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American Weathermakers is recognized as the boiler / hydronics experts on the North Side of Chicago, the North Shore, Northwest Suburbs and Lake county. Our engineers are trained to design systems that optimize your comfort. Our installers and service technicians are factory trained to maintain and install your equipment for peak efficiency. American's Service Department has won ASHRAE awards for outstanding service. We offer a choice of boilers depending on : efficiency, construction, and your home's unique design challenges. We hope you will find the information below informative and are we eager to demonstrate our expertise.
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What is a boiler?
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Why is a hydronic system the most comfortable heat?
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What options do I have if I have a boiler (controls)?
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How often should it be serviced?
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If a room is too hot, what can I do?
What is a boiler?
A boiler is a heating system that uses water as its medium to heat your home rather than a scorched air system (furnace) . The water is first heated at the boiler. It then travels through pipes in the house to radiators (ie.. cast iron radiators, base board radiators, fin and tube convectors, radiant floor, toe kick convectors and fan coil). The water is circulated through the system with pump(s).
Why is a hydronic system the most comfortable heat?
When hot water is pumped into radiators it convects heat in the living space. All objects in that space then become equal in temperature. A forced air system uses air to heat the house, but all the surroundings or furnishings stay at a lower temperature due to cold infiltration through the walls and floors.
What options do I have if I have a boiler (controls)?
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Adding an outdoor reset control: A boiler is sized for the coldest days of the year. Most of the heating season the boiler does not need the maximum output to heat the house. This controller checks outdoor temperature and boiler supply temperature. It adjusts the supply water temperature along a curve to find the right heat input for that moment. This change of supply water temperature reduces the gas needed to heat the water, as a result saving you money on your utility bills.
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Updating pumps. The pump is the heart of the system. As with any electrical motor; dependability is affected with time. We can update the driving force of your system which also decreases the need for emergency repairs due to parts that wear out. Replacing a pump could also save you money on your electric bill.
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A programmable thermostat. A thermostat that automatically changes temperature to keep the house comfortable can save you money by not heating the house (to normal temperature) when no one is home. This is most beneficial to customers that have predictable days. When you know what time you leave for work and are coming home the thermostat is smart enough to engage the heat to be at the programmed setting when you walk in the door (versus wasting all that unnecessary heat when the house is vacant during the day).
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Zoning the house. Add additional thermostats to your home today and only heat the rooms that are occupied. If multiple zones are added (for additional control of the house) the end result is that boiler only has to heat (use gas) the rooms that are occupied. For example: At night time, when every one is sleeping, keep the sleeping area comfortable and lower the temperature of the unoccupied rooms of the home.
How often should the boiler be serviced?
A boiler needs to be cleaned on a annual basis for safety and efficiency. There are many different controls and pieces of equipment working together. Most boilers are constructed of cast iron and over a season of use the burners can accumulate a fair amount of debris which can cause incomplete combustion. Some pumps needs annual oiling. The system pressure needs to be checked and air removed if necessary to insure the highest performance of the system. All safeties need to be checked on a yearly basis.
If a room is too hot, what can I do?
On most radiators there are valves that can be adjusted to reduce the flow of water. A note of caution: the valves are not moved too often which can make it difficult to adjust. If you encounter any resistance moving the valve on your own we can help.(847)509-7777. | 
