When homeowners are assessing their energy use, they often forget to consider the energy that escapes through common output places, like the fireplace, attic, ducts and even walls. That’s why a home energy assessment is a great way to determine your home’s energy use – including the places you can’t see.

Here are 5 ways an assessment by an American Weathermakers technician can help you save money:

1. Energy audits can see things you can’t see. Special equipment for just this purpose allows us to find breaches where they wouldn’t be obvious to the untrained eye. We’ll be able to tell you if your insulation is too worn out, or if there are small air leaks and their location in your HVAC system and home.

2. A home energy assessment will uncover the areas of your home that are wasting energy and wasting your money. These include common causes, such as windows and doors, as well as the not-so-obvious culprits like the fireplace, attic and air ducts. An expert can give you a real idea of the amount of money you are losing by lost energy.

3. The attic an important part of the energy-use equation, but is often forgotten when considering energy leaks. An expert will start by looking at the basic signs – such as insulation, vents and air circulation and notice the amount and quality of insulation in your attic, the effectiveness of the ventilation, and determine how much energy is being wasted in this part of your home. They’ll also look at how well your attic entrance, or in some cases an attic hole is at maintaining separation between your attic and the rest of your home. A lot of times, it’s this factor that makes a huge difference in heating waste.

4. Fireplaces are often huge energy drains and are a particular challenge for regulating the temperature in your home. The chimney is designed to move smoke out of a home by using the rising heat as a means of propulsion, however, the problem occurs when you aren’t using the fireplace and hot air rises up though the chimney and out of the house.

You can prevent this heat loss by making sure that the flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open flue will suck the hot air straight from your vents and up the chimney, and you’re left paying the bill for heat you didn’t get to use. Lastly, a flue that doesn’t provide a tight seal will allow hot air to escape from your home, so it’s best to get that checked out regularly.

5. Savings can really add up with small changes made after an energy audit. The items listed here are only a few of the places and methods that energy might be escaping from your home. With a home energy assessment, you’ll find several ways to make your home more comfortable and energy bills lower. The cash you’ll save on your energy savings often offsets the cost of the audit in a short time, and you’ll continue to save money on your energy bills after that!

For a consultation about possible energy leaks or to make an appointment to get your home checked out, call us at 847.509.2024.

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American Weathermakers wants to give you a Mario Tricoci Signature Day of Beauty!

You could win a Mario Tricoci Signature Day of Beauty! This prize is one of the salon’s most popular and top-selling packages. It includes a luxurious 50-minute massage, gourmet lunch, hair cut and style, facial, make-up application, manicure and pedicure. A spa day is the perfect way to get summer-ready and totally relaxed. This Mario Tricoci package will give you an entire day devoted to your comfort, beauty and style.

To enter, click here and like American Weathermakers on Facebook! One lucky winner will be selected at the end of May to enjoy a day of total bliss at Mario Tricoci.

If your HVAC unit is causing you stress, you can relax, because we’ve got you covered – just make an appointment with us and we’ll fix whatever is out of place! Call us at 847.498.8090.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes residential energy efficiency programs because household energy use contributes to air pollution, including 20% of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, which is also known as CO2. Air pollution accounts for 26% and 15% of all U.S. emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, respectively. When homeowners use more energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems, air pollution is reduced and money is saved.

Why is EPA promoting Energy Star energy-efficient furnaces?

Furnaces are extremely common in US homes. About 38 million gas furnaces are currently operating in American homes and approximately 2.5 million of these furnaces are replaced annually. A 15-year-old furnace may only be 66% efficient and cost up to $730 per year to operate. However, your individual circumstances, like location and your maintenance habits contribute to this number. A new high-efficiency furnace can be 90% efficient or more and cost as little as $525 to operate each year.

Furnace manufacturers have signed agreements with EPA to produce and promote high-efficiency furnaces that are 90% efficient or greater. These high-efficiency gas furnaces squeeze energy savings from furnaces by using an advanced “condensing” technology. Homeowners can identify products that qualify for this EPA program by looking for the EPA Energy Star logo.

Purchasing energy-efficient products becomes easier for homeowners, as now you can simply ask for Energy Star models when speaking with an American Weathermakers’ technician when discussing a new furnace for your home. Most of the major furnace manufacturers have decided to participate in the EPA program, especially considering the effects of the AFUE mandate; learn about that here.

