the most out of my system. Their set up and clean up was perfect, and they took the time to explain the new features without my having to read the manual immediately.

My dad is a union carpenter and I appreciate how hard tradesmen work. The Sheet Metal Workers 265 must be proud of their history. As far as I’m concerned, with men such as the ones that helped me, the future is strong, too.

To the office staff there in Carol Stream and to the workers out in the field… I thank you for your dedication and hard work and for doing it with kindness.”

“Greetings:

I received your check #38408 dated 1-15-2016 for a rebate on utilizing union labor. What a nice way to remind people of the benefits of using trained union labor to receive quality work. Thanks very much.”

“Thank you for the excellent service! It was great having David do the work!”

Thank you to our wonderful customers for taking the time to write such thoughtful letters. Also, thank you to our contractors for always putting the best interests of our customers first, never cutting corners in providing knowledgeable advice and professional service, and always showcasing how much they truly enjoy their careers.

We look forward to showing more customer appreciation through even more rebates in the future!

Spring HVAC Checklist

Your Spring HVAC Checklist

/in /by

It’s always nice to swing into the spring season and come out of hibernation with a full head of steam. Ideally, you’d like your HVAC systems to do the same, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the likely outcome.

That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, however. While in the midst of your spring-cleaning sessions, take a look at your systems and add these items to your spring HVAC checklist.

It’s Time for a Checkup

First things first, always check both your heating and cooling equipment at the beginning of a new season.

Check out both your outdoor AC Unit and your indoor HVAC system. Are they heating/cooling your home properly? Are either of them making strange sounds? Do you smell anything abnormal coming from them?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, it could be time for professional help.

Change Your Filters

Depending on the type of filters you have, you may have to change them as much as once per month. (You can see our recommendations for filter changes here). While this might seem like quite a bit of labor on your part, it can save quite a bit of money in the long run.

Dirt and dust can obstruct your HVAC system’s airflow, leading to a less efficient machine. Anytime your systems aren’t running in tip-top shape, they require more energy to heat or cool your home properly.

More energy = a higher electric bill. You do the math.

Spring Cleaning

All of your indoor HVAC components should be cleaned and lubricated to ensure that they’re operating at maximum efficiency. Blower fans and coils need to be dust and dirt free to perform at the highest level.

Outdoor systems need to undergo the same treatment, but there are other factors to consider as well. Wind and rain can carry sticks, leaves, grass, mulch, and other common outdoor home items into the crevices in your system. Like we mentioned earlier, any obstruction of airflow is detrimental to your HVAC efforts.

If either of these processes seem a little bit out of your league, don’t fret. A SMART contractor can perform a system clean and check for you, and right now we’re offering a $50 rebate for those services.

Go Green With Your HVAC System

4 Ways to Go Green With Your HVAC System

/in /by

Spring is just about here, and with it comes a whole lot of green. At SMART, we’re going green as well – and we’re starting with advice for your HVAC system. Of course, these tips are better for the environment, but they’ll allow you to keep more “green” in your wallet as well.

Here are 4 Ways to Go Green With Your HVAC System.

1) Replace Your Old System With a New One
Not only do old HVAC systems break down, they also lose efficiency as they age. The less efficient they become, the more energy they use. While any new system will outperform an old one, ENERGY STAR systems are the most efficient around. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s the right size for your home. The more it cycles on and off, the more energy is wasted.

2) Get Your Hands on a Programmable Thermostat

There aren’t many advantages to having a manual thermostat. In fact, we can’t really think of any at all. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a specific temperature during the day while you’re out and about. We recommend easing off the heating and cooling at night by about 10 degrees as well. These small changes can slash your energy usage and costs in no time.

3) Use Natural Lighting to Control Temperature

Anyone with west facing windows knows just how hot the room can get as the afternoon sets in. In winter, you can use this to your advantage, but as the weather warms up, it can become an issue. Make sure you’re utilizing your blinds, curtains, and shades effectively to heat and cool each room naturally as much as possible.

4) Make Sure Everything Is Installed Properly

While Uncle Chuck might have you convinced he can install that new unit for nothing more than a six-pack of his favorite beer – that’s probably not the best road to travel down. Even if he gets it up and running, he may not do so as effectively and efficiently as a professional undoubtedly would. It may save you money right away, but it’ll cost you in the long run. Plus, we’re currently offering a $200 rebate on all AC and furnace replacements until June 30, 2016. Take advantage while you can!

replacing your furnace

Replacing Your Furnace After Winter Is SMART: Here’s Why

/in , /by

No doubt about it, winter takes a toll on your average, everyday furnace. After running all season for years on end, your furnace has almost certainly accrued some mileage. If the repair bills are starting to mount, or if you know they’re probably right on the horizon, it makes sense to start replacing your furnace and get everything taken care of for good right now. Here’s why.

1) You’ll save money.

As mentioned above, it’s best to get ahead of repair costs. Think of your furnace as a car. You can replace the tires, the muffler, and the brakes, but that’s not going to stop the other parts from eventually breaking down. If you’ve begun the process of having your furnace fixed in one way or another, it’s only a matter of time before you’re going to need it fixed more frequently. Get ahead of it and cut your losses before it’s too late.

