Learn
Safety
Most heating and cooling problems are about comfort. A few are about safety. These pages explain those few, so you know them when you see them.
In this section
- Natural gas safety
The added smell, gas detectors, your gas pipes and yearly appliance checks
- Carbon monoxide
What CO is, its symptoms, the alarm law, placement and testing
- Venