Can You Safely Power Wash an AC Unit?

August 17, 2022

It’s the middle of summer and the weather is hot and sticky. You’re looking for ways to cool down, but your air conditioner is on the fritz. Is there some debris or dirt in there that needs to be cleaned out? You might be tempted to take a pressure washer to it to clean it off and get it running again. But is power washing your AC unit safe? At IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we understand that it can be frustrating to know that your AC unit is not working the way it is intended to when you need

Continue Reading
company icon

5 Ways You Can Make Your Air Conditioner More Efficient

July 15, 2022

When the summer comes around, and the temperature outside starts to rise, the natural inclination is usually to crank up the air conditioning. This is an understandable response, but if you aren’t careful, it can end up costing you quite a bit of extra money. If you lean on the AC to keep your Arlington Heights, IL home comfortable for multiple hours every day, that’s going to add up to a lot of energy usage. And when the monthly electricity bills arrive, it’s probably going to be a tough pill to swallow. However, if you’re proactive about making your air

Continue Reading
company icon

Your HVAC System Is Built to Last but Not for a Lifetime

June 20, 2022

It can be said that your HVAC system is one of the most important features in your home. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during the freezing winters or cool off when the summer heat rolls through. With that being said, this essential system won’t last forever. Just like any other piece of machinery, its lifespan does run out. What Is the Average Lifespan of an HVAC System? On average, HVAC systems tend to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The broad lifespan estimate is due to the fact that there

Continue Reading
company icon

Tips for Properly Cleaning Your Window AC Unit

May 20, 2022

Before you put your window AC units in for this upcoming summer season, it’s vital that you give them a good cleaning. This will help to remove any stuck-on debris and ensure that your air conditioning is working to enhance your indoor air quality. If this is your first time cleaning your AC unit, then you’ll want to follow the instructions below carefully. Remove the Air Filter The first step in cleaning your window unit is to make sure that it’s unplugged. You should never clean your AC unit or even its filter without unplugging the

Continue Reading
company icon

Does Sleeping With the Window Open During Summertime Save Money?

April 14, 2022

Keeping your home cooled throughout the summer can add up to a lot of money. Obviously, the more frequently your air conditioner runs, the more money you’ll spend. As a result, many people attempt to cut back on their energy use by turning off their air conditioning at night and opening their windows to help keep the home cool. Still, the question is whether or not this is actually an effective option for saving money on your cooling costs. Unfortunately, there really isn’t a straightforward answer as it depends largely on the local climate. With this in mind, let’s look

Continue Reading
company icon

Is It Better to Use a Space Heater or Furnace?

March 17, 2022

Over the winter, there’s constantly a struggle between staying comfortable and lowering your heating bills. Some people think that it’s better to keep your furnace lower and use a space heater where you want more heat. However, is that always a good option, or is it better to adjust your furnace? Consider the differences and how to determine if a space heater or increasing your furnace’s temperature is a better option for your home. Understanding the Difference Between Furnaces and Space Heaters The furnace manages the heat throughout your entire home. It does this by burning

Continue Reading
company icon

Can You Make Your Furnace Last Longer?

February 15, 2022

As a homeowner, you likely know that a new furnace can be a large investment. While the average furnace is estimated to last about 15 to 20 years, that doesn’t mean that yours can’t last even longer. In fact, with the right care practices, your furnace can last even longer than the manufacturer’s anticipated life expectancy. Get Yearly Maintenance One of the most significant contributors to a furnace’s lifespan is how often it’s serviced. To ensure that all the components of your furnace stay in good working order, you’ll want to get your furnace serviced by

Continue Reading
company icon

5 Ways to Reset Your Furnace or Heat Pump

January 12, 2022

Cold air has infiltrated Arlington Heights, IL, which means that it’s time to rely on your home’s heating system for relief. If your furnace or heat pump won’t respond, resetting it often does the trick. Although each make and model of heat pump or furnace will have a slightly different process for resetting, here’s how to get started and restore comfort to your home. 1. Start With the Thermostat In many cases, your heat pump or furnace isn’t receiving messages from the thermostat. A programmable or smart thermostat may need to be reset. You

Continue Reading
company icon

A Look at a Heat Exchanger and How It Works

December 20, 2021

The heat exchanger on your heating and cooling system is one of the most important components. When your heat exchanger fails, it can create a potentially dangerous situation, and you might not even know that it has happened. Let’s see why it’s important to have regular seasonal maintenance on your furnace. What Is a Heat Exchanger? Heat exchangers all perform the same function. They allow heat to pass from one liquid to another or from a liquid to a gas. In the case of a cooling system, the heat exchanger passes heat from the system

Continue Reading
company icon

Preparing Your HVAC Unit for Winter Storms

November 17, 2021

The Chicagoland area is known for some horrific winter storms, including blistering cold temperatures. Once these arrive, your heating system will either keep you comfortable and safe or utterly fail. Here are the best tips for preparing your HVAC system to handle the intense winter storms. Deal With Airflow Restrictions Your system depends on circulating air, both through your home and through the system itself. Anything inhibiting airflow will add strain to your system, which translates into higher utility bills and early component failure. Find and deal with any possible airflow restrictions to ensure your system

Continue Reading
company icon