Over the course of 10 years, an Energy Star furnace could save you about $1,700, relative to an old furnace, and $920 relative to a new standard furnace. But you should get a more targeted figure from your HVAC technician.

If you want to learn more about Energy Star products for your home, contact us at 847.509.2024, we can help you get the most out of a new HVAC system.

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Heat pumps are often misunderstood or not understood at all. Because of this, many homeowners may not realize that there might be a better heating and cooling option than a furnace or air conditioner. No matter the season or outside temperature, a heat pump works by moving heat to keep indoor environments comfortable. During winter, heat is collected from the outside and used to warm the air inside your home. Interestingly enough, even cold air contains heat. In the summer, a heat pump operates like a typical electric air conditioner. It collects heat from the air within a home and forces it outside.

One of the benefits of heat pumps are their ability to provide years of worry-free heating and cooling and significant savings on energy bills. The amount a homeowner can save depends on several factors. For example, the efficiency of old equipment compared to that of a new heat pump will have an effect on how much money will be saved; also, the climate is another factor.

While many people find the winter functionality of a heat pump difficult to understand since it seems counter-intuitive, it is during the heating cycle that the heat pump produces the most savings. Unlike a furnace that turns fossil fuel or electricity into heat, the heat pump collects heat that already exists in the outside air by way of its refrigeration cycle. A heat pump will produce two to three times more heat than the energy it uses.

Also pay attention to the pump’s SEER rating; the higher the rate, the more efficient it is. A SEER of 7.0 is typical in homes more than fifteen years old and a new, higher efficiency heat pump can be as much as 56% more efficient. To learn more about SEER ratings, click here.

If your old non-electric furnace is still working, an add-on heat pump is also an effective option. With a duel-fuel system, the two systems share the heating load. The heat pump will be the primary heating and cooling system. However, when the temperature drops below the heat pump’s set point, the furnace will take over until the temperature raises enough for the heat pump to operate more efficiently.

If you’re considering a heat pump, an American Weathermakers technician can help you evaluate your options so you can get the most efficient model for your home. Give us a call at 847.509.2024.

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Maintaining proper airflow around and through the outdoor unit is critical for system performance and those overgrown weeds and other lawn debris could harm your system. On the other side of the coin, many homeowners like to hide their units, and there are safe ways to do that. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of using common landscaping and decorating techniques to hide your HVAC outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit is a heat transfer device – a fan pulls the outside air through the refrigerant coils and in most unit models, discharges it up through the top. If the unit is encased or too enclosed by a fence, bushes or shrubs, or if the bottom few inches of the coil is buried under too much mulch, restricting the air-flow, it will not work properly, thus decreasing efficiency, reducing the life span, and most likely causing damage to your unit.

Below are five advantages to hiding your outdoor unit:

1. Noise levels can be reduced
2. An approved for use shade can keep the unit cooler on hot days – but never try to cover your unit with something that’s not approved by the manufacture or your HVAC technician
3. For models with heat pumps, during winter, an approved shelter can block the cold winds from hitting the unit and allowing the defrost mode to work quicker
4. Again with models with heat pumps, hiding the unit can also reduce snow drifts around the unit
5. Aesthetically pleasing – if you’re a home owner that doesn’t want your unit conspicuous, by all means conceal it, but make sure your methods are approved by your HVAC tech, otherwise you cause damage your unit

Below are five disadvantages to hiding your outdoor unit:

1. If the fence or shrubs are too close to the outdoor unit, it can restrict the air-flow, causing serious damage – again, always have your HVAC technician look at what you’re using around your unit – they will tell you if there are problems with your landscaping plan
2. Too much stuff around your unit makes it harder to service, clean and repair
3. Out of sight, out of mind. Something could be wrong and you won’t see it since it more difficult to notice a potential problem with your unit, or hear for that matter
4. For units with heat pumps, it can be more difficult to get to the unit to remove snow and ice during winter
5. Bushes and shrubs can attract rodent nests in the unit which causes all sorts of problems and damage

As spring turns to summer, let us help you make sure that your outdoor HVAC unit isn’t being damaged by anything around it and go over options to safely conceal it. Don’t find out too late that those decorations you placed in May caused expensive damage in September! Give us a call at 847.509.2024 and we’ll give you a hand!

