With the time change, change your batteries!
This fall when we change our clocks back an hour for daylight savings time, we remind you to also change your batteries in your thermostat and smoke detectors.
It is always a good idea to change batteries when the time changes. That way you can be sure that going into heating season your thermostat will have fresh new full charged batteries. And that any battery operated appliance such as your smoke detectors are working properly.
Also as a reminder, have you had your furnace's annual clean and check done yet? If not, you should give us a call to get on the schedule.
Maintaining your equipment will help extend the life of the machines, increase efficiency and will also keep any warranties you have in effect.
Have you changed your furnace filter lately? How about your humidifier filter? Humidifiers are notorious for building up mold and mildew when they sit for extended periods of time. Do you have an electronic air purifier or ultra violet bulbs in your home? They may need maintenance as well.
Fall is the season of change. The leaves change colors, and nature prepares for the winter cold ahead.
Homeowners should follow that lead and change batteries and filters and do any maintenance that is needed to insure that everything works properly for the long winter.
Enjoy the season! And remember there are only 10 Sundays left until Christmas!
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thermostats and Cold Weather
Do you normally set your thermostat down in the winter at night to save energy?
When the temperatures become extreme and we have bitter cold with below zero wind chills, it is recommended that you leave your thermostat at a higher setting overnight.
Furnaces will have a hard time bringing a chilly house up to the daytime temperature when the weather is so cold. Depending on your system the home may never be able to reach the desired day time thermostat setting if you set your thermostat too low at night.
If you are going out of town keep your thermostat set no lower than 60 degrees for optimal operation.
If your thermostat is battery operated, please change the batteries or check to make sure they are fully charged. If you are not sure how to check we would be happy to come out and take care of that for you.
Furnaces are working overtime now so remember to change your filter often. A dirty or plugged filter may cause mechanical parts to fail sooner than normal.
Have you had your system clean and checked this year? We can come and inspect your furnace, make sure everything is clean and working properly. Peace of mind is very valuable!
And just a reminder, we have more snow in the forecast, so if you have a newer furnace that has a fresh air intake pipe that goes out the side of the house, make sure the area around that pipe is clean and free of obstruction. If that pipe becomes clogged it will cause your furnace to shut off. Deep snow is a big culprit of failed furnaces!
Remember we are always here 24/7 for emergencies. We are a Comfort 24/7 Provider.
Stay warm!
When the temperatures become extreme and we have bitter cold with below zero wind chills, it is recommended that you leave your thermostat at a higher setting overnight.
Furnaces will have a hard time bringing a chilly house up to the daytime temperature when the weather is so cold. Depending on your system the home may never be able to reach the desired day time thermostat setting if you set your thermostat too low at night.
If you are going out of town keep your thermostat set no lower than 60 degrees for optimal operation.
If your thermostat is battery operated, please change the batteries or check to make sure they are fully charged. If you are not sure how to check we would be happy to come out and take care of that for you.
Furnaces are working overtime now so remember to change your filter often. A dirty or plugged filter may cause mechanical parts to fail sooner than normal.
Have you had your system clean and checked this year? We can come and inspect your furnace, make sure everything is clean and working properly. Peace of mind is very valuable!
And just a reminder, we have more snow in the forecast, so if you have a newer furnace that has a fresh air intake pipe that goes out the side of the house, make sure the area around that pipe is clean and free of obstruction. If that pipe becomes clogged it will cause your furnace to shut off. Deep snow is a big culprit of failed furnaces!
Remember we are always here 24/7 for emergencies. We are a Comfort 24/7 Provider.
Stay warm!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Allergic to the Holidays?
Do the holidays leave you with a stuffy, itchy nose or nagging cough?
It could be the dusty tree ornaments, a moldy Christmas tree skirt, the scent or the sap of your tree or green wreath garlands.
It is important to keep your furnace filters changed and clean so they can work as efficiently as possible. Consider installing an electronic air cleaner or purifier. There are many options available on the market today.
