Archive for the ‘attic insulation’ Category
Monday, January 30th, 2012
You can’t always control the way that your home was built. When you purchased the home odds are you were looking for the obvious flaws and when those were ruled out, everything seemed to be in order. However, many older homes suffer from problems that lie beneath the surface. The problem is that the older the home is the less air tight it was made. Insulating the walls and attic were not a priority at the time and many of these older homes experience air leaks and drafts that not only disturb comfort but they also cost the homeowners big bucks in energy costs. In the past, the only way to get in and add more insulation was to tear down the walls, fill, and then reseal them. However, with blown-in insulation from Four Seasons, you can add insulation to nearly any crevice in the home without tearing the walls down.
Popular Places to Add Insulation
- Attics: Attics in older homes often have little to no insulation within them. Any insulation that was placed has long since settled and is offering little protection. Have Four Seasons pump in a fresh thick layer of fiberglass and give your home an air tight cap to help keep heat in this winter.
- Crawl Spaces: Many older homes have crawl spaces that lack insulation. A crawl space can be as cold as the chilliest of winter nights and that cold air will seep into your warm home if you do not prevent it from happening. Simply have Four Seasons fill in the spaces with fresh insulation and eliminate this source of heat loss. (more…)
Tags: air tight, attic, basement, Burnham, Chicago, cost effective, drafts, energy efficiency, Four Seasons, garage, heat gain, heat loss, IL, Insulation, Rolling Meadows, Savings, un-insulated rooms, walls
Posted in Air Quality, Heating, Home Services, Savings, attic insulation | No Comments »
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
One of the top complaints when it comes to home comfort is temperature inconsistency from room to room. Drafts and inadequate circulation are often the source of these types of problems, and many homeowners feel that they are at a loss when it comes to finding a solution to this issue. Many people can’t afford to blindly spend their money in search for an answer, but Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning has a few suggestions that any homeowner can cheaply implement in the home.
3 Ways to Even Out Your Home’s Temperature:
- Furnace Fan: The first step towards improving circulation in the home would be to turn the furnace circulating fan to “On.” The fan is most likely set to the “Auto” position which would only allow the fan to run when the furnace is generating heat. By turning the fan on all of the time, more air exchanges will be made through the ducts of the home which will lead to better circulation and disbursal of air in the home.
- Ceiling Fan: During the winter months, changing the direction of flow of the ceiling fan will help aide circulation in the home as well. A fan set to run clockwise will push air up. This effectively pushes that hot air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room. This will help eliminate temperature variances from room to room and help optimize use of the heat created by your heating system. (more…)
Tags: attic insulation, Cary, ceiling fan, Chicago, circulation, comfort, Four Seasons, Furnace, furnace fan, Heating, Homewood, IL, insulation services, temperature variances
Posted in Air Quality, Heating, Home Improvement and Repair, Home Services, Tips and Suggestions, attic insulation | No Comments »
Friday, December 23rd, 2011
As the year winds down, we begin to assess the year past and the year to come. What goals have we met and which ones have we still to complete? Make 2012 the year where these goals become a reality, and take the necessary steps towards making them happen. If these goals concern the energy efficiency of the home, getting them done becomes even more important. Failure to do so would mean wasted money and wasted resources. If you can’t afford to pay for another year of waste on your energy bills, now is the time to make a goal and get on the path to completion. Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning has several ways that you can improve the energy efficiency in your home and now is the time to start planning with us.
Planning Your Energy Efficiency Improvements
The most popular energy efficiency resolution is to replace the home’s old inefficient HVAC system with a new high tech and high efficiency system from Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning. However, investing in a heating and cooling system is not an easy feat for many homeowners these days. But there are options. You could either find other ways to save money for the investment, or you could take advantage of the financing options offered by Four Seasons. One of the more affordable energy efficiency boosting services that are offered by Four Seasons is our insulation services. Investing a small amount of your money into increasing the amount of insulation in your attic could be just what your budget needs to make saving for that new furnace and air conditioner easier than ever before. (more…)
Tags: 2012, attic insulation, Aurora, Chicago, energy audit, energy efficiency, financing, Four Seasons, furnace and air conditioner, Go Green, goals, heating and cooling, hvac system, IL, insulation services, investment, Naperville, save money, ugrade
Posted in Air conditioning, Furnace, Heating, Home Improvement and Repair, Savings, Tips and Suggestions, attic insulation | Comments Off
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Our congress may be debating day in and day out the value of going green as far as our government is concerned, but for the average American, going green should be common sense. Our argument isn’t about global warming or diminishing fossil fuels, but it is about saving you money! Any homeowner that is looking to save money should care about going green, and should be taking certain steps to make their home more energy efficient. Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning is in the business of saving you and your family money and that is why we are also in the business of going green. From energy efficient furnaces to attic insulation services, we have a plethora of ways that you can go green and start saving today.
