Nobody wants to wake up shivering at 2 a.m. in January because your furnace has stopped working. With the onset of the colder winter months, it is essential to have your furnace working in prime condition throughout the season so that you can maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your home.

In this post, we’ll discuss six common furnace issues that might surface during winter in Wauconda, and we’ll explain the ways in which you can keep your unit running optimally throughout the season.

1. Ignition Issues

If the furnace is not starting up, either the electronic ignition or the pilot light may be facing issues. If you have an older unit that has a pilot light, check to see if the flame is burning, and relight it if it is blown out. Newer systems with an electronic ignition will generally need to be inspected by a professional technician to diagnose the problem.

2. Thermostat Issues

The function of the thermostat is to switch the heater on when the desired temperature is lower than the set temperature, and vice versa. Therefore, the thermostat is like the brain of the entire heating unit. If it acts faulty, the heating system will operate erratically, causing the temperature in your house to fluctuate sporadically. Ensure that your thermostat has sufficient battery power to operate accurately. If the problem persists, we recommend calling a professional technician to calibrate your thermostat.

3. Poor Airflow

At times, you might notice that the heating unit is not delivering an adequate amount of warm air into the house. This can be attributed to a blocked or dirty filter, which can lead to poor airflow. Alternatively, poor airflow can also be caused by closed air vents, mechanical problems in the air handler, or leaks in the ductwork. All of these issues either restrict the smooth flow of air, or result in a loss of heated air generated by the furnace, delivering less heat to your home.

4. Cracked Heat Exchanger

Cracks can develop due to temperature fluctuations that the heat exchanger experiences over time. This is highly dangerous, as it can lead to carbon monoxide seepage into your home. Generally, this is inspected during the annual maintenance of the furnace. However, you should call a professional technician immediately if the carbon monoxide detector is giving you warnings.

5. Noisy Furnace

Rattling, squeaking, and rumbling noises aren’t normal. These sounds could be due to an internal mechanical problem, clogged burner, or airflow restrictions. If the actual furnace is noisy, chances are that the motor parts need oiling. Alternatively, the noise could also be due to the air whirling around the ductwork. In this case, the ductwork may need to be insulated to reduce the noise.

6. System Malfunction

All parts of the heating unit need to work in synchronization to deliver an adequate amount of heat and maintain the desired comfort level in the home. If a single part does not play its role, it can create a domino effect that can cause the heating unit to smell funny, make noise, short cycle, or produce insufficient heat. In any of the above scenarios, it’s wise to have the heating unit immediately inspected by a licensed technician.

Do You Need to Repair Your Furnace or Have a New One Installed in Wauconda?

Do you need a furnace repaired or a new one installed in Wauconda? In either case, a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor in Wauconda can help.

Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has the answers to meet all your requirements. We have a team of certified and highly skilled technicians who can get your HVAC system installed, repaired, serviced, and functional.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

The post Tips from a Wauconda Furnace Repair and Installation Company: Six Common Furnace Issues Faced appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Ideally, we’d all want our home appliances to work without any surprise mishaps, but that’s rarely the case.

In fact, problems can arise at any time out of the blue, leaving us to deal with an appliance that needs an immediate repair.

For furnaces, leaks are a relatively common issue. If you notice a leaky furnace in your Addison home, you’ll likely want to call a furnace repair and furnace installation company to come and diagnose the problem.

However, it’s always better to stay educated about the various critical components involved in the furnace, so you can catch any warning signs before they turn into major issues. In this post, we’ll discuss six major reasons for water leaks in your furnace:

Clogged Filter

A dirty or clogged furnace filter will prevent smooth airflow through the furnace coil, which can cause the coil to freeze. In turn, this can lead to a leak, and a pool of water can form around the furnace. So, it is important to regularly clean and replace the filters if they are dirty. Also, ensure that the filters are replaced during the annual maintenance of the furnace to avoid any water leakage and furnace downtime during the peak winter months.

Heat Exchanger Malfunction

A heat exchanger malfunction is diagnosed after eliminating all other possible causes of a leak. A licensed technician can advise you on the further course of action for the furnace, and if a new heat exchanger needs to be installed. Unfortunately, this could be one of the more expensive repairs, but it’s sometimes unavoidable.

