Awesome dog

4 Practices to Keep Pets Cool This Summer

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Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet, from hiking to playing Frisbee to going for a sunset run. However, every pet owner should be aware of the many health risks associated with too much heat exposure. Exposing your pet to excessive sun and high temperatures without proper defense can lead to sunburned skin, heat stroke, exhaustion, dehydration, and in extreme cases death. Protect your pet’s well-being with these top four summer-savvy tips.

Turn up the AC
Animals are unable to cool themselves properly in excessive heat and humidity, so it’s important as a pet owner to provide a cool and comfortable living space for your pet. Heat stroke can set in at temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Before leaving the house, check the forecast and set the thermostat to an appropriate temperature. By keeping the air conditioning running while you are out, it will ensure your pet’s body temperature stays at a safe level.
Never leave your pet in a parked car on a hot day without the air conditioning running. Experts advise owners to leave pets at home in the AC, rather than risk putting the animal at harm. Even with leaving a window cracked, the temperature inside your vehicle can reach dangerous levels.

Prepare for power outages
Chicago has seen heightened levels of rain this summer and a few intense storms. In case of a potential power outage, owners should create a disaster plan to keep pets safe from overheating and other temperature-related complications. This plan can include having a battery-operated desk fan on hand, chilling freezer packs to place in their beds, standby home generator, and keeping drapes and curtains closed. It’s important to keep air circulating, even during power outages.

Plenty of water available
Dehydration is one of the main things that can plague a pet during the summer. Owners should ensure pets have adequate amounts of fresh and clean water readily available to them.

Keep them indoors
While your pet might want to run around outside, you should limit their exercise outdoors to times during the day when the sun is not at its hottest. Early in the morning or in the evening is the optimal time, as the outdoor temperature will have naturally cooled down. Other than that, they should be kept inside.

It’s vital to keep your pet safe and hydrated when humidity or temperatures reach dangerous highs. I Want Smart is committed to helping families—including your furry best friends—stay safe, comfortable and cool during the summer months.

Keep your family and pets cool this summer and contact an I Want Smart technician near you for a consultation, installation, maintenance check or repair.

Air conditioner

Five AC Techniques for Staying Cool This Summer

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Summertime heat is nearing its peak, with close to triple-digit temperatures threatening some serious overtime on your AC unit. These simple cooling tips are sure to save you money and extend the life of your air conditioner.

Professional tune-up
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, AC units function at a higher efficiency when provided with annual tune-ups. A simple tune-up in many cases can save up to five percent on your electric bill, offsetting the cost of the service.

Regular cleaning
Yep, that’s right your AC unit necessitates regular cleaning both inside and outside. Expect to change the filters about once a month, but be sure not to let it go more than 60 days. Take time to maintain the outside of your unit as well; examples include hosing off your condenser and sweeping around and under it to keep it free from dirt. Keeping your unit in a shaded area helps to reduce the intensity at which the unit has to work to continue cooling.

Programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great investment for automating your home temperature throughout the day, while allowing for savings on the power bill. Replace your system when you start to discover system degrade—don’t end up stranded on a triple-digit heat wave to replace or repair your system.

Check for leaks
Ensure unit is working effectively by checking hoses for any leakage on the outside of your house. If vents are leaking, make sure you seal to allow cool air to travel to your home properly.

Alternative cooling ideas
Using different methods to cool your home when temperatures are less intense is a great way to give your AC a break. Look to install ceiling fans and heavy drapes to keep rooms at a more comfortable temperature. Finally, its summer, so time to fire up the grill and leave the oven until temperatures cool. By avoiding the oven in the summer, it keeps your kitchen cooler.

Hopefully these tips are beneficial for enjoying this summer weather in the comforts of perfect room temperatures, all season long. Call I Want Smart today, and let professional and passionate HVAC experts bring you the best-in-market air conditioning.

HVAC contractor

Preventive HVAC Maintenance is a Cost-effective Investment

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Summers in Chicago can reach 100+ degrees and sweltering humidity. Now imagine that you’re returning home from a 10-hour day and greeted by an AC outage—the kids are complaining and the unit is unrepairable. Investing in proper preventive HVAC maintenance could have avoided this untimely and costly emergency repair.

Perhaps you own commercial real estate, and you are trying to lease an office space that lacks proper ventilation and air circulation. No one is going to want to work in that space, let alone lease it. Employing a predictive HVAC maintenance program is essential for not only preventing emergency repairs, but also extending your equipment’s lifespan, reducing utility bills, and improving the building’s overall air quality.