When it gets very cold, the air in your home can get dry and that can affect the flow of mucus through the sinuses and nose, exacerbating allergy and sinus problems. If you have a humidifier make sure the humidifier pad has been changed and the humidifier cleaned to avoid any mold build up that may have occurred as the unit was idle.
Allergy hints: If you purchase a real tree and you have plant allergies, hose off the tree before bringing it in the house to clean off any pollen residue that may be on the branches.
If you use an artificial tree and wreaths, make sure to vacuum them and wipe them down before putting them up to rid them of any dust mites that might be lingering.
When unwrapping ornaments don a dusk mask and or have someone dust off the ornaments/boxes outside before bringing them in. After Christmas store the decorations in something other than a cardboard box, such as a large pretzel tin or plastic container to limit the dust.
The holidays can be very stressful so remember to pamper yourself and doing this small things can make you more comfortable.
Have a very Merry Christmas from the team at Hearthstone Heating and Air!
Rest easy knowing that we will be here 24/7 during the holidays in case you need us.
It could be the dusty tree ornaments, a moldy Christmas tree skirt, the scent or the sap of your tree or green wreath garlands.
It is important to keep your furnace filters changed and clean so they can work as efficiently as possible. Consider installing an electronic air cleaner or purifier. There are many options available on the market today.
When it gets very cold, the air in your home can get dry and that can affect the flow of mucus through the sinuses and nose, exacerbating allergy and sinus problems. If you have a humidifier make sure the humidifier pad has been changed and the humidifier cleaned to avoid any mold build up that may have occurred as the unit was idle.
Allergy hints: If you purchase a real tree and you have plant allergies, hose off the tree before bringing it in the house to clean off any pollen residue that may be on the branches.
If you use an artificial tree and wreaths, make sure to vacuum them and wipe them down before putting them up to rid them of any dust mites that might be lingering.
When unwrapping ornaments don a dusk mask and or have someone dust off the ornaments/boxes outside before bringing them in. After Christmas store the decorations in something other than a cardboard box, such as a large pretzel tin or plastic container to limit the dust.
The holidays can be very stressful so remember to pamper yourself and doing this small things can make you more comfortable.
Have a very Merry Christmas from the team at Hearthstone Heating and Air!
Rest easy knowing that we will be here 24/7 during the holidays in case you need us.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Seasonal Allergy Season is Here!
The pollen count today is high and will probably continue to be high now until the weather changes and we have a hard frost.
Any of you who suffer from seasonal allergies or has family members who suffer with allergies, know how much we dread to see this time year appear.
Runny noses and eyes, with itchy eyes and sneezing and congestion. If you are one of the poor individuals with allergies you know the suffering that comes when the seasons change.
Your indoor air quality of your home is very important especially during this time of year. Most doctors will recommend that you keep your windows and doors closed during the pollen season. They will also advise to run your homes air conditioner to keep the air circulating and to change your furnace filter very regularly.
Today there are many options to improve indoor air quality. There are electronic air cleaners for heating and cooling systems that greatly help with allergies.
Please visit the Carrier website to explore indoor air quality options that are available.
http://www.carrier.com/homecomfort/en/us/products/indoor-air-quality/
Please call us to discuss pricing and installation.
Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning-for the Heart of your Home
630-435-9800
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Importance of Changing Filters
Changing your furnace filter is vital for the lifespan of your equipment, the efficiency of your heating and cooling, and your indoor air quality.
This is a simple task when done on a schedule that will help you in the long term, for your savings in utility bills, equipment longevity, and health and air quality.
Personal Health:
The cleanliness of your furnace filter can have a direct effect on your indoor air quality. The filter is there to collect dirt and dust particles and pollutants. A dirty filter causes the equipment to work harder and allows the particles to circulate back into your home where you live and breathe.
Equipment Replacement:
By leaving dirty filters in your furnace you are allowing dust and dirt to build up in the equipment. Excessive dust can damage components such as the heat exchanger and it can contribute to carbon monoxide build up.