Air Conditioning Leak

Although not applicable for severe climates where the furnace is used throughout the winter season, some temperate regions alternate the use of the furnace and the air conditioner during the same season. If this is the case, the condensation pan can fill up and drip into the heating system. When the water leak is noticed, it appears to be a furnace leak, but is actually the air conditioner.

Humidifier Leak

To maintain indoor comfort and to avoid the air from getting excessively dry, a humidifier adds moisture to the air. A clog or a breakdown in the humidifier will result in water surrounding the furnace.

Plumbing Leak

A leaking furnace could also indicate that there is a problem with the plumbing system, which may have nothing to do with the furnace. However, since the plumbing is supporting the heating system, it appears as if the furnace is leaking. This might not necessarily be a bad thing, since it indicates that all the parts of the furnace are working fine. The leak, in this case, could be due to a broken or clogged pipe that might have backed up the drainage. The leak can be fixed by either repairing or replacing these pipes.

Condensation Leak

This is the most common reason for a furnace leak. Many furnaces run at high efficiency, and therefore, need to have two heat exchangers that help it to produce more heat. Condensation produced by these heat exchangers is carried outside via pipes. If these pipes are clogged or damaged, then there will be condensation accumulated, which can result in a pool of water around the furnace. This could possibly cause more damage, which is why it’s best to have a professional technician diagnose and rectify the problem.

Do You Need Your Furnace Serviced or a New Furnace Installed in Addison?

Do you need your furnace replaced or repaired? Are you looking to install a new furnace? In either case, you are looking for a qualified HVAC professional in Addison.

Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has the answers to meet all your requirements. We have a team of certified and highly skilled experts who can get your furnace repaired, serviced, and functional.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

The post Insights from an Addison Furnace Repair and Installation Company: Six Reasons Your Furnace is Leaking Water appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Fall is here, which means we’ve reached boiler season. If you use a boiler to heat your Naperville, Illinois home, it’s about time to fire it up again.

While your boiler should serve you well throughout the cold season, it’s important to remember that it’s not indestructible. Boilers can suffer wear and tear, and they can be expensive to repair.

What are these potential problems, you might be wondering? Some of the more common boiler problems you might encounter are as follows:

Malfunctioning Pilot Light

The pilot light is the blue flame that burns inside your boiler while it is running. In most cases, this flame will burn steadily without any disturbance. However, on some occasions, this flame will become extinguished. When a pilot light becomes extinguished, your boiler will fail to produce hot water.

Pilot lights might go out for a number of reasons. Sometimes they’re blown out by a breeze, sometimes they’re extinguished due to residue-ridden build ups, and sometimes they go out due to a mechanical impairment.

While you could attempt to fix your pilot light by yourself, it’s usually wise to call in a HVAC professional to inspect and correct the problem.

Leakage

Never, under any circumstances, should water be leaking from your boiler. If you notice a water leak, your boiler has encountered a problem.

Leakage can occur for a number of reasons. Maybe your boiler pressure valve is impaired? Perhaps your boiler pump seal is broken? Perhaps pipes have worn down due to corrosion? In any case, it’s highly recommended that you have your boiler checked out by a heating expert.

Loss of Pressure

Boilers thrive on pressure; quite literally, in fact. In order for your boiler to function appropriately, it needs to have a minimum level of pressure. Should its pressure levels fall below this minimum, it will malfunction.

A loss of pressure in your boiler can be caused by a number of different issues. However, it’s usually due to an impaired pressure valve. To get to the root of the problem, you should utilize the services of a professional HVAC specialist. HVAC specialists have experience in diagnosing such problems, and can have them corrected quickly.

Kettling

When a boiler becomes overrun with lime scale and other similar residue, it produces a sound that is often characterized by the word “kettling.” It’s called kettling because it boils water in a way that sounds similar to that of a tea kettle.

While kettling doesn’t often affect your heating results, it does affect your boiler’s overall functionality. Generally, it requires your boiler to work much harder than it otherwise would, subjecting it to stress, and reducing its overall lifespan.

Thermostat Malfunction

While your thermostat will typically do a great job of directing the temperatures within your home, it’s far from a perfect entity. Thermostats can fail, and when they do, it will directly impact the performance of your boiler.

Do you notice your boiler shutting off in the middle of the heating process? Do you notice it turning on when it’s not needed? Are your thermostat temperatures inconsistent with the actual temperature of your home? If so, we recommend calling a professional to take a close look at your thermostat.

In Need of Boiler Repair in Naperville, Illinois?

