During the cooling process, your air conditioner extracts gallons of water from the air each day. If everything's working properly, the water flows outdoors through the condensate drain system. When certain conditions exist, A/C condensate drain problems can cause bad odors, mold growth or property damage from water backups. Learning how to combat three common drain system issues can help you avoid messy cleanups, costly repairs and the risk of health problems.

Drain Trap Problems

If the condensate drain lines tie into the main sewer line, there's a U-shaped trap located just beyond the air handler that normally contains water to keep sewer gas from backing up into the HVAC system. If the water evaporates because you haven't run the A/C in a while or your gravity-fed drain doesn't have enough incline, you may notice unpleasant odors coming from the registers whenever the blower cycles on. Your HVAC technician can easily identify the cause and correct the problem.

Unhealthy Mold Growth

The A/C drainage system offers mold the perfect growth environment with warmth, moisture and a steady supply of airborne food particles. Once mold is established in the pan and drain lines, it can easily infiltrate the ductwork and degrade your indoor air quality. If mold reaches the evaporator coil, it can clog up narrow passages and block crucial airflow. Keeping up with yearly professional A/C maintenance and regularly cleaning the collector pan and drain lines is the best way to control mold.

Damaging Backups and Floods

Algae growth is another frequent issue in the collector pan and drain lines. An overgrowth of algae can easily form a blockage in the line. When condensate can't drain away it will back up, overflow the pan and flood the surrounding area. If you don't find the problem right away, flooding can cause significant property damage. Cleaning the pan and thoroughly flushing the lines twice a year can help prevent blockages and the damage caused by condensate backups.

For expert help solving A/C condensate drain problems in your northwest Chicago suburbs home, contact the HVAC pros at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C condensate drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Ron and Joe/Shutterstock”

The post Are You Aware of These 3 Common A/C Condensate Drain Problems? appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

An air conditioning system is a huge investment, and when treated properly, it should last for 15 years or more. To extend the life span of your system, here are a few things to stop doing to your A/C.

Avoiding Regular Maintenance

In order to keep running efficiently and avoid problems in the future, your air conditioner requires regular routine maintenance. Having a qualified HVAC contractor inspect your system at least once a year is a trivial amount to spend compared to replacing a cooling system that has failed prematurely. During the visit, your HVAC contractor will clean the evaporator and condenser coils, clean the blower fan, check the refrigerant levels, change the air filter, and inspect the electrical system, among other things.

Forgetting to Change the Air Filter

One of the simplest ways to extend the life of your A/C is to check the air filter often. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow in the system, reducing efficiency by up to 15 percent and forcing the system to work harder to keep your home cool. The added effort can cause premature wear on the compressor, blower fan and other vital components. To keep your system running efficiently, check the air filter monthly and change it when necessary. A clean air filter also helps improve indoor air quality.

Allowing the Evaporator Coil to Freeze

Poor airflow or inadequate refrigerant levels can cause ice to start forming on the evaporator coil. This can reduce the cooling performance of the system and force it to work harder, which can lead to a damaged compressor or blower fan. If the evaporator coil is frozen, shut the system off at the breakers and call a professional HVAC contractor to inspect the system.

Common causes of a frozen evaporator coil include a dirty air filter, blocked vents, air duct obstructions, a dirty evaporator coil, refrigerant leaks or inadequate refrigerant levels.

To learn about other things to stop doing to your A/C, contact our cooling experts at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning. We've been serving our customers in the northwest Chicago suburbs since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “dgbomb/Shutterstock”

The post Doing These 3 Things Could Harm Your A/C appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

Summers in the greater Chicago area can be steamy, and we rely on our air conditioners to get us through the worst of it. When temperatures are in the lower 90s and the humidity is high, it's no time to have your cooling system break down. The best way to ensure your cooling system hums along throughout the summer is to schedule A/C maintenance.

The best time for preventive maintenance is in the spring before you turn on the A/C, but you can schedule it anytime. Even though when we're well into summer, your HVAC technician can tune up the system so it runs more efficiently. Should any parts be wearing out, the service technician can replace them or make minor repairs as needed so that you avoid more costly problems down the line.

Air Conditioner Checkup

Air conditioner maintenance should start with checking the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant will impede the cooling process and can lead to compressor problems. If low refrigerant levels are detected, that means there may be a leak, and your technician should check it out.