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A tankless water heater is a great option if it’s viable for your house and can help you lower the cost of utility bills and overall energy usage.  An American Weathermakers technician can walk you through the process to determine if this option is right for your home and if so, help you through all the steps, including the venting process.

Tankless hot water heaters need special venting to blow hot exhaust gas outside your home – but unlike other kinds of hot water heaters, tankless heaters have more flexible venting options that might be more suitable for different types of structures, depending on several factors, however, because of most water heater models’ design, they’re able to fit in more spaces in the home. A technician can inspect your home and will find the best fit for you. There are even outside tankless water heaters in the market to choose from.  Learn more about our other water heater options and services here.

Below are five features why tankless water heaters are so popular:

1. Tankless water heaters tend to save more living space – they can conserve up to 16 sq feet of home space. Between the two main kinds of vents and your home’s layout and structure, you’ll be able to find out what works best.

2. Outside tankless water heaters free up indoor space and can endure below-freezing temperatures due to automatic, self-warming components – so it can work even in a Chicago winter and generally doesn’t require extra venting.

3. Tankless water heater design allows for multiple venting options such as through the roof or a side wall, another reason they’re such a flexible option.

4. Tankless water heaters last longer. Most units have 10-15 year warranties and can last up to 20 years before you need a replacement.

5. Tankless water heaters not only a money-saver on your utility bills, they can also save you money on your taxes, so keep that in mind when deciding on a water heater. Tax season 2014 is right around the corner!

If you think a tankless water heater is a possible option for your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 847.509.2024! Even though summer is around the corner, hot water is a must have year-round.

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Homes with a single thermostat may not maintain a temperature appropriately due to uneven heating and cooling. American Weathermakers can help you install home zoning systems to combat this issue. Learn more about that topic here – we recommend The Arzel® Zoning System to our customers.

The source of such heating and cooling issues can be sun exposure, inadequate insulation and even your home’s floor plan. The Arzel® Zoning System can guard against uneven heating and cooling caused by these and other factors. With a zoning system, individual areas of your home are given customized heating and cooling controls. This system will establish “distinct comfort zones” in your home which will each have their own, individual thermostat. The Arzel® Zoning System is guaranteed to make your home and your family more comfortable.

The Arzel® Zoning System will solve the issues caused by a single thermostat. Through installing an Arzel® Zoning System, you are putting control where it’s needed, when you want it. Zoning uses less energy to operate your HVAC equipment while providing you and your family with the comfort and control you deserve in your home. And now, Arzel® can do more than simply cut down on your energy costs and keep your family comfortable. The new Arzel® Evergreen Zoning System is able to effectively control indoor air quality. What this means for you is your air filtration needs can be met through the same system used to zone your home.

The Arzel® Evergreen Zoning System allows you to control the amount of air that is produced by your HVAC system, effectively transforming your home into the highest quality and most efficient comfort system in the industry. The system matches airflow requirements with your comfort needs and your home’s zone sizes.  This one system keeps air quality high, temperatures accurate and energy costs low.

Give us a call at 847.509.2024 to discuss how a home zoning system can help you regulate your home’s temperature and help you save on unnecessary costs.

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Spring has finally sprung! That means that you can throw open the windows and put away those heavy blankets in time for the heat wave that is sure to descend upon us. Even though spring is a welcome relief from the winter chills, warmer temperatures are guaranteed to be closely followed by the hum of the air conditioning unit. Proper AC unit maintenance will insure that your unit is in shape to cool you off this summer. Here are a few ways to guarantee that your unit will be in working condition year-round by putting AC unit maintenance on the top of your pre-summer to do list:

Turn on your unit before the first heat wave hits. Insure that it is working properly. If it does not seem to be creating cool air, you may have a problem which we can help you figure out beforehand.

As soon as you switch from air conditioning to heat in the fall, start to think about the maintenance of your AC unit. Check your system twice during the “off” months to guarantee that the unit will work in the spring.

Remember that your AC unit “needs space.” Do not store anything around your unit and do not use the unit as a shelf. Air needs to be able to freely flow into the unit in order to properly cool. Also, storing anything on the unit itself may lead to irreparable and expensive damage.

