24/7 EMERGENCY SUPPORT - GET A FREE ESTIMATE! CALL: 773-704-0640
Select Page

Your questions answered: HVAC FAQs.

iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning in Morton Grove can answer all your HVAC-related questions. Before you get on the phone, look to see if we already responded to your question online. If you don’t see your question listed or want more information on a particular topic, give us a call at 773-704-0640. Our techs can give you the information you’re looking for in a jiffy.

Why is regular maintenance important?

Like any product you want to keep in good shape, HVAC equipment requires proper care in order to deliver the maximum benefits. Trained technicians can service your heating and cooling products to make sure they’re working at their maximum potential and help prevent more pricey repairs in the middle of the hottest or coldest months of the year.

How much will a Lennox product cost?

iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning in Morton Grove can price out individual units or multiple home comfort products for you. Call 773-704-0640 to hear more.

What is two-stage heating?

With two-stage heating, furnaces may work on two different levels: high and low. Since you can heat your home on the low setting a majority of the time, a two-stage furnace can operate longer and more efficiently. Two-stage heating also operates more quietly than traditional furnaces and can offer more even heat distribution and fewer temperature swings.

How does Precise Comfort™ technology work?

Precise Comfort™ technology is an operating and control system used in Lennox furnaces. The technology can automatically adjust the heat by increments as tiny as 1 percent, improving energy efficiency and helping you experience more comfortable.

How will my new furnace work differently from my old one?

Modern furnaces are designed with a variety of innovative features older furnaces don’t have. Today’s heating systems offer more even heating and are better at regulating airflow. Although the air coming out of your vents may seem cooler than your old furnace, the airflow is much better and more efficient.

Another perk of modern furnaces is their ability to integrate with other HVAC products as part of a high-efficiency whole home comfort system. When combined with a high-efficiency air conditioner, furnace blowers can more easily accommodate add-on cooling. Other innovations, such as Precise Comfort™ technology and variable speed motors, will help your furnace run more efficiently and quieter than ever.

How can I reduce my energy costs?

Heating and cooling make up a significant portion of your monthly utility bill. Getting new HVAC equipment with high-efficiency ratings, such as SEER for air conditioners and AFUE for furnaces, is a simple step that can go a long way in lowering energy output. Beyond these ratings, also consider:

    • Routine maintenance – regularly having a pro-tune-up your equipment will keep it running at its peak potential.
    • Adding a zoning system – by focusing your heating and cooling on the rooms you use most frequently, you won’t have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that aren’t routinely used.
    • Installing a programmable thermostat – the Department of Energy estimates that a programmable thermostat can lower heating costs by up to 35 percent and cooling costs by up to 25 percent. Leave it up to your thermostat to turn down the heat when you’re away and return to your preferred temperature when you’re home.

    Why should I buy from Lennox?

    There are various reasons to go with Lennox, but the top three are:

    • Lennox is a name you know and trust – known around the world for quality HVAC products, you can rest assured Lennox will provide you with high-quality equipment.
    • Innovative and high-quality products – Lennox has been at the forefront of innovation in the heating and cooling industry for years. High-quality furnaces, air conditioners, and home comfort systems include innovative features to help your home stay more comfortable and energy efficient.
    • A reputation for excellence – high-quality products are not the only arena Lennox excels in. Lennox dealers, like iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning, offer high-quality service at all times, from your first consultation to your scheduled maintenance appointments

    What can I do to improve my home’s indoor air quality?

    Strategies to increase your indoor air quality can be as simple as vacuuming your home to something as large as adding a new ventilation system. Overall, good IAQ includes four strategies:

    • Eliminate – decrease the pollutants floating in your air by cleaning your home regularly, particularly vacuuming the carpet, washing linens and safely storing household chemicals.
    • Ventilate – make sure your home is well-ventilated to move airborne pollutants out of your home. In newer homes, well-done insulation will hinder ventilation, so Lennox systems such as the Healthy Climate® ventilation system can help. These systems bring fresh air from outside into your home and direct the stale air out.
    • Clean – correct air filters, such as our Healthy Climate® air filters, will make sure the smallest particles don’t get through and are let out into your home. Germicidal lights can kill the germs that do make it through, and purification systems like the PureAir™ will help diminish odors and chemical vapors.
    • Monitor – keep your humidity levels in check with a programmable thermostat. High temperatures and humidity levels can increase concentrations of mold, mildew, and germs. A programmable thermostat will ensure your home is comfortable without letting humidity run rampant.

    How does an air conditioner work?

    You may be surprised to learn that air conditioners don’t technically make your home cooler; they actually remove the hot air and move it outside. This hot air moves across a refrigerant coil on the indoor unit and then is sent to the outdoor unit where it is released. Your air conditioner pushes as much hot air outside as is necessary to reach the temperature you have set on your thermostat.

    What is the minimum energy efficiency standard for air conditioners in my state?