An A/C checkup should also include examination of the indoor evaporator coils and outdoor condenser coils to make sure they're clean. Dirty coils make the system run longer as the A/C struggles to cool the home. The service technician should also clean and adjust the blower components to ensure good airflow.

Other tasks that should also be performed regularly on the HVAC system include checking the thermostat and controls for proper operation; lubricating moving parts to eliminate friction; checking the condensate drain for obstructions that might cause leaks in your home, as well as the A/C failing to remove humidity from the home; measuring voltage and currents on motors; and tightening electrical connections to ensure safe operation.

Homeowners should also complete a few A/C maintenance tasks on their own, including regularly changing the air filter and clearing away weeds and other debris around the outdoor compressor unit.

For more information on A/C maintenance, contact Ibbotson Heating and Air Conditioning. We've served the northwest Chicago suburbs since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “thodonal88/Shutterstock”

The post What Your Arlington Heights HVAC Pro Should Inspect During Routine A/C Maintenance appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

If you're replacing the HVAC equipment in your home, learning more about heating and cooling loads can help you understand how the equipment is sized. The term "load" refers to the amount of heating and cooling your home needs. There are three kinds of loads that come into play when sizing new HVAC equipment.

Design Load

The Manual J software an HVAC contractor uses to calculate the proper equipment output is based on many constants like orientation and insulation R-values. The contractor also inputs the design conditions, which are the seasonal indoor and outdoor temperatures specific to our local climate. If your HVAC pro mentions the term "design load," you'll know he's referring to the air conditioning or heating equipment output that's based on local design conditions. It's unlikely that your home will be at these ideal design conditions very often, but they're an essential guideline for equipment sizing.

Extreme Load

Our humid continental climate produces some extreme temperature variations depending on the season. It's typically hot and muggy in the summer, and temperatures have reached 109 degrees. The lowest winter temperature ever recorded is -27 degrees. These are the extreme loads your HVAC system may face, but calculating equipment output based on these temperatures would result in oversizing.

Instead, Manual J calculations add about 15 to 20 percent to the design conditions so the equipment can keep your home comfortable in rare extreme load situations. Insulating well and air sealing the home's exterior envelope are also critical to help the HVAC equipment maintain comfort.

Part Load

For about 99 percent of its service life, your HVAC equipment operates under part load conditions where its full capacity isn't used because outdoor temperatures are lower than sizing calculation design conditions. Since most HVAC equipment has a fixed output, this can lead to temperature inconsistencies and excess humidity issues. Purchasing HVAC equipment with variable-speed technology or installing a whole-house dehumidifier can help solve these issues.

To learn how heating and cooling loads impact comfort and energy efficiency in your northwest Chicago suburban home, contact the HVAC experts at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heating and cooling loads and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Rafael Croonent/Shutterstock”

The post Do You Know About the 3 Kinds of Heating and Cooling Loads? appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause a wide range of health issues -- from allergies, eye irritation and nasal congestion to asthma, lung cancer and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The following tips for improving IAQ in all rooms of your home can help you maintain a healthier living environment.

• Bedrooms: Use allergy-proof mattress covers and pillow covers to discourage dust mite infestations. Launder all washable bedding weekly in hot water.
• Living room: Add air-purifying house plants, and take extra care when watering to prevent mold growth in the soil. Avoid using a wood-burning stove or fireplace that expels combustion debris and smoke.
• Kitchen: Run a vented exhaust fan to rid the air of moisture and fumes while cooking. Keep the refrigerator drip pan cleaned out to prevent mold growth.
• Bathrooms: Use mold-resistant paint or tile on walls. Run the exhaust fan when showering or bathing, and wipe down the enclosure after use to keep mold in check. If you see signs of mold on the shower curtain or bath mats, replace them right away.
• Basement: Deal with water infiltration problems promptly. Remove carpeting if it becomes damp before mold develops. If humidity is high, consider having a whole-house dehumidifier installed.
• Laundry room: Make sure the clothes dryer ducting is properly secured and vents directly outdoors to expel moisture.

In addition to taking the above steps in specific rooms, follow these tips throughout the house to help everyone breathe healthier air.

• Keep humidity in a healthy 30 to 50 percent range.
• Damp dust all surfaces, vacuum using HEPA filtration and wet mop hard floors at least weekly.
• Avoid using cleaners, paints and household products containing volatile organic compounds.
• Investigate your options for installing a whole-house air cleaner on the HVAC system to remove biological contaminants, airborne chemicals, mold spores and other harmful substances.
• Have HVAC equipment and combustion appliances serviced annually to reduce the risk of CO exposure.

