Chicago Heating and Air Conditioning News

Homeowners Guide to New Refrigerants for 2025

2025-03-31T19:32:00.003-05:00

Read the article from Lennox here.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

2022-04-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

R22 REFRIGERANT PHASE OUT
R22 is no longer produced or imported into the United States, but it still exists inside some older HVAC units. If your unit uses R22 and runs out, we still have access to the existing recycled or recovered R22 supply and can service your unit as normal, however the price of R22 has nearly doubled in the last few months and will continue to increase as supplies run out.
Ask us about R22 replacement refrigerants or updating your air conditioner to an environmentally friendly R410-A system.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

2019-01-25T15:35:00.001-06:00

In these extreme frigid temperatures, we recommend temporarily disabling the night set-back feature of your programmable thermostat (unoccupied setting on commercial stats) by using the HOLD button or by raising your night time temperature setting - especially if you have an older under insulated home or basement.

The location of the HOLD button and its features vary among makes and models. Some models, such as the Honeywell Vision Pro, shown here, have options for temporary or permanent hold durations (must be manually reset by pressing Run Program).

Lower setback temperatures may cause water pipes to freeze if located in a poorly heated space or wall, plus it may be difficult for marginal heating systems to recover from a set back temperature in extreme outdoor conditions. It should be easy to locate your model's manual online - because who keeps a thermostat manual - but feel free to contact us if you're having trouble with any model thermostat or if you would like to upgrade to a Wi-Fi model capable of remote setting and monitoring.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.
Perri-Aire.com

Rheem And American Standard Recalls Water Heaters For Fire Hazard

2016-05-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

http://www.radiantandhydronics.com/articles/87139-water-heaters-recalled-by-rheem-american-standard-for-fire-hazards

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

2015-10-08T16:41:00.001-05:00

If any gas boiler, furnace or water heater's parts have been submerged due to flooding - even only the bottom - shut off immediately and call a qualified service provider to have it inspected.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Trane Recalls Air Conditioning Systems Due to Shock Hazard (Recall Alert)

2014-08-11T15:08:00.001-05:00

Recall Summary

Name of product: Trane XB300 and American Standard Silver SI Air Conditioning Systems
Hazard:

The ground screws used in some units do not have the two threads required to provide sufficient grounding, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

This recall involves 37 models of Trane XB300 and American Standard brand Silver SI split system outdoor cooling units. The units are gray and have a black grated front. The units were sold in two sizes: 25.5 inches deep by 23.5 inches wide by 28.83 inches tall and 28.83 inches deep by 28.48 inches wide by 29.28 inches tall. The Trane or American Standard logo is affixed to the front and model numbers are printed on the silver nameplate on the back of the unit. Models included in the recall are:

2TTM3018A1000A*
2TTM3024A1000A*
2TTM3030A1000A*
2TTM3036A1000A*
2TTM3042A1000A*
2TTM3048A1000A*
2TTM3060A1000A*
4A7M3018A1000A*
4A7M3024A1000A*
4A7M3030A1000A*
4A7M3036A1000A*
4A7M3042A1000A*
4A7M3048A1000A*
4A7M3060A1000A*
4TTM3018A1000A*
4TTM3018A1000B*
4TTM3018A1000C*
4TTM3024A1000A*
4TTM3024A1000B*
4TTM3024A1000C*
4TTM3024B1000A*
4TTM3030A1000A*
4TTM3030A1000B*
4TTM3030A1000C*
4TTM3030B1000A*
4TTM3036A1000A*
4TTM3036A1000B*
4TTM3036A1000C*
4TTM3042A1000A*
4TTM3042A1000B*
4TTM3042A1000C*
4TTM3048A1000A*
4TTM3048A1000B*
4TTM3048A1000C*
4TTM3060A1000A*
4TTM3060A1000B*
4TTM3060A1000C*

*15th digit present on actual units is not represented on this list.