Filters need to be changed. Dirty filters can restrict air flow to the unit causing it to run inefficiently. The frequency of which you need to replace your AC unit’s filters depends on the type of filter you are using and how often you run your system. An American Weathermakers professional should be able to give you some guidelines based on these factors. Learn more about air filters and air filter replacements here.

Be sure to check that your thermostat is properly set for the time of the year you are in. Most thermostats need to be switched from the heating setting in winter to the cooling setting in summer in order to keep the temperature accurate.

Maintenance is the key to keeping your home cool this summer. Give us a call at 847.509. 2024 for a inspection of your HVAC system today!

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There are many different sources of indoor air pollution in a home, but tobacco smoke tops the list. Cigarette smoke in an enclosed space, such as your home or apartment, is not only stinky but can also exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Most of the smoke emitted from a cigarette does not go into the smoker’s lungs but escapes into the air, effectively polluting the surrounding environment.  Secondhand smoke affects anyone who inhales it and has been linked to lung disease, heart disease, respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis and asthma. Anyone who lives in a home with a smoker is at a drastically increased risk of falling victim to secondhand smoke’s dangers.

You can protect your lungs by installing an air filter which can effectively remove harmful cigarette smoke from your living space. Electronic air cleaners and air cleaners are very effective at removing these toxic carbon particles found in cigarette smoke. There are several different kinds of air cleaning systems and can be installed in the ductwork of a home’s HVAC system to clean the air in the entire house. An American Weathermakers technician can evaluate your home and current HVAC system and make a recommendation for you so you get the most effective air cleaning system.

Cigarette smoke consists of more than 4,000 chemical compounds. Of these, 50 are known carcinogens including hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas used in chemical weapons and pest controls, carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas found in exhaust, formaldehyde, an embalming chemical, and benzene which is an ingredient in gasoline. All of these carcinogens circulate in a home or apartment and the impurities are inhaled. Air polluted with cigarette smoke will pass through your air filter and works to eliminate or reduce the amount of impurities in your environment. The resulting air is cleaner and healthier for you and your family to breathe.

Air filtration systems and air filters also dramatically reduce the amount of allergens in the air, so those who suffer from allergies will be more comfortable.

The health and safety of you and your family is a top priority for us here at American Weathermakers. We can help you buy the most useful and effective product to ensure that the air you breathe is as clean as possible. Give us a call at 847.509. 2024 for a inspection of your HVAC system. Learn more about our indoor air quality services here.

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Washing Machines

Leave The Door Open Between Wash Cycles - If you have a front-loading washer, the rubber seal around the door can start to rot and smell bad, this is because washing machines are designed to hold in water, so if the front door remains closed between wash cycles, it ends up holding in all moisture, creating an environment perfect for mold to grow. To prevent these odors from developing, leave the door open so the rubber ring can dry.

Clean The Water Filter Regularly - High-efficiency washing machines use such a small amount of water that the dirt and grime from your clothes is more concentrated and more likely to clog the filter. This means that your clothes aren’t getting as clean and you can even damage your machine. In many washer models, the filter sits in a small access door in the front of the machine, but consults your owner’s manual if you can’t locate it.

Position Your Drain Hose Properly – A misplaced drain hose can cause you a lot of problems: If it’s too far above the machine, too low in the drain pipe, or runs under the washer, the hose can siphon dirty water into the tub instead of draining soapy water out of it – make sure you’ve got this positioned correctly.

Dryers

Clean Your Lint Trap – Always put this on your frequent to-do list; it’s an important preventative maintenance task that keeps your machine running well. Also check your vent line for lint buildups every so often; a lint- clogged line poses a big fire hazard.

Shorten The Vent Pipe - The longer the vent line, the more effort and energy a dryer will need to push out moist air, which can mean longer dry cycles. Look to see whether the vent has a more direct path to an output area, and that the line isn’t wound, clogged or tangled.

Don’t Overload Your Dryer - This could result in longer dry cycles, which uses more electricity and wears out the dryer faster – it also wastes money on increased energy bills.

When in doubt, read the manual, and if you’re concerned about spending too much money on your energy bills, we can help you figure out where you’re going wrong and fix it for you! Give us a call at 847.509. 2024 for a tune up or inspection of your HVAC system.

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