    Minimum energy efficiency standards vary by region. Additionally, air conditioners, heat pumps and packaged units made after Jan. 1, 2015, have higher minimum efficiency levels than equipment manufactured prior to that date. The team at iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning can help you figure out the minimum requirements for Morton Grove, let you know if your current equipment meets those requirements or help you find a replacement air conditioner that does

    What size equipment do I need for my home?

    Since equipment size needs are different for every home, the best way to determine the correct size equipment for your home is to have a technician from iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning come out to perform load calculation tests. The tests take factors such as square footage, insulation value and amount, and more into account to determine your home’s individual HVAC equipment needs.

    What is two-stage cooling?

    When a cooling system uses two-stage cooling, it means that there are two levels of operation. This enables the system to work as efficiently as possible since there is one level for milder weather and another for harsher weather that demands the system work harder. Two-stage cooling also enables slight temperature changes so you don’t experience extreme differences in temperature. Aside from better efficiency, other benefits of two-stage cooling include quieter operation and better humidity control.

    Why is my system freezing up?

    Your system could be freezing up for a number of reasons, but the most common are dirty filters, low refrigerant, a dirty evaporator coil and/or a faulty blower motor. Changing a filter is something you, the homeowner, can take care of; however, you’ll want to call the professionals at iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning at 773-704-0640 for other problems or if you have other questions or concerns.

    What is the best thermostat to use for my cooling system?

    iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning carry a number of great thermostat options for your HVAC systems. The best thermostat for you will depend on a couple variables, such as whether you want one that’s programmable or not. No matter what kind of thermostat you’d like – or if you’re looking for something that can fit with a home automation system – call iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning to hear about which thermostats you can choose from. Our team will help you find one that’s right for your system, your family’s needs and your budget.

    What is a heat pump?

    A heat pump covers both your home’s heating and cooling needs, offering you one HVAC system that can be used in all four seasons. In the warmer months, heat pumps act like an air conditioner, capturing the hot air from inside your home and moving it outside; in the cooler months, this process is reversed. Heat pumps can be very energy efficient and may produce two to three times more heat than the energy needed for the process.

    When replacing the outdoor unit, should the indoor unit also be replaced?

    At iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning, we do recommend replacing both your indoor and outdoor units at the same time because:

    • Nowadays, outdoor systems are built to work with their matching indoor system for the most efficiency. When you replace just one of your systems, you may not see the same savings on your energy bills as if you had replaced them together.
    • Thanks to technological advancements, newer systems mean improved efficiency. This is true for heating and cooling products as well. While the advancements focus on greater heating and cooling efficiency, they also include benefits such as better air handling, filtering, and noise reduction.
    • If your heating and cooling systems are 10+ years old, they need to be replaced. Older models have outdated technology that is likely adding to your energy costs due to poor efficiency. So by replacing your indoor system at the same time as your outdoor equipment, both your systems will provide better energy efficiency that helps you decrease your energy bills and keep your home more comfortable.

    Does the SunSource® communication module require an Internet connection?

    Yes, you will need an Internet connection if you want to utilize the system’s online monitoring system. The system lets you view energy production and environmental information. The monitoring service is provided free for five years, and the performance-monitoring website is provided by an independent third party, Enphase Energy Inc.

    Do I need to clean my solar modules?

    Rain will clean the modules naturally in most areas; however, if you live in a dusty area, you may see improved performance after periodically spraying the modules with water. Please note that high-pressure hoses and detergents should never be used to clean solar modules, as they can harm the product.

    Which thermostat is best for my HVAC system?

    iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning can help you find the right thermostat for you based on your home and current heating and cooling equipment. We have a variety of programmable and nonprogrammable thermostats, which can help enhance the efficiency of your home’s furnace and/or air conditioner. View our thermostats or give us a call at 773-704-0640 for more information.

    How can I improve my utility expenses?

    Your heating and cooling equipment can contribute significantly to your monthly utility bills. However, these costs can be decreased with innovative and high-efficiency products from Lennox®. Look for high SEER and AFUE ratings when you’re searching for a new air conditioner or furnace, respectively, as higher SEER and AFUE ratings signify higher efficiency products. If you’re not looking for new heating and cooling equipment, consider factors such as 1. Maintenance: Furnaces, air conditioners and other HVAC equipment run more efficiently when they are regularly maintained. 2. Zoning: When areas of your home are rarely used, you’re spending more money to heat or cool them to the same temperature as the rest of the house. A zoning system lets you section off different parts of your home and control the temperature by each area. 3. Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats can help you reduce your heating costs by 35 percent and your cooling costs by 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Why should I buy a zoning system?

    A zoning system allows you to divide your home and heat or cool each area differently. While these systems work well for homes that have areas that are rarely used, they may also be beneficial in situations where you and your family can’t agree on the temperature in certain parts of your home. There are a collection of additional benefits of zoning systems, including efficiency and comfort. View our selection of zoning systems or give iTemp Heating and Air Conditioning a call to see how a zoning system could work for your home.

    CLICK TO CALL