The HVAC system is the building’s nerve center, its lifeblood. Without efficient heating, cooling and ventilation, a building would be uninhabitable. A well-maintained HVAC system removes stale gases from a building and provides a steady stream of fresh, oxygen-rich air. While the owner’s manual can help solve very basic tasks, it’s important to note that the HVAC system is extremely complex. A sloppy HVAC installation can result in faulty ductwork…among other things. Avoid costly and potentially hazardous mistakes, and receive the expert care you deserve from the professionals at I WANT SMART.

Regain the comfort and ease of a properly functioning HVAC system, while saving money on preventive maintenance and cleaning. Take advantage of I WANT SMART’s network of qualified contractors and technicians with a limited time $50 rebate offer. But don’t delay—the rebate offer is only available until June 30th!

So make the smart investment in preventive HVAC maintenance today. Simply fill out our short rebate form found HERE and receive a $50 rebate check in the mail.

Happy family

Superior HVAC Service at an Affordable Price

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I Want SMART formed with one linear goal in mind—to connect the residents of Illinois with the best talent in HVAC services.  Our contractors lead the industry in nationally recognized certification, having trained at a state-of-the-art, U.S. Department of Labor accredited facility.

HVAC is one of the most complex systems in your home. The staff at I WANT SMART understands the safety implications associated with HVAC systems that are not installed or serviced correctly. From potential carbon monoxide poisoning to an electric control failure in your AC unit, safety is absolutely critical. Our technicians are true experts in their field, professionally trained to handle the complex nature of heating, cooling and ventilation. Every single contractor is held to the highest industry standards and expected to deliver the best-in-quality service.

SMART understands the importance of having a properly functioning HVAC, especially when dealing with the erratic weather patterns of Chicago climate. We care about the communities in which we live. So to help keep prices down, we offer competitive pricing packages. In addition, several rebates are offered throughout the course of the year. So be sure to keep an eye out.

When you’re ready to hire an HVAC service provider for maintenance, repairs or a new installation, look no further than the professionals at iwantsmart.com

HVAC contractor

How Much Does Installing a New Air Conditioner Cost?

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The heat of Chicago’s summer is rapidly approaching, with the latest outlook from the Climate Prediction Center calling for hotter-than-normal temps. As temperatures start to climb, now is a good time to look at installing a new air conditioner.

When choosing a cooling system, it’s important to look at both function and costs. Newer models of AC units are built to be quieter and more powerful than their older counterparts, which can offer greater long-term value and return on investment. It’s important to remember that each grade higher in the cooling system comes with a corresponding cost. So how much does it really cost to install a new air conditioner?

There are several types of cooling systems to choose from, including window units, split systems, central air and portable units. When starting the process, first take a look at the size of your home, as this is a main determinant in the type of air conditioning system that you will need. The general rule is that every 500 or 600 square feet requires one ton of cooling; this number can vary based on individual contractors practice and the envelop tightness of your home.

For a smaller home, a window air conditioning unit would be a cost-effective cooling solution. Average costs of installing a window unit range between $150 and $300, depending upon the size. Although a more reasonable price, window units are going to be a lot less powerful compared with central air.

If your home is larger with multiple rooms and floors, you will probably need to have a central air conditioning system installed. The costs will depend on the Equipment and any additional items you might need installed, such as ductwork and the technician’s installation rates. On average, most homeowners spend between $3,500 and $7,000, according to data reported by HomeAdvisor members.

Source: http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/install-an-ac-unit/

So if your AC isn’t ready to combat this year’s heat wave, SMART has you covered. We offer a residential rebate program that pays a cash rebate whenever you hire a SMART contractor from our site to replace part or all of your heating and cooling system. Save a total of $400 with the installation of a new air conditioner and furnace replacement.

Make sure you are prepped and ready for the summer heat with a cooling system that meets your needs. Take advantage of SMART’s rebate program that has given over 3 million dollars and counting in rebates back to local homeowners just like you.

Save on HVAC Spring Service

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When was the last time you had your HVAC system inspected…professionally that is? If the answer is last fall, last year, or perhaps never, then it’s time to consider just how important proper care of your HVAC is in the protection of your home.

As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have a qualified contractor inspect and adjust your HVAC equipment every spring and fall to maximize the system’s lifespan and efficiency performance. From the assessment of unit wiring and electrical disconnect to the calibration of your thermostat, a professional HVAC inspection will check that all aspects of your HVAC system are running properly and safely.