For more tips on improving IAQ in all rooms of your northwest Chicago suburban home, contact the experts at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about IAQ and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “CGinspiration/Shutterstock”

The post Tips for Improving IAQ in All Rooms of Your Arlington Heights Home appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

The variable continental climate around the northwest Chicago suburbs makes home comfort equipment particularly important, so the question "What is HVAC?" is bound to come up. Knowing the answer will help you make smart choices about heating and cooling your home.

Heating and Air Conditioning for Temperature Control

The "H" and "AC" in HVAC stand for "heating" and "air conditioning," respectively. In most area homes, heating is provided by a furnace that burns gas, propane or another fuel to create heat. A fan in the indoor unit draws in room air, which picks up heat and flows out into the ducts.

Cooling is provided by an air conditioner that consists of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil connected by a set of refrigerant tubes and electrical wires. Refrigerant fluid circulates through the system, absorbing heat as it passes through the evaporator, then flowing to the outdoor unit to release the heat.

A heat pump is another option for heating and cooling. This equipment uses the same components as an air conditioner, but it also includes a reversing valve that lets the refrigerant flow in two directions. This allows the heat pump to move heat both out of your home for summer cooling and into your home for winter heating.

Ventilation for Good Indoor Air Quality

The "V" in HVAC stands for "ventilation." Sufficient ventilation provides controlled airflow through your home, which is necessary to prevent a buildup of humidity and air contaminants that could harm your health and damage your house. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans provide basic ventilation, but it's rarely enough in our humid urban area. Your home is likely to do better with a balanced ventilation system, such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), which uses electric fans to provide continuous airflow.

Good attic ventilation also helps maintain your home's temperature and air quality. A ventilation professional can tell you if your attic's ventilation is doing its job.

For a more detailed answer to the question "What is HVAC?," contact us at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Thinglass/Shutterstock”

The post What Is HVAC and Why Should I Know What It Means? appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

Keeping the A/C condensate drain clean is critical to prevent mold or algae blockages that can cause problems in your home, like musty odors, excess humidity or costly water damage. Many homeowners prefer to have their HVAC pro inspect and clean the drainage system periodically, but you can also tackle this essential maintenance chore yourself.

How to Clean an A/C Condensate Drain

All you'll need are a wet/dry vacuum, a few cleaning rags, regular household vinegar and a small funnel. Once you've gathered these items, cleaning the drain can be accomplished in a few simple steps:

• Shut off the air conditioner at both the circuit breaker and thermostat.
• Go to the indoor air handler unit and find the condensate collector pan situated beneath it. It may be necessary to remove a panel on the air handler to access the pan.
• If the pan contains any standing water, it usually indicates the condensate drain lines are blocked. Empty the pan and give it a thorough cleaning with soap and water.
• Taking the wet/dry vacuum with you, head outside and locate the end of the A/C drain line. You'll likely find it sticking out through the exterior wall close to the outdoor condenser unit.
• Remove the drain line cover and put the suction end of the vacuum hose over the opening. Switch on the vacuum and let it run for at a minute or two to suction out the blockage in the line. Look inside the vacuum canister to make sure you've removed the clog, then replace the drain cover.
• Go back to the indoor unit, locate the access outlet for the drain line and remove the cover. Insert the funnel and pour one cup of vinegar into the line. Wait at least 30 minutes, then thoroughly flush the drain with water.
• Have a helper check whether water is flowing out through the exterior end of the line as you're flushing to make sure you've cleared the blockage.

For more expert advice about keeping the A/C condensate drain clean in your northwest Chicago suburban home, contact us at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about condensate drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Syaheir Azizan/Shutterstock”

The post Tips for Keeping the A/C Condensate Drain Clean appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

Your air filter is the last thing you’d expect to get wet, but it can happen. A soggy air filter can be just as troublesome as a clogged filter. Not only does it restrict the airflow your A/C system needs to operate, but can also trigger mold and mildew growth. Solving this problem means learning about the most common causes of a wet air filter, as well as how to properly handle it.

What Causes It?

