Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Sometimes an “R” is added to the end (HVACR) which stands for Recycling.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the rated efficiency of your furnace or boiler. If the furnace is 95% AFUE, then 95% of the heat generated will condition the home and 5% will be lost by the venting of the flue gases out of the chimney. The higher the AFUE the cheaper the furnace is to operate. Today’s minimum standard is 78% AFUE and maximum (although always increasing) is 97% AFUE.
TON is terminology used when appropriately sizing an air conditioner. One TON is the equivalent of 12,000 BTU’s, therefore, a one TON air conditioner will remove 12,000 BTU’s of heat per hour.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the rated efficiency of your air conditioner. The higher the SEER the less the air conditioner will cost to operate. The minimum standard today is 13 SEER and the maximum (although always increasing) is 26 SEER.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the rating of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner compared to the total electrical input in watts. The higher EER means a higher efficiency.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is the rating of heating BTU’s output by the total electrical input in watts. The higher the HSPF means a higher efficiency.
Heating and Air Conditioning equipment are designed to be maintenance once a year prior to the peak demand season. Therefore, we recommend the furnace be maintenance in the Fall and the air conditioner be maintenance in the Spring. This will keep your equipment safe and efficient to maintain your comfort needs. Most manufactures will void their warranty if the equipment is not maintenance accordingly.
Absolutely yes! Even though your system is new, it still needs to have annual maintenance performed to keep it working properly. This will also help keep the warranty in effect.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless and colorless gas that is produced by all gas burning appliances, including furnaces and boilers. Since this is a serious threat in some instances it is always wise to have your heating equipment maintenance prior to the heating season which a qualified technician will inspect for potential CO problems. It is also wise to have carbon monoxide detectors located in the proper areas of your home.
Since heat rises, it is very common that a home is hotter upstairs and more uncomfortable. There are many reasons for this occurrence including wrong sized blower system or air conditioner, improperly sized or designed ductwork, poor insulation, poor windows, or simply the need for zoning.
Zoning refers to having more than one thermostat to adjust and set the temperature in any given area. Many homes may have one thermostat for the entire house, when in fact, the upstairs or rooms located on the perimeter of the house require more air than other spaces. Having multiple thermostats allow each room to be controlled independently of the other rooms.
If your home has galvanized steel pipes, frequent leaks, low pressure, or rusty water, repiping may be necessary. Many older Lombard homes benefit from upgrading to PEX or copper plumbing for better flow and fewer problems.
This usually means sediment has built up inside your water heater tank. As water heats, the sediment traps steam bubbles that cause popping sounds. Many homes in Lombard have hard water that speeds up this buildup. Leslie Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric can flush your system to restore quiet, efficient operation.
Yes — water coming through your ceiling is a sign of an active leak and needs immediate attention. It can cause severe structural damage and mold growth. Our emergency plumbers in Lombard can locate and repair the leak before it gets worse.
A constantly running toilet in your Lombard home is usually caused by a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or a chain that’s not adjusted correctly. These small parts wear out over time and let water leak from the tank into the bowl. Leslie Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric can quickly diagnose and fix the issue to help lower your water bill.
If a pipe bursts, turn off your main water supply immediately and avoid the area if water is near electrical outlets. Then call Leslie Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric right away. Burst pipes are an emergency, and our Lombard plumbing team can arrive quickly to minimize water damage and start repairs.
A tripping breaker usually means a circuit is overloaded, a malfunctioning appliance, or a short circuit. This is your home’s safety system working to prevent electrical fires. Our licensed Lombard electricians can inspect your panel and identify the exact issue.
A warm or burnt-smelling outlet is a serious fire hazard. It may be caused by a loose connection, overloaded circuit, or damaged wiring. Turn off power to that outlet and call Leslie Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric immediately for an inspection.
This usually means the circuit that powers that room has tripped or has a wiring issue. Sometimes older Lombard homes have outdated wiring that needs repair. Our electricians can quickly find and fix the cause.
GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) protect you from electrical shock, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and outdoor areas. Illinois electrical code requires them in many parts of your home. We can install or replace GFCI outlets to keep your Lombard home up to code.
Dimming lights can indicate an overloaded circuit, undersized wiring, or issues with your panel. Large appliances draw a lot of power, especially in older Lombard homes. Upgrading circuits or the panel can fix this safely.