Not only does a well-maintained HVAC system improve product performance, but it greatly benefits energy efficiency. Households and commercial space that implement proper HVAC maintenance will use at least 15 to 20 percent less energy than those systems left to deteriorate.

Preventative maintenance is unquestionably the best defense for your home. This is especially important as we head closer to the warmer months, when our AC units will be working overtime. SMART is offering customers—for a limited time only—a $50 rebate when scheduling a cleaning and maintenance inspection with one of their partnering contractors.

There’s no time to delay! This rebate expires on June 15, so be sure to take advantage of this special before it’s too late. To receive your rebate, just head over to IWANTSMART.com and complete the short form.

So what are you waiting for? Give your AC unit a little TLC this spring, while saving some money on HVAC maintenance.

Energy Saving Tips for your HVAC system on Earth Day

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For many, the month of April is symbolic of the start of spring and the blossoming of life after a long dreary winter. April also celebrates a day of reflection for the preservation and health of our planet, observed on the 22nd. Since its creation in 1969, Earth Day has grown into a worldwide effort for what we can all do in our daily lives to make the world a better place.  As this year’s Earth Day approaches, it’s important to understand as individual inhabitants of this planet that it’s the little actions we do that can make all the difference.

 

Every action no matter how small can directly impact our environment. And the proper care of our HVAC system, which comprises 46% (almost half!) of our combined energy uses, is an area we can all make a real difference. The professionals at SMART are trained in the proper maintenance and efficient operation of your HVAC systems. We have provided four helpful tips to conserve energy and ensure your HVAC system is running as smoothly as possible.

 

1) Change your air filter regularly

Change your air filter monthly or as required by your system’s manufacturer (consider changing more often if you have pets as hair and dander can clog air filters more quickly). A dirty air filter makes your system work harder and not as efficiently as possible, which can increase your energy use and put undue contaminants into the environment.

 

 2) Tune up HVAC equipment

Tune ups are an important aspect of maintaining the health of your HVAC equipment, as this system is one of the most important investments in your home. Consider scheduling a regular tune up, from a trained HVAC professional, of your heating and cooling system before the winter or summer months when use will increase. The more energy your system uses, the more money you will pay in energy costs. In the long run, this low cost option can improve its efficiency and catch problems before they become costly.

 

 3) Install a programmable thermostat

Have you ever fallen asleep or headed off to work and forgotten to adjust your thermostat? These are self-adjusting and allow you to precisely control the temperature in your home. You can program it to use less energy while you’re away or asleep at night.

 

4) Seal heating and cooling ducts

The sealing of your heating and cooling ducts is vital to the health of your HVAC system. Ducts are designed to move air from your heating and cooling system through the space of your home. Did you know that a typical residence’s ductwork can leak up to 30 percent of its airflow? That is a lot of wasted energy and money that could have been easily prevented simply by sealing your ductwork. Duct sealing eliminates air loss, improving system efficiency that can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 15 percent.

 

By performing these simple tasks not only can you save money on your heating and cooling needs, but you can reduce your carbon footprint and make the earth a better place for us all.

 

Be a positive impact on the environment. Contact a SMART professional near you to learn more on how you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Top Benefits of HVAC preventive maintenance

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HVAC Preventive Maintenance: What’s it worth?

Preventive maintenance…is it really worth it in the long run? A question that most home owners, landlords and hoteliers alike contemplate when looking to hire an HVAC contractor. The answer? Peace of mind, long-term savings, trouble-free operation. It is important to note that you can prevent problems and costly emergency service requests by keeping your system well maintained. This is particularly poignant if you are a landlord or hotelier, where your business is offering accommodations to paying customers. You can’t have an unreliable furnace, or a constantly malfunctioning air conditioner. It just wouldn’t look good, or provide good customer relations.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the potential benefits of preventive maintenance and quantify the importance of partnering yourself with reliable, smart HVAC contractors near you.

Increased Energy Efficiency. The use of high-performance HVAC equipment can result in considerable energy, emissions and cost savings of between 10%-40%—according to Whole Building Design Guide, a program of the National Institute of Building Sciences. So, why not give your equipment the ability to run at peak performance, while benefitting from lowered monthly utility bills and increased annual savings with energy efficient operations?

Extended Equipment Lifespan. Equipment that is clogged with dirt, dust and grime has to work much harder and longer to create the same amount of heating or cooling, which leads to early burnout and failure. Don’t spend more on preventable replacements and frequent component change-outs. Spend smarter on preventive maintenance to extend the shelf life of your existing heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.