And speaking of saving money…

2) We’re offering an exclusive rebate.

Schedule your furnace replacement before June 30th, and we’ll toss in a $200 rebate free of charge. Take note that this specific rebate is completely exclusive to SMART customers. Many other companies will try to sell you on the manufacturer rebates that are offered to pretty much everyone. Of course, we include those too, but we’re always looking to take it one step further in an effort to make it easier on you.

3) Right now, there’s lower demand.

We’re pretty proud of our turnaround time at all times of year, but if there was ever a time to pounce on our deftness, it’s now. Many people wait until they’re huddled around their ovens in the dead of winter to schedule an appointment. Of course, that’s probably not the best way to go about it.

A small tip, if you have a pilot light, you’re way past due. Odds are your unit is at least 25 years old, which means you’ll soon be hit with hefty repair bills if you haven’t been paying them already.

So don’t wait until it breaks. Keep your house temperature regulated, keep your energy costs down, and take advantage of the timing with our exclusive rebate. Replacing your furnace after winter is SMART.

heating-costs

5 Ways to Cut Down on Your Heating Costs This Winter

/in /by

Thankfully, this winter hasn’t been anywhere near as cold as last year’s Polar Vortex. Still, that hasn’t stopped the occasional cold front from sweeping through, and without warning, the costs may have started to add up.

The good news: it’s still not too late to get started on lowering your heating costs. Here are 5 tips to get you started.

 

1) Get Your Hands on a Programmable Thermostat

If you’re looking to save some hard-earned cash, one of the easiest ways is to schedule out your heat usage. Turn your heat down during the day while you’re at work. You can also shave off a few degrees at night while you’re snuggled up in bed.

It’ll cost you a bit more initially (lower-end models only cost around $30), but you’ll make it up in no time. Doing this efficiently can save you as much as $200 per year.

 

2) Winter-proof Your Home

When was the last time you checked the caulk on your windows and doors? Every slight leak contributes to the overall heating of your home, and if you’re making your furnace work that much harder, you’re undoubtedly paying for it on the back end. Actions like wrapping your hot water heater with insulation and installing gaskets on outdoor outlets can go a long way. Weather stripping is another important method as well.

 

3) Invest in a High-efficiency HVAC System

 Just like the programmable thermostat, this one will cost you upfront, but the benefits are worth it for multiple reasons. Older systems have to work harder to produce the same amount of heat, leading to increased costs. Eliminate this and you’ll jettison the costly repair bills as well. Right now, we’re offering a $200 rebate for all furnace replacements through June 30, 2016. Take advantage while you can!

 

4) Get Your Existing HVAC System Cleaned

Have a newer system already? Make sure you get it cleaned. Even the best furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps can become clogged with dirt and dust, reducing their efficiency and costing you more money. Plus, keeping them in good condition can only help in the ongoing battle to increase their longevity. We’re currently offering a $50 rebate on all system clean and check appointments. Don’t miss out.

 

5) Limit Your Fireplace Usage

This may seem counterintuitive, as your fireplace obviously generates heat when lit. The problem lies in the chimney, as the warm air of your home will typically rise up into the night right behind the fire smoke. Just make sure that the damper is properly closed when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Need help with these? Contact your local SMART Contractor for all your HVAC needs.

extreme-temperatures-hvac

HVAC Tips to Survive Extremely Cold Temperatures

/in /by

Extreme Cold HVAC Tip #1.

Drop Your Thermostat a Few Degrees: I Want Smart recommends dropping your thermostat from your currently desired level by 3-5 degrees. This is going to allow your furnace to not work as hard as it currently is to keep your home warm. With the average household keeping their furnace set in the high 60’s and low 70’s, dropping your thermostat 3-5 degrees will be a rather unnoticeable change that will help keep your furnace running.

Extreme Cold HVAC Tip #2.

Check Your Furnace Filters: Just to remind everyone, regardless of what time of the year it is, everyone should be replacing their furnace filter at least once a month to prevent buildup of debris and making your furnace run harder than necessary. However, during extremely cold times, your furnace will be running longer than usual which could cause there to be more debris than usual that builds up on your filter. You may have to replace your furnace filter more than once a month during extended periods of cold weather. We highly recommend keeping an eye on your furnace filter to make sure that it isn’t dirty on a daily basis during periods of extremely cold temperatures.

Extreme Cold HVAC Tip #3.

Keep All Exhaust Vents Clear: It is very important to understand how your furnace’s exhaust is vented. A great example is that of 90% Efficiency Furnaces. 90% Efficiency Furnaces are mostly vented through PVC pipe where it exits your home outside shortly above ground level. It is very important to check and see if that area is clear of snow and ice, otherwise the buildup will block the exhaust and cause your furnace to not function properly.

Extreme Cold HVAC Tip #4.

Your Furnace May Still Not Warm Normally: It is entirely possible that your furnace may not be able to get your home’s temperature raised to your desired temperature on your thermostat. We would like to advise you that if this is the case, please use space heaters as a last resort as there are several safety concerns about their use. If your furnace is not warming to your desired temperature, please contact a local Smart Contractor for all your HVAC needs.