It is recommended to change your furnace filter every three months or sooner depending on your conditions.
Energy Efficiency:
Dirty filters promote dusty and dirty air ducts. Static electricity creates the build up of dust and will create more resistance for your equipment to force air through. This will result in higher energy usage and ultimately higher utility bills.
Be Proactive! Make a note on your calender every three months to change your furnace filter.
If you need help with this, we will be happy to come out.
If you would like information on electronic air cleaner alternatives we can help you make decisions on that as well. Just give us a call.
Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning 630-435-9800 your Comfort 24*7 Provider
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
No Heat During a Heavy Snow?
When we get a heavy deep snow it can potentially cause a problem for your furnace.
In many houses with newer high efficiency furnaces, the vent goes out the side of the building. If those vents become buried in deep snow they can not provide the furnace with the fresh air it needs to operate and most will automatically shut off.
In the event of a heavy snow... you can always call us and we will be glad to come and clear the intake pipe for you. If you would like to avoid a service call and try and take care of it yourself try the following these steps:
1) Go to your furnace and look for a white pipe going from the furnace to the outside wall. (not the metal heating ducts). Make a note of where it goes through the wall.
2) Go outside and to where you think it should be coming out of the wall. In most homes it will stick out a few inches from the basement wall or the side of the home. Some pipes are even extended up the side of the home and will often have a curve near the end. The intake pipe is unlike the dryer vent which is usually flush with the wall.
3) Once you have found the vent pipe, remove the snow from the area. Make sure that no snow or ice or foreign objects are stuck in the pipe. If you can, clear an area about three feet around the pipe to make sure it stays clear.
4) Once the intake pipe has been cleared the furnace it will often start automatically. If not, furnace starting instructions are usually on the sticker on the side of the unit or inside the access panel. If your furnace still does not start, then give us a call and we will be happy to come out and get it working for you.
Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning, Ltd. is here for you 24/7. Please call us for any of your indoor air needs.
"Hearthstone- For the Heart of your Home".
24/7 call 630-435-9800
In many houses with newer high efficiency furnaces, the vent goes out the side of the building. If those vents become buried in deep snow they can not provide the furnace with the fresh air it needs to operate and most will automatically shut off.
In the event of a heavy snow... you can always call us and we will be glad to come and clear the intake pipe for you. If you would like to avoid a service call and try and take care of it yourself try the following these steps:
1) Go to your furnace and look for a white pipe going from the furnace to the outside wall. (not the metal heating ducts). Make a note of where it goes through the wall.
2) Go outside and to where you think it should be coming out of the wall. In most homes it will stick out a few inches from the basement wall or the side of the home. Some pipes are even extended up the side of the home and will often have a curve near the end. The intake pipe is unlike the dryer vent which is usually flush with the wall.
3) Once you have found the vent pipe, remove the snow from the area. Make sure that no snow or ice or foreign objects are stuck in the pipe. If you can, clear an area about three feet around the pipe to make sure it stays clear.
4) Once the intake pipe has been cleared the furnace it will often start automatically. If not, furnace starting instructions are usually on the sticker on the side of the unit or inside the access panel. If your furnace still does not start, then give us a call and we will be happy to come out and get it working for you.
Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning, Ltd. is here for you 24/7. Please call us for any of your indoor air needs.
"Hearthstone- For the Heart of your Home".
24/7 call 630-435-9800
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
2012 Carrier Presidents Award
We are very proud to announce that Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning has been awarded the Carrier 2012 Presidents Award.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Call the Professional
Call the Professional
When it’s freezing outside, one of the nicest things is being able to go into your home and have it be comfortably warm. When it is hot out and you have worked up a sweat, it is so nice to know you can go into your house and it will be cool. No matter what time of year the peace of mind in knowing your home is temperature controlled is invaluable. But when either one of these units break down or do not work correctly then it is best to call a professional heating and air conditioning technician in to work on it.