The Best Big and Little Changes You Can Make
Not all green home improvements are created equal. Some will save you more money than others, and depending on your home’s situation, you may be in greater need of one improvement over another. You should also consider your budget when you are looking to go green. Some home improvements are more expensive than others, but you don’t have to break the bank in order to go green. In our humble opinion, replacing the furnace is the best large investment and adding attic insulation is the best small investment you can make into the energy efficiency of your home. (more…)
Tags: 95%, AFUE, attic insulation, Chicago, energy efficiency, Evergreen Park, Four Seasons, furnace replacement, Go Green, high efficiency furnace, IL, Naperville
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
When customers call into Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning for a furnace repair service call, we always ask for a general description of the problem. The answer is usually some variation of, “The heat doesn’t work!” One such variation of this problem would be that the furnace is not producing enough heat. The vents are pumping out somewhat warm air, but the home just seems incapable of getting to the temperature set on the thermostat. If this describes your furnace, the problem may be located in the furnace or it could possibly be a problem elsewhere in the home that is affecting your furnace’s ability to keep you and your family warm. Four Seasons can help you sort it out, and below are some of the potential causes of your problem.
What’s Holding Back Your Furnace?
- Dirty Filter: Believe it or not, a dirty furnace filter could be what is stopping your furnace from working at its full potential. A clogged filter blocks airflow and the small amount of air that is getting by isn’t enough to heat the home efficiently. Given more time, the clogged filter will eventually choke the furnace and stop it from providing any heat at all! If you haven’t changed the filter in months and you have this problem, change the filter before you spend your money on a service call and see if you notice an improvement in your comfort.
- Filthy Burners: If the filter is clean, the problem may be located inside the furnace. Dirty, poorly adjusted burners can also be a source of this problem. A way to see if this could be causing your problem would be to take a peek inside the furnace while it is running. If you see flames that are any other color than clean burning blue, you have this problem. Orange and yellow flames aren’t as hot as blue flames, but a simple cleaning and adjustment from your Four Seasons technician could get things running normally once more. (more…)
Tags: burners, Chicago, filter, Four Seasons, Furnace, furnace filter, furnace repair, Hazel Crest, Heating, home comfort specialist, Homer Glen, IL, Insulation, not enough heat, replacement, sales, service call, sizing
Posted in Furnace, Furnace Repair, Heating, Tips and Suggestions, attic insulation, furnace filtration, maintenance | 1 Comment »
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Attic ventilation fans have many benefits to your home, in all seasons! The attic in your home is a living, breathing barrier from the harsh elements of the outside weather. A poorly ventilated attic is like having a home with a head cold. During the summer it is stuffy and during the winter it is wet and drippy! Both can cause major issues for your comfort and your home’s energy efficiency. Attic ventilation fans, coupled with adequate insulation, can cure your home’s head cold and prevent these problems from causing disturbances all year round!
How Poor Ventilation Affects Your Home
In the warm months of the year the attic can reach temperatures as high as 150 degrees or more when the hot summer sun is beaming directly onto your roof. That stored up heat can make your cooling costs rise significantly inside the home. The hot air trapped in the attic heats the ceiling in the floor below and with time seeps into the room and the rest of the home. This requires your home’s air conditioner to work even harder to keep up with the soaring outdoor temperatures. If you don’t have adequate insulation, the problem may be even worse, but even in attics with good insulation, poor ventilation can account for up to 35% of your total cooling cost during the hot summer months! This is a huge waste of money that can be corrected easy by installing an attic ventilation fan. In the winter months, a poorly vented attic space can result in moisture buildup, which can lead to wood deterioration, or even worse, mold spores. (more…)
Tags: air conditioner, attic ventilation fans, attic vents, cost, Four Seasons, head cold, installation, Insulation, La Grange Park, Lake in the Hills, moisture, repair, save money, summer, temperature, ventilation, winter
Posted in Air Quality, Air filtration, Home Improvement and Repair, Home Services, Tips and Suggestions, attic insulation | Comments Off
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Thousands of homeowners missed out on the tax credits that were handed out last year to those that made certain energy efficient improvements to their homes. The return was significantly greater in 2010, but the government did us all a favor and extended the credits for another year but at a reduced amount. However, the credits being offered are still quite significant. As we approach the end of this year, these credits are once again going to run out, and Four Seasons wants you to have every opportunity to take advantage of them before it is too late!
Tax Credit Eligible Products from Four Seasons:
- Furnaces and Air Conditioners: Furnaces from Four Seasons that have an AFUE rating of 95% or better are eligible for a $150 tax credit. 16 SEER air conditioners are also eligible for a tax credit of $300. This credit can make up for the extra cost that goes into purchasing a more energy efficient system. Sure other, less efficient, unit may be cheaper in the short run, but these units have long term returns and benefits in addition to these tax credits.