Is your boiler experiencing any of the problems reviewed above? In need of a boiler repair in Naperville, Illinois? If so, we here at Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling have you covered.

Our team of highly-skilled heating specialists is well-versed in the maintenance and repair of all types of boiler heating systems. We can have your boiler back to normal in no time.

Contact us today to get started!

The post A List of Boiler Problems You Might Encounter in Naperville appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

With summer coming to a close, the weather is likely going to cool down substantially in the coming weeks.

What does this mean? For most of us it means that it’s almost time to battle test our heating systems. It also means that, if you are thinking about installing a new heating system in your Barrington, Illinois home, now would be the perfect time to install one.

Two of the more popular heating options are furnaces and radiant heating. Both options have their benefits and their drawbacks. Are you trying to balance the advantages of installing either in your home? If so, then continue reading!

Installation Cost

The installation costs of furnaces are almost always cheaper than installation costs for radiant heating. This is true regardless of whether or not you already have air ducts in your home.

However, it should be noted that, over time, radiant heating systems will pay for themselves. Substantially more efficient than furnaces, radiant heating systems cost much less to power.

In the long run, radiant heating systems often end up being less expensive than furnaces. However, their high upfront costs might make them difficult for some individuals to purchase.

Lifespan

In terms of lifespan, radiant heating systems have furnaces substantially beat. Whereas most furnaces last for around 15 to 20 years, radiant heating systems can last for as long as 35 years. In some cases, that’s about double the lifespan.

This is just another way in which radiant heating systems pay for themselves over time. You’ll typically have to install two different furnaces in the same time period that you’ll only have to install one radiant heating system.

Energy Efficiency

As noted above, radiant heating systems are much more energy efficient than furnaces. This is mainly due to the fact that, while furnaces require the use of air ducts, radiant heating systems do not.

When hot air travels through your air ducts, some of it leaks out on its way to its destination. This is wasted energy, which leads to wasted money. Radiant heat does not have to travel through air ducts, resulting in very minimal heat loss.

Air Quality

If you’re looking for the best air quality possible, radiant heating is generally the better option. Radiant heating does little to nothing to negatively affect the overall quality of your air. Furnaces, on the other hand, tend to spread dust and other matter into your home environment, potentially spreading dreadful allergens.

The reason for this? Ducts. When hot air blows through your air ducts, it carries dust particles with it that can potentially contaminate otherwise pure air.

Aesthetics

Aesthetically-speaking, radiant heating is very tough to beat. This is because, apart from a boiler, most radiant heating systems are not visible at all. Installed underneath floors and inside walls, they are essentially hidden.

This isn’t to say that furnaces are aesthetically disruptive. Apart from the furnace itself, the only components of the furnace system you’ll see on a regular basis are its vents. These days, air vents are so commonplace that most people don’t even notice them.

In Need of Heating Contractor Company in Barrington, Illinois?

Are you interested in the installation of either a new furnace or the installation of a new radiant heating system? In need of heating contractor services in Barrington, Illinois? If so, we here at Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling have you covered.

Our team of HVAC specialists are experts in the installation of both furnaces and radiant heating systems, having installed them in homes and commercial buildings for years. We would be happy to bring your home the warmth and comfort you seek.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

The post Radiant Heating vs Furnace Heating in Barrington: Which is Best for You? appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

One of the great innovations of modern climate control is zoned control. When you have a zoned system, you are able to alter the temperatures in different parts of your house, personalizing levels of comfort in different rooms.

Are you thinking about installing a zoned heating system in time for the coming temperature drop? Looking for more information on such systems? Look no further. Here are the pros and cons of zoned heating in Naperville, Illinois.

The Pros

Temperature Variation

The primary benefit of zoned heating is that it allows for temperature variation throughout your home. If, for example, you would like your bedroom to be at 72°F while keeping your living room at 74°F, zoned heating will accommodate you.

The only other way that you can accomplish this is with small, individual heaters. Standard furnaces will not allow for any temperature variation whatsoever.

Convenience

As noted above, the only other way (other than zoned heating) to get temperature variation from heaters is by purchasing individual heaters and placing them in different rooms throughout your home. While small, individual heaters might be able to get the job done, adjusting their temperatures can be a real nuisance.

With a zoned heating system, you will be able to change temperatures in rooms all throughout the house from one area. These days, with the use of a wireless thermostat, you can actually make these temperature changes from your phone.

