Central air
Definition to come.
Where it comes up
- Central air conditioning
The parts of a split system, what is normal and the signs of trouble
- Heat pumps
How a heat pump heats and cools, and how it copes with Chicago cold
- Ductless mini-splits
Ductless cooling and heating for homes and rooms without ducts
- Air filters and air cleaners
Furnace filters, MERV ratings, changing filters and what air cleaners can do
- Your home's system as a whole
How heating, cooling, air and controls fit together in one home
- How cooling and heat pumps move heat
The refrigeration cycle, and why your outdoor unit blows warm air
- Airflow and ducts
Supply and return, static pressure, leaky ducts and when duct cleaning helps
- Efficiency ratings
What AFUE, SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 mean and how to read them
- Refrigerants and the rules
R-22, R-410A, newer refrigerants, certification and leaks
- Before the heating season
The fall check-up, the filter and humidifier, alarms, vents, boilers and heat pumps
- Before the cooling season
The AC check-up, coils and drains, the outdoor unit, mini-splits and room units
- Care all year round
Filters, humidity, exhaust fans, dryer vents, open registers and regular upkeep
- Chicago's older homes
Bungalows and older homes, and the heat they were built with
- Repair or replace
Age, repairs and bills, R-22 systems, efficiency, sizing and what to ask
- Hiring a contractor
Estimates, contracts, licenses and your rights when you hire someone for HVAC work