Consumer Contact:
Trane toll-free at (888) 731-7561 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT Sunday, or online at www.trane.com/residential and click on “XB300 Product Recall” for more information. Consumers can also log onto www.americanstandardair.com/residential and click on “XB300 Product Recall” for more information.

For more information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/Recall-Alerts/2014/Trane-Recalls-Air-Conditioning-Systems/

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Nicor Rebate Deadline

2014-05-09T09:30:00.001-05:00

Rebates for Your Home

Cash rebates are available to residential Nicor Gas customers for the installation of high-efficiency gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters and energy-efficient improvements.
Rebate amounts are determined by the equipment's efficiency rating and the installation date. Rebate amounts listed below are valid for equipment installed June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014. Additional requirements apply.

Visit Nicor for details:
http://nicorgasrebates.com/index.php/heer/rebate

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

NEW TEKMAR RADIANT HEATING TOUCHSCREEN THERMOSTATS - MORE USER FRIENDLY

2014-02-08T19:17:00.000-06:00

Tekmar finally updated their old, difficult to use, radiant floor heat thermostats. The new style features a touch screen with typical user features displayed for easy adjusting and more intuitive navigation.

Take a look at the demo here.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality radiant heating service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

2014-01-05T12:29:00.002-06:00

Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Gas fired furnaces and boilers producing small CO levels may not trigger an alarm under typical operating conditions, but when the system is running non-stop due to extreme cold weather, a small leak can become a big hazard! Also, drifting snow can block furnace air intakes and/or exhaust compounding things.

If your CO detector alarm comes on, don't keep resetting it. Check the manual so that you know the difference between an actual alarm and a low battery power indicator. If you suspect that the alarm is actually in response to high levels of carbon monoxide, alert all persons in the house or apartment, get out immediately, and call us to check your equipment.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Chicago Furnace Repair

2013-09-20T15:12:00.001-05:00

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

R-22 Refrigerant Price Drops

2013-09-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

R-22 refrigerant, which is being phased out, has significantly dropped in price presumably due to lower sales than expected earlier in the year. If you've been holding off on repairs due to the high cost of R-22, now is the time to repair that leak and recharge your system before the inevitable price increases again next cooling season.

Of course we recommend replacing R-22 systems with new high efficiency 410a refrigerant systems whenever possible.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Energy Dept. agrees to settle standards lawsuit

2013-01-15T11:28:00.000-06:00

Read the article here regarding the proposed ban on 80+ furnaces.

http://www.snipsmag.com/articles/89492-energy-dept-agrees-to-settle-standards-lawsuit

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Click here for Commercial HVAC service and repairs.

People Gas & North Shore Gas Holiday Bonus Programs

2012-10-09T19:56:00.003-05:00

Residential Prescriptive Rebate Program

Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Holiday Bonus Programs

The weather is getting colder, and homeowners and businesses are starting to pay more attention to their HVAC systems and how they can lower their natural gas bill as winter approaches. To help you make the decision to go high-efficiency, People’s Gas and North Shore Gas are offering a special bonus to customers who participate in their programs prior to the end of 2012.

Residential and C and I Prescriptive Rebate Programs

Replace your furnace or boiler by November 30, 2012 and receive double the standard rebate (attic insulation rebate excluded). For example, the standard rebate for a 95% efficient furnace is $500. With this bonus, the consumer will receive $1,000.

In addition, the Small Business Energy Savings Program is also offering a bonus program.

Visit People’s Gas for a complete list rebates.

Or visit North Shore gas for a complete list of rebates.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

New Furnace Minimum Efficiency Standard

2012-10-09T19:21:00.001-05:00

90% AFUE furnaces set to become the Legal Minimum on May 1, 2013

The DOE is implementing a regionalized system (vs. one rule for the entire country). The minimum efficiency required in Illinois will be 90% AFUE. This applies to both new construction and replacement equipment. This means that distributors are likely to start reducing their stock of 80% furnaces this winter so they are not stuck with inventory that is illegal to install.