Lower Energy Bills

Because it allows you to adjust to different temperatures in different rooms, a zoned heating system doesn’t have work as hard as a standard furnace. Instead of having to heat a whole house at 72°F, it can heat some rooms at 72°F while heating lesser-used rooms at 70°F.

As you’re probably well aware, less energy usage results in a cheaper energy bill.

The Cons

Complex Installation

The biggest problem you’ll likely come across with a zoned heating system is the installation process. Zoned heating systems are much more complex than standard furnaces, requiring much more time and effort to be installed.

If you already have ductwork in your home, the process can be doubly complex. This ductwork will have to be altered to allow for different temperatures in different rooms. Depending on the size of your home, installation could perhaps take days.

Potentially Costly Installation

In addition to being complex, zoned heating installation can also be costly. When compared to standard furnace installation, zoned heating installation can cost thousands of more dollars.

The reason for this is that it requires a great deal more equipment. Everything from electronic sensors, to additional ductwork could be needed to install a zoned heating system, greatly increasing initial costs.

Greater Chance of Malfunctioning

Because a zoned heating system has more components than a standard furnace, it has a greater chance of malfunctioning. While it’s not a certainty, installing a zoned heating system could result in you calling up your HVAC specialist more than you otherwise would.

Because zoned systems are complex, they can be difficult for non-professionals to troubleshoot. In essence, in addition to being expensive initially, zoned heating systems could end up being expensive in the long run as well.

Looking to Take Advantages of Zoned Heating in Naperville?

Have you decided to opt for zoned heating? Looking for a heating installation company in Naperville? We here at Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are the people to see.

Our team of installers is well-versed in the installation of zoned systems, setting them up both quickly and affordably. We would be happy to help you with yours.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

The post The Pros and Cons of Zoned Heating appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

When the weather gets cooler, we often rely on our furnaces to keep us warm. Since we rely on them so heavily, it’s important that they always work properly.

Like many household appliances, there is always the potential that your furnace might have problems. While some of them may seem minor, a lot of them are extremely common. Let’s take a look at a few of these problems.

Dirty Filters
Dirty filters can be a big issue when it comes to your furnace. If they are clogged, it’ll prevent airflow from happening and stop clean air from getting out. The clogged filters will make it nearly impossible for the furnace to properly work. Some people who had dirty filters have found that the clogging actually caused damage to the limit switch. The limit switch controls the fan, which is a major part of the furnace. Energystar.gov says most HVAC filters need to be changed every one to three months, so make sure you’re doing so.

Problems With the Electric Ignition and Pilot Control
If your furnace is experiencing a faulty ignition or pilot switch, it might be extremely hard to heat your home. Any problems such as a clogged unit and filter, drafts in the appliance, and thermocouple problems can all lead to an unlit pilot light.

The Furnace is Making too Much Noise
If you notice a loud noise coming from your basement, it could be your furnace making an obscene amount of noise. Any rumbling, squeaking, and shaking noises aren’t normal sounds. The noises may mean mechanical problems, clogged burners, or airflow reductions. All of these things should be fixed by an HVAC company or a heating service.

The Furnace Isn’t Actually Heating Up
If your furnace isn’t heating up at all, you could have a bigger problem on your hands. This could indicate problems with the pilot light, power, gas, or thermostat setting. Check all of these things out and contact an emergency HVAC repair person immediately.

Relying on a furnace is something we all do when it’s cooler outside. However, it isn’t helpful when the machine isn’t working properly. Keep an eye out for the problems listed above. If you notice any of them, reach out to an HVAC specialist immediately.

The post Common Furnace Problems to Look Out For appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

But what if you went to turn your furnace on and it failed to start up? What could be the reason for this troubling issue? Keep reading to discover the answers to these questions.

Your Thermostat May Be to Blame

Never underestimate your thermostat—this is the brain of your entire HVAC system. Even the smallest miscalibration can lead to a misreading of the temperature in your home, and that will keep the thermostat from turning your furnace on. Another way your thermostat could be to blame is due to old, corroded, or broken wiring that has lost its connection to the furnace.

You Need to Have the Electronic Igniter Replaced

The average homeowner doesn’t realize that even modern gas-powered furnaces use electricity to run. The more important electric component in a gas furnace is that of the electronic igniter, which activates the burners. This igniter will need to be replaced every few years, and may sometimes burn out before your regular preventive maintenance appointment (yet a failing igniter can often be caught during this appointment).