Sometimes a homeowner may think that they are pretty handy and can handle a repair themselves. Sometimes this works out. Most times you would save yourself aggravation and be money ahead to call us right from the start. This type of work calls for a skilled professional and you should not take chances especially when your family’s health and safety is at stake. Attempting a repair yourself you could end up doing more damage to the unit(s). Heating and air professionals are trained for this specific area and are knowledgeable about gas and electric and they will have the right tools for the job.
Today with the Internet, it is tempting to just “google” the equipment’s symptoms and hope you can figure out how to make the repair yourself. Reading about a repair and actually making it yourself are two entirely different animals. You will also be able to find parts for your furnace or air conditioner online, but again, once they arrive at your house the installation will be up to you and none of that can be guaranteed or warrantied.
Being resourceful is a good trait and should be commended. But calling the professionals out to do the service or installation they are trained for, is the wise decision. Peace of mind is invaluable. Don’t waste your time and money; call Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning, when you need heating or air conditioning work done!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Communicating Your Heating or Cooling Problem
Oh no.... your air conditioner or furnace has quit and you need help. Before calling it is helpful if you have the following information handy:
*the brand or model of unit
*the age
*when it was last serviced
*when you first noticed anything unusual, such as any noises or odors coming from the unit
*any unusual fluids or leaking around the unit
The more detailed the initial information you give us could actually help speed up the diagnosis and service of your equipment, and thus returning your home to a comfortable level faster.
We are here to help with all of your heating and cooling needs, 24*7. We are Comfort 24*7 provider which means we only offer the highest quality service available. Your satisfaction is guaranteed 100%.
*the brand or model of unit
*the age
*when it was last serviced
*when you first noticed anything unusual, such as any noises or odors coming from the unit
*any unusual fluids or leaking around the unit
The more detailed the initial information you give us could actually help speed up the diagnosis and service of your equipment, and thus returning your home to a comfortable level faster.
We are here to help with all of your heating and cooling needs, 24*7. We are Comfort 24*7 provider which means we only offer the highest quality service available. Your satisfaction is guaranteed 100%.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Hearthstone Heating is Celebrating the 109th Anniversary of the Modern Air Conditioner
This month Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning, Ltd. joins Carrier Corp. in celebrating the 109th anniversary of Dr. Willis H. Carrier's invention of modern air conditioning, an innovation that forever changed the way people live, work and play by making the world a much cooler place. Hearthstone has been a proud Carrier Dealer for more than fifteen years and our goal is helping people be as comfortable as they can be in their homes.
On July 17, 1902 Carrier developed, and later patented, the first system to provide man-made control over temperature, humidity , ventilation and indoor air quality for a Brooklyn, NY printing plant. Carrier's invention revolutionized nearly every aspect of our daily lives, helping entire regions of the world that once were uninhabitable due to the heat and humidity to grow and prosper.
The weathermen are predicting that the upcoming week will be a very hot one here in the Midwest. Take precautions to stay hydrated and cool to avoid heat exhaustion. And should you need your air conditioning tuned up or repaired, please call us and we will be happy to help!
On July 17, 1902 Carrier developed, and later patented, the first system to provide man-made control over temperature, humidity , ventilation and indoor air quality for a Brooklyn, NY printing plant. Carrier's invention revolutionized nearly every aspect of our daily lives, helping entire regions of the world that once were uninhabitable due to the heat and humidity to grow and prosper.
The weathermen are predicting that the upcoming week will be a very hot one here in the Midwest. Take precautions to stay hydrated and cool to avoid heat exhaustion. And should you need your air conditioning tuned up or repaired, please call us and we will be happy to help!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thunderstorms and Air Conditioners
On the evening of June 21st, 2011 the Chicago suburbs got hit with damaging high wind thunderstorms and tornado activity. During the storm many people lost their electricity.
The power surges experienced just before the electricity finally goes out can wreak havoc on electronics and air conditioners. The National Disaster Education Coalition suggests that you turn off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm.