As your A/C’s evaporator coil removes latent heat from the air, it also pulls moisture from the air. This moisture condenses into liquid form and, under normal circumstances, lands inside of the condensate drain pan where it harmlessly travels down the drain pipe.

A clogged drain line could easily cause the pan to overflow with condensate, allowing water to make contact with the air filter. A cracked drain pan could also spell trouble for your air filter, as can improper installation That allows condensate to spill out of the pan.

Ways You Can Prevent It from Happening

If you’re confronted with a wet air filter, simply remove the filter and dry the surrounding area with a towel or wet/dry vacuum. Next, visually inspect the condensate pan for any leaks or other signs of an overflow. Don’t forget to replace the air filter with a new one once you’re done.

Regularly scheduled maintenance by a qualified professional is the best way of keeping your air filter high and dry. Your HVAC technician will be on the lookout for small problems that could quickly turn into big ones.

To learn more about the common causes of a wet air filter, contact us at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Mathias Rosenthal/Shutterstock”

The post Learn the Common Causes of a Wet Air Filter and What to Do About It appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

Correctly setting your thermostat to the optimal fan setting can have a major affect on your comfort and energy bills, especially in the continental climate around the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Why Choose "Auto?"

Most thermostats let you choose between "auto," which turns the fan on when heating or cooling kicks on, and "on," which keeps the fan running all the time. Despite some disadvantages, "auto" is usually optimal for energy efficiency and comfort.

• Energy savings: The fan will run only as needed and at the lowest speed needed.
• Longer filter life: The air filter will last longer when it doesn't have air constantly passing through.
• Uneven air distribution: When the air stops moving, hot and cold spots can form.
• More motor wear: Frequent stops and starts wear out the motor faster.

Why Choose "On?"

Setting your thermostat to "on" is useful for shorter periods to relieve a feeling of stuffiness or to clean the air after you've been dusting or vacuuming. It has many disadvantages, though, so it shouldn't be your default setting.

• Greater air cleaning: The more times your air passes through the filter and air purification system, the cleaner it becomes.
• Improved air distribution: When the air is kept moving, you're less likely to have hot and cold spots form around your house.
• High costs: An air handler fan uses around 10 times the energy of a floor-standing fan, so it can run up your electric bill fast.
• Hot air in summer, cold air in winter: When the system's not heating or cooling, air passing through the ducts picks up heat from or loses heat to the surround area.
• Increased humidity: Leaving the fan all the time can cause the A/C to run for a shorter periods, or short cycle. When this happens, the system won't have enough time to remove humidity.
• Wasted conditioned air: If your home has air leaks, as many do, leaving the fan on can increase air leakage from your house.

For more tips on setting your thermostat for savings and comfort, contact us at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “lucadp/Shutterstock”

The post Setting Your Thermostat: The Difference Between “Auto” and “Fan On” appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.

Planning a vacation? If so, you may be looking at ways to make your home more energy efficient while you're gone. Should you turn the air conditioner off or turn the thermostat way up? What about the water heater and the plumbing? There's a lot to think about before you fly away. Following are a few tips to get you started.

Air Conditioner

You've probably heard conflicting information on whether it's better to turn the A/C off while you're away or to turn up the thermostat to save energy. The answer is that it depends. In a humid climate like ours with moderately warm summers, it's probably better to leave the cooling system on to continue to dehumidify the home. It's also probably better if your home's temperature doesn't get too warm, should there be a hot spell.

Plants, furnishings and even sheetrock in your walls can be damaged by high heat and humidity. The best course of action is to set the thermostat three or four degrees above your average cooling temperature. You want the A/C to come on sometimes to cool and dehumidify, but not so much that you're wasting energy.

Installing a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one is also a good idea. You can set it for a higher temperature in the daytime and lower at night.

Other Tips

Leaks might be unlikely in the summer, but they can happen, so turn off your home's main water supply. While you're at it, check the A/C's condensate drain for any obstructions. That's one place a leak can occur that many homeowners don't think to inspect beforehand.

If you're away for an extended period, drain the water heater, and if it's gas operated, set it on vacation mode and the gas to "pilot." If it's electric, shut off the main breaker. When you return, fill up the tank before you turn the water heater back on so you don't fry the heating element.

For more on how to make your home more energy efficient, contact Ibbotson Heating and Air Conditioning. We've served the northwest Chicago suburbs since 1946.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficient homes and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Inq/Shutterstock”

The post Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient While Away on Vacation appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.