80% AFUE furnace with sheet metal flue pipe.

If you have a furnace that has a sheet metal flue pipe that vents into a chimney, you have a furnace that has an efficiency rating of 80% AFUE or less (the percentage of heat that makes it into the home vs. the amount wasted up the chimney). After May, you will not have the option of replacing it with a similar furnace that can be vented into a chimney or vertical metal flue. The minimum efficiency furnace available will be 90% AFUE which requires venting via 2" or 3" PVC piping directly through an outside wall or through the roof.

There are many situations where this may not be practical such as finished basements where the furnace is not adjacent to an outside wall, or in condominiums that are not on the top floor of the building which may require running new PVC vent piping through neighbors' units above - between the furnace and the roof.

There are also many codes and procedures for venting 90+ furnaces which may prohibit using the closest outside wall such as: minimum height off the ground, not venting within 4 feet of a window or electrical/gas meters, or venting beneath an outdoor deck, among others. There are also complications with having a water heater being the only appliance venting into an old unlined chimney. The chimney was originally sized for a lot of heat from inefficient furnaces and water heaters being dumped into them during winter. This allowed the flue gases to make it all the way out the top of the chimney. When the furnace is updated to a 90+ and no longer vented into the chimney, there will not be enough heat from the water heater flue gases to prevent them from condensing half way up the chimney causing damage to the brick and mortar, and creating potentially hazardous conditions.

Of course we always recommend replacing an old ineffeicent furnace with a 90% or higher AFUE model as the best long term option. But for a few more months you still have a choice.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Are You Prepared For The Reduction in R-22?

2012-03-29T16:04:00.000-05:00

The U.S. EPA is proposing to significantly reduce allowances to produce and/or import virgin R-22 ranging from 11 to 47% per year over the period of 2012 to 2014 for servicing existing R-22 equipment. Under this proposal, 2012 allowances would be reduced between 55 to 80 million pounds, 2013 allowances would be reduced to between 46 to 69 million pounds and 2014 allowances would be reduced to between 36 to 58 million pounds.

Click here to download the flyer.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

December Deadline: Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades Will Expire Soon

2011-11-12T14:14:00.000-06:00

A federal tax credit for energy- and money-saving home upgrades will expire on Dec. 31. But you can beat the deadline by making energy-efficient upgrades now.

Put Energy-Efficient Upgrades in Use by Dec. 31

The tax credit in question applies to improvements “placed in service” through Dec. 31, 2011. The IRS defines “placed in service” as the point when the products or materials are fully installed and are ready for use – not the time of purchase.
So, it’s not enough just to put the order in for a new door or window by Dec. 31 – you’ve got to install it, too. The tax credit applies to how much you paid for the improvement, excluding labor for building components like windows, doors and insulation – but including labor for HVAC components like air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters. Learn more about the how the tax credits work.

What Does The Credit Apply To?

Five basic energy efficiency upgrades are among the six items that are eligible for the tax credit:

Insulation
Windows, doors and skylights
Non-solar water heaters
Metal and asphalt roofs
HVAC systems
Biomass stoves

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Last Heat Wave For This Year?

2011-08-30T19:34:00.001-05:00

Looks like temperatures will be in the 90s again later this week. If your A/C is on it's last legs, late summer through early fall is great time to replace your system. Some R-22 units are still available, and manufacturer's often give us great deals on overstock or remaining 2011 models this time of year. Call for a free estimate to replace an existing system, or for new installations.

We're still running our $99.00 air conditioning clean and check special for new customers for a few more weeks. Go to www.Perri-Aire.com or call for details.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Flood Recovery: Heating, Air Conditioning, Water Heaters

2011-07-28T14:21:00.000-05:00

Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert

Submerged gas control valves, circuit breakers, and fuses pose
explosion and fire hazard! Replace all gas control valves, circuit breakers, and fuses that have been under water:
GAS CONTROL VALVES on furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances that have been under water are unfit for continued use. If they are used, they could cause a fire or an explosion. Silt and corrosion from flood water can damage internal components of control valves and prevent proper operation. Gas can leak and result in an explosion or fire. Replace ALL gas control valves that have been under water.
Read the full CPSC alert here.