When a running air conditioner is hit with a surge of electricity it can damage the internal components including the compressor, capacitor, circuit board etc. To protect the system it is best to have it to the off position until the storm completely passes. If a storm rolls in, and catches you off guard, then turn your air conditioner to the "off" position at the thermostat as soon as possible.
This has been a stormy spring and summer so far. Everyone be safe for the rest of the season.
Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning is here for you 24*7, if you have any heating and cooling needs. We are proud to announce we are now part of the www.Comfort24*7.com network of dealers in the Chicago area.
Have a great rest of the summer!!
The power surges experienced just before the electricity finally goes out can wreak havoc on electronics and air conditioners. The National Disaster Education Coalition suggests that you turn off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm.
When a running air conditioner is hit with a surge of electricity it can damage the internal components including the compressor, capacitor, circuit board etc. To protect the system it is best to have it to the off position until the storm completely passes. If a storm rolls in, and catches you off guard, then turn your air conditioner to the "off" position at the thermostat as soon as possible.
This has been a stormy spring and summer so far. Everyone be safe for the rest of the season.
Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning is here for you 24*7, if you have any heating and cooling needs. We are proud to announce we are now part of the www.Comfort24*7.com network of dealers in the Chicago area.
Have a great rest of the summer!!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Spring Allergy Season is Here!
It's May in the Midwest and we have had a colder and wetter than average year so far. The trees are starting to bloom out in full now, and with all the growth, spring allergies are ramping up.
Did you know that your indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside your home? Because of the new tightly constructed homes with better insulation, the energy efficiency improves, but the home can be starved of fresh air. This allows stale, polluted air to recirculate through your heating and cooling system and it could spread potentially harmful airborne contaminants thoughout your home. A single germ can multiply eight million times in just one day!
Common asthma and allergy triggers that may cause attacks include dust, strong fumes, smoke and other inhaled irritants. Eliminating the the triggers can help sufferers control their symptoms.
If you have allergies and you do not have an air purifier or a ultraviolet germicidal light as part of your heating and cooling system you might want to consider adding them.
Happy Spring to Everyone! And Happy Mother's Day too!
Did you know that your indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside your home? Because of the new tightly constructed homes with better insulation, the energy efficiency improves, but the home can be starved of fresh air. This allows stale, polluted air to recirculate through your heating and cooling system and it could spread potentially harmful airborne contaminants thoughout your home. A single germ can multiply eight million times in just one day!
Common asthma and allergy triggers that may cause attacks include dust, strong fumes, smoke and other inhaled irritants. Eliminating the the triggers can help sufferers control their symptoms.
If you have allergies and you do not have an air purifier or a ultraviolet germicidal light as part of your heating and cooling system you might want to consider adding them.
Happy Spring to Everyone! And Happy Mother's Day too!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Keep your air conditioning bills lower this year
Happy Spring! The flowers are starting to come up and some are even starting to bloom. The trees are budding and grass has started to grow. Hot weather is around the corner.
This year, don't wait until it's 80 degrees and humid to ensure your air conditioner is working properly!
In the meantime, here are some energy saving tips to help save on energy costs:
*Raise your thermostat about five degrees, because each degree you raise your thermostat will save you about five percent off your energy bill.
*Don't obstruct airflow around your air conditioner unit-keep it clear of plants and debris
*Check your filters regularly. Even more often if you live in a dusty area, if your air conditioner gets constant use, or if you have pets. A plugged filter will significantly effect your air conditioner's function and can even harm the system.
Enjoy the season and thanks for following our blog!
This year, don't wait until it's 80 degrees and humid to ensure your air conditioner is working properly!
In the meantime, here are some energy saving tips to help save on energy costs:
*Raise your thermostat about five degrees, because each degree you raise your thermostat will save you about five percent off your energy bill.
*Don't obstruct airflow around your air conditioner unit-keep it clear of plants and debris
*Check your filters regularly. Even more often if you live in a dusty area, if your air conditioner gets constant use, or if you have pets. A plugged filter will significantly effect your air conditioner's function and can even harm the system.
Enjoy the season and thanks for following our blog!
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