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How does New Comfort Heating and Cooling stand out from other HVAC service providers?
What range of HVAC services do you provide?
How can I tell if my HVAC system requires maintenance?
What are the benefits of smart control for HVAC systems?
What factors can affect the lifespan of an HVAC system?
Is installing a modern HVAC system expensive?
What should I do if my HVAC system is not cooling or heating effectively?
The answers above cover the HVAC service questions we hear most often. Below, our technicians go a step further with practical answers about HVAC maintenance, HVAC repair, scheduling and indoor air quality for homes in Justice and Chicago’s western and southwest suburbs. If your question is not here, call us at (708) 717-9995 and a real person will help.
A furnace tune-up typically includes inspecting the burners, ignitor and flame sensor, checking the heat exchanger and venting, testing safety controls, checking the blower and reviewing the air filter. An air conditioner tune-up includes cleaning the outdoor coil, checking refrigerant pressures, testing the capacitor and electrical connections and clearing the condensate drain.
At the end of the visit, the technician tells you what was checked, what looks good and anything that may need attention soon. You decide what, if anything, to do next. An HVAC maintenance visit is also a good time to ask about any noises, smells or comfort problems you have noticed.
Yes, in most cases. Many problems, such as a weak capacitor, a dirty flame sensor or a partly clogged drain line, give little warning before they cause a breakdown. Annual HVAC maintenance catches these issues early, helps the system run more efficiently and is often required to keep a manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Book furnace maintenance in early fall, before the first cold nights, and air conditioning maintenance in spring, before the first hot and humid stretch. Scheduling ahead of the busy season gives you more appointment options and means any needed repairs are done before you depend on the system every day.
Leave electrical, gas and refrigerant work to a professional. Those parts of the system can be dangerous and are easy to damage without the right tools.
In local homes, the HVAC repair calls we see most often involve a handful of parts that wear out over time:
Call right away if you have no heat in freezing weather, no cooling during extreme heat, water leaking near the equipment, a burning or electrical smell, or a system that trips the breaker repeatedly. If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside first.
Less urgent signs, such as a new noise, higher energy bills or one room that is always uncomfortable, still deserve attention. Small problems tend to get more expensive the longer they run.
Changing a filter, resetting a tripped breaker or replacing thermostat batteries are safe tasks for most homeowners. Beyond that, HVAC repair usually involves natural gas, high-voltage electricity or refrigerant, which federal rules require certified technicians to handle. A wrong move can create a safety hazard or turn a small HVAC repair into a much larger one, so it is best to call a professional.
Short cycling can come from a dirty filter, a thermostat in a poor location, an overheating furnace, a refrigerant problem or equipment that is too large for the home. It wears out parts faster and wastes energy, so it is worth having a technician find the cause.
Age, repair history and repair cost all matter. Furnaces commonly last 15 to 20 years and air conditioners 10 to 15 years with good care. If an older system needs a major repair, or you are calling for HVAC repair every season, a replacement estimate is worth comparing. We will always tell you honestly when a repair still makes more sense. Our article on furnace repair vs. replacement explains the decision in more detail.
Yes. We offer 24/7 live phone answering and same day service, and our emergency HVAC service covers nights, weekends and holidays when you have no heat or no cooling.
Yes. After diagnosing the problem, the technician explains what needs to be done, why it is needed and what it will cost. No work starts until you approve it.
We provide free estimates for new furnace, air conditioner and system installations, and financing options are available. During the estimate we look at your home, your ductwork and any comfort problems so the new equipment fits the way you live.
Your address, the type and approximate age of your system, and a short description of what is happening, such as noises, smells, error codes or water. That is all we need to get started.
Cold outdoor air holds very little moisture, and heating it makes indoor air even drier. Dry air can cause static shocks, dry skin and cracked wood floors. A whole-home humidifier connected to your furnace adds moisture evenly, and it should be serviced once a year along with the furnace.
The right filter balances filtration with airflow. A higher-efficiency pleated filter traps more dust and allergens, but a filter that is too restrictive for your system can reduce airflow. Ask our technician what your equipment can handle. For more background, the EPA offers a helpful overview of indoor air quality in the home.
Yes. Leaky, undersized or poorly balanced ductwork is a common reason for rooms that are always too hot or too cold. Solutions range from balancing dampers and sealing leaks to zoning systems that control different areas separately.
Schedule furnace maintenance before the heating season, put in a fresh air filter and test your carbon monoxide detectors. Turn the heat on for a short test run on a cool fall day, so you find out about any problem before the first hard freeze rather than during it. If you have a humidifier, replace the water panel and open its damper for the winter.
Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit and make sure snow and ice from the roof cannot fall directly on it. A breathable cover over the top only can keep debris out, but avoid wrapping the whole unit in plastic, which traps moisture. If you have a heat pump, leave it uncovered, since it runs through the winter.
During a deep cold snap, long run times can be normal, especially in older or less insulated homes. The warning signs are a house that never reaches the set temperature, rooms getting colder over time or air from the vents that feels lukewarm. Those symptoms point to a problem with airflow, the burners or the equipment size, and they are worth a service call.
Book an AC tune-up in spring, change the filter, clear plants and debris from around the condenser and make sure the condensate drain is not clogged. Turn the cooling on during a warm spring afternoon to confirm it is blowing cold air. Finding a problem in April is far easier than waiting for the first heat wave, when HVAC service schedules fill up quickly.
An air conditioner removes moisture as it cools, but an oversized system can cool the house too quickly and shut off before it dries the air. Low airflow, a dirty coil or a fan set to run constantly can also leave the home feeling clammy. A technician can check the settings, airflow and equipment size to find the cause.
We are always happy to talk through a problem before you book a visit. Browse more answers on our HVAC FAQ page, learn about our heating services and cooling services, or check the areas we serve. When you are ready, call (708) 717-9995 or contact us online to schedule HVAC maintenance, HVAC repair or a free estimate.