- Insulation Services: According to Energy Star, adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can do! That is why when you use Four Seasons blown-in attic insulation services you can get a return of 10% of the cost up to $500! (more…)
Tags: air conditioner, attic insulation, Chicago, doors, Dundee, Elgin, Energy Star, federal, Four Seasons, furance, government, Heating, Home Services, IL, installation, Insulation, Mc Henry, sales team, Savings, tax credits, tax return, water heater, windows
Posted in Air conditioning, Furnace, Heating, Home Improvement and Repair, Home Services, Hot Water Heater, Savings, attic insulation | Comments Off
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Looking for an affordable energy efficiency upgrade this fall? Many homes suffer with old heating systems that gobble up energy like there is no tomorrow, but replacing these old units is not always in the budget, especially with the holiday season on the horizon. However, many of us can’t afford to keep spending so much on our energy bills every month, and we need a more affordable solution. Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning recognized this need, and that is why we offer affordable insulation services to homeowners across the Chicagoland area. The energy efficiency boost you will get from having this service performed could be just what your budget needs this winter.
From R-Value Minimum to Maximum
An attic with inadequate insulation is usually the problem. Chicago and the surrounding areas fall within an area of the country that requires insulation with an R-value between 38 and 60. Many of us are probably way below this level, and you could check for yourself. Simply take a meter stick or other measuring devise and travel up to your attic. Measure the depth of the insulation, and if it is below 14 inches, you insulation’s R-value is lower than the required minimum. This could be what causes the icicles to form on your roof and the temperature differences within the home during the chilly winters here in Chicago. If you find that your insulation level is lower than 14 inches, have Four Seasons perform a free assessment and give you a free estimate on blown-in insulation. (more…)
Tags: assessment, attic, blown-in insulation, comfort, cost, energy bills, energy efficiency, Four Seasons, Fox River Grove, IL, Insulation, Mount Greenwood, R-Value
Posted in Boiler, Furnace, Heating, Home Services, Savings, attic insulation | Comments Off
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
Having a garage attached to your home is highly convenient for many homeowners. It eliminates long trips from the garage to the house transporting groceries or other purchases. It eliminates the mad dash into the home from the car when there is pouring rain, and there are probably many more uses for attached garages that homeowners across Chicagoland enjoy. However, your attached garage could be the reason why you are having trouble making your home more energy efficient and green friendly. Luckily, Four Seasons can eliminate this energy waster with a few simple improvements and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg!
Not Built Air Tight
When your home was built, it was created to be as airtight as possible. Several layers of insulation were put in place and cracks were sealed, but the garage was not built this way. The garage may have some insulation in the external walls, but the garage door and attic are often left open to the elements. Taking this into consideration along with the fact that the seals around the doors are probably not airtight, you can see how the temperature outside will be very similar to that inside the garage. This becomes a problem when it is able to creep into the main area of the home. We often find that many homes don’t even have adequate insulation in the wall that is shared with the garage. This leads to lower temperatures in the home during the winter time that the furnace must make up for. If your home was better sealed against the effects of the temperature in the garage, you could save tons of energy! (more…)
Tags: air leaks, air tight, attached garage, Des Plaines, energy efficiency, Four Seasons, garage, garage door, Go Green, Heating, home improvements, IL, Insulation, Riverside, save money, weather stripping, winter
Posted in Go Green, Heating, Home Services, attic insulation | Comments Off
Monday, October 10th, 2011
Do you feel like you are at the mercy of your energy company every winter? Do you have to sacrifice comfort in order to save a few bucks every month when those utility bills arrive? Do you want to change all that this winter? Odds are the answer is a resounding “YES!” Well there is a way to do so, and Four Seasons can help. Many advice sites will tell you to set back the thermostat a few degrees to save a few dollars and yes this will help, but if you make changes to other areas of your home, you can keep the furnace at the temperature you find most comfortable and not have to worry about the cost. Making other green home improvements outside of the HVAC system is one of the specialties of our Home Services department, and they have a number of ways to help you offset your heating costs this winter.
Small Changes to Help Offset Heating Costs:
- Attic Insulation: Attic insulation will help you keep more of the heat that your furnace creates inside the home and will prevent the chilly air in the attic from cooling down your upper floors.
- Window Sealing: Window sealing will keep out pesky drafts that send you running to the thermostat to raise the temperature in the home. (more…)
Tags: attic insulation, Chicago, electricity, Elmhurst, energy cost, Four Seasons, Heating, IL, low flow faucet, McHenry, Melrose Park, Savings, temperature, thermostat, utility bills, window sealing
Posted in Boiler, Furnace, Heating, Home Services, Savings, Tips and Suggestions, attic insulation | Comments Off