The Burner Is Dirty or Rusted

In a gas-powered furnace, the burner is where the gas jets ignite to provide heat. However, if the burner develops a layer of grime across it, or if rust flakes get inside it, it won’t be able to draw in sufficient oxygen in order to light. You’ll need a professional technician to remove the burner and properly clean it.

For peace of mind from a furnace repair job in Arlington Heights, IL done right, contact Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

The post Help! Why Won’t My Furnace Turn On? appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Regular heating system maintenance benefits homeowners in a number of ways. And with summer almost over, it’s important for you to look ahead and how efficiently and effectively you’ll be able to keep your family warm and comfortable when cold weather does hit us. Read on for more information about heating maintenance and its benefits.

Is Now Really the Right Time for Heating System Maintenance?

It’s only natural that you haven’t started to think about the cold of the winter season just yet. Summer’s not even over yet, after all! However we all know that when the weather does turn, it typically does it pretty quickly. If you schedule your maintenance service now, when you don’t need your heating system on a regular basis yet, then the unit will be ready when you are.

When winter does hit, most professional heating technicians will be busy with installation jobs as well as emergency calls, making their availability to conduct maintenance limited. Our technicians are no exception, but we want to make sure you don’t have to wait longer than necessary to get your system tuned-up, which is why we are recommending this service now.

During your maintenance appointment, our technicians will fully inspect and clean your system, making any necessary repair recommendations. Handling repairs now helps you prevent emergency repairs later on down the road. And if you schedule maintenance early enough, you’ll have plenty of time for these repairs.

Have a peace of mind from a Dundee, IL heating maintenance job done right! Contact Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

The post It’s That Time of Year: Heating System Maintenance appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

However, one method that isn’t effective is closing the dampers on room vents. The typical grill over a room vent can be adjusted with a lever that moves louvers behind the grill. It might seem sensible that if you close off the vent, air in the HVAC system will be forced elsewhere, cutting down on how much heating and cooling the system does.

It doesn’t work this way!

When you shut room vents, you aren’t signaling to the heater or air conditioner to do less work or perform the work in a different way. This can have some negative consequences. Closing the vents will increase pressure within the ducts, and when this occurs, the blower fan (which is the same fan for both the furnace and air conditioner) will either ramp up its power (if it’s a variable-speed blower) or else move less air (for a single-speed motor). This can also increase leaks from ducts because of the high pressure. So you will either suffer from higher energy bills, or you will experience low airflow in the rest of house, resulting in lower comfort.

Closing off the vents can create a number of other issues in a home. The air conditioner coil can start to freeze over, the compressor can sustain damage, and a furnace can suffer from a cracked heat exchanger.

The best way to control which rooms receive heating and cooling is to have a special zone control system installed, which alters HVAC system alteration as it shuts off area of the ductwork.

Have peace of mind from a job done right! Call Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for service in Elgin, IL.

The post Closing Room Vents Isn’t a Money-Saving Technique! appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

With all the stress the heater has accumulated over the winter, now is the time when it is most likely to suffer from a malfunction or even a complete system breakdown. Below are some of the more common problems you might see from your heater at this time of year. Call us for repairs right away when you notice any of these:

• Delayed-firing burners: The burners in a gas-powered furnace or boiler can develop a layer of grime during the winter. This will make it harder for the gas jets on the burner to ignite, causing a delay before thet come on. This will create a noticeable “booming” sound. The burner needs to be cleaned off, and only professionals should do this job.
• Leaking refrigerant: If you use a heat pump for home warmth, pay attention to any drop in its heating power or a sound of hissing coming from the cabinet. This often mean refrigerant is escaping through a leak, and this can endanger the whole system and cause the compressor to burn out. Technicians can find and seal the leak and the recharge the refrigerant to its proper level.
• Miscalibrated thermostat: Over the months, the thermostat may start to detect incorrect temperatures. Even being only a few degrees off can make your heating system turn on and off at the wrong time, or start to short-cycle, which is highly destructive. Technicians can trace the problem to its source and fix the thermostat, or recommend replacing it.

Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has urgent care for heating repairs, 24/7, in Saint Charles and throughout Chicagoland and Fox Valley.

The post Late Season Problems from Your Heater That Will Require Repairs appeared first on Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.