Improved Air Quality. Indoor air quality can be affected by dirty coils and blower parts within your air conditioning unit. This raises many health-related concerns, such as pollen, fungi and bacteria buildup, that you could be breathing in on an everyday basis. This sort of buildup can trigger asthma attacks; eye, nose, and throat irritation; and flu-like illnesses. Regular cleaning of these components significantly reduces contamination of your airstream and makes for a healthier household and happier living environment.

Decreased Costly Repairs. Scheduling regular maintenance can greatly reduce the potential for a costly service down the road by as much as 95%. Although it is impossible to avoid all HVAC repair situations, preventive care can save a lot of money on unanticipated heating and cooling emergencies.

Remember, prevention is always better than the cure. The benefits of preventive maintenance are certainly telling, with all leading to big savings in time and money. By scheduling a pre-season maintenance visit, it allows enough time for any repairs to be completed prior to a serious weather change like summer, which is right around the corner.

Contact SMART today and inquire about a maintenance plan. A qualified SMART contractor will get you ready for summer’s heat, guaranteed.

5 Easy HVAC Spring Cleaning Steps That Will Reduce Your Summer Energy Bill

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HVAC Spring Cleaning Steps:

It might not feel like it yet, but spring is just around the corner, and that means summer will be hot on its heels. So when it’s time for spring cleaning, if you are just paying attention to the parts of the house that you can see, you are only doing half of the job. When you maintain large appliances, like your HVAC unit, each spring, your entire house will be clean and dust free. Additionally, by taking some time to work on your air conditioning unit, you will ensure that it is ready to go when the first hot summer day arrives. Here are five tips for getting your HVAC unit ready for another season of service.

1.     Filters

Filters are the first step in keeping dirt and grime off the moving parts of your air conditioning unit. You may want to buy a case of filters and stash them in the closet since they need to be changed monthly when the HVAC unit is in regular use. Dirty filters will affect the energy efficiency of your unit, and they can also make the air conditioner freeze up. Additionally, keeping the filter clean will reduce the dust and allergens in your indoor air.

2.     The Outdoor Unit

Check around the outdoor part of your unit (known as the condenser). Trim back any shrubbery and plants at least one foot away from the unit or you can check the manufacturer’s recommendations, and remove any miscellaneous items from around the unit to make sure that the air can flow through the screens unimpeded. You may want to take a leaf blower and blow out any dirt or leaves from the inside of the cage or vacuum them out. Either way a clean unit runs more efficient.

3.     Ductwork

If you are able, you should crawl under the house, go into the attic, or head into the basement and examine your ductwork. Any holes mean that you are wasting money by allowing conditioned air to escape to the outdoors. Patch these holes with duct tape or caulk. This will improve the air flow in your ducts, which will increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit.

4.       Install a programmable thermostat

If everything above is working properly, then there’s one more easy way to help you save money. Programmable thermostats are an easy way to eliminate the money-sink of heating or cooling your house when nobody is home. These adjust temperature at pre-set intervals, allowing you to save on energy costs during the day, and to set the perfect temperature for sleeping. Many newer models even come with phone or tablet applications. Some new systems can automatically detect when you’re at home and when you’re not, thereby eliminating the need for programming. These systems are more expensive, but can pay for themselves in a few years. Traditional programmable thermostats don’t offer the same level of convenience, but will often pay for themselves in a much smaller amount of time.(If you’re not quite sure if you can tackle a thermostat change call a professional for help).

5.    Test Your Unit

Before the temperatures get too hot, you may want to switch on the unit for a few hours to make sure that it is working properly. If you don’t find out that there is a problem until the first hot day of summer, you may have to sweat for a while until a technician can make it to your home.

Schedule Your Maintenance Appointment

While you can do these basic things to help maintain your system, you should call a professional each spring to check your unit and make sure that it is working properly. This appointment will lengthen the life of your unit and improve the unit’s efficiency. You may want to sign up for a maintenance plan. If you do find that something that needs attention, or if you need assistance with any of the above, call a SMART contractor today. We’ll be happy to get you ready for the warm weather ahead!

Heating your home during these bitterly cold days is crucial

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When trouble hits and it will, you’ll hear unwelcome phrases like; Cracked Heat Exchanger, bad board, dangerous fumes, possible fire, your furnace needs to be replaced and all you can think is – What will this cost me and can I trust you…

Finally, the best trained professionals in the industry who bring you Value, Quality and Trust can all be found in one spot, I Want SMART.com

The industry experts at I Want Smart dot com not only provide you with fast, accurate heating repairs, they are known for their integrity and building relationships that last a lifetime.

Find a SMART Contractor this season (Click HERE)

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