Here's another informative article from the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Guess Which Cities Are The Least Green

2011-07-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

Guess Which Cities Are The Least Green
The U.S. and Canada Green City Index, part of a research project conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, recently released its ranking of cities throughout North America regarding their environmental performance. Click the link above to check out the cities that excel in green and the ones that are ranked at the bottom (via www.siemens.com).

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

A Bad A/C Installation - 1st Entry In "The Wall Of Shame"

2011-06-18T13:24:00.000-05:00

Interested in upgrading your central air conditioning system? It's difficult to compare estimates, and to make sure you are comparing apples to apples with different manufacturer's equipment and models. But that's only half of the equation. How do you compare installation quality, performance, efficiency and follow up service? You can't until it's too late - if you choose the wrong HVAC contractor.

The picture to the right is of a melted air conditioning evaporator coil that was improperly installed. The newer coils have plastic drain pans which are great for eliminating rusting, but they must be installed several inches above the heat exchanger with proper airflow resulting from correctly sized duct work.

Installing heating and air conditioning equipment (especially high efficiency models) is a complex procedure and there are many factors that effect the performance, energy efficiency and longevity of the new equipment. No two systems are alike, and only highly trained technicians and installers can readily identify and correct problems with preexisting system components during an installation or service call.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service and installations in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Air Conditioning Repair Scams

2011-05-16T13:12:00.000-05:00

Shopping for a cheap air conditioning "Tune Up" for your home or business?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Beware of low price specials, $39 - $49 A/C clean and checks, and companies that charge by flat rate pricing. An honest, qualified HVAC company pays their skilled service technicians a good hourly wage that necessitates charging a competitive price which allows the company to make money and stay in business without having to resort to high pressure sales, or bait and switch tactics.

Call Perri-Aire for Honest, Fast, Quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Testament To Maintenance

2011-05-06T00:07:00.001-05:00

A 60 year old Bell & Gossett series 100 circulator pump, that lasted until yesterday. The series 100 was the workhorse of residential hot water boiler circulators from about the 1950's well into the '80s and beyond. Although re-manufactured versions are still available, newer design wet rotor types are the norm - available from many manufacturers like B&G, Taco, and Grundfoss. Wilo energy saving smart pumps take technology a few giant leaps further, automatically adjusting to suit demand on various applications.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, expert boiler service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

R-22 Air Conditioner Condensing Units from $839.00

2011-05-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

ONE DAY ONLY SALE!!! Wednesday May 4th, from 9:00am - 4:00pm.
Aire-Flo (a division of Lennox) R-22 "dry charge" condensing units compatible with older R-22 central air conditioning systems. 1.5 - 5 ton units available while limited supply lasts. 1.5 ton units from $839.00 plus installation.

Call for an estimate for installation cost - tax not included in sale price.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

To Fix It Or Replace It - That Is The Question

2011-04-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

We see many residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems that have reached, or are well past, their life expectancy that are in need of serious repairs. Many HVAC companies' first inclination is to recommend replacement of the unit, and in many cases that is the most cost effective solution in the long term. However, especially in this economy, it is not possible for many businesses and home owners to shell out several thousand dollars for a new heating and/or cooling system.

We always provide our customers with an option to repair or rebuild the system as well as an estimate for replacement, and provide as many options as possible. We have repaired many systems that were considered "beyond repair" by our competitors, and we've rebuilt large commercial rooftop units that original equipment manufacturers' parts were no longer available for, by retrofitting with universal replacement parts.

Some repairs are just beyond the capability of some companies and service technicians. Call an expert and know all of your options upfront.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality commercial and residential HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Principles of Refrigeration

2011-04-17T15:49:00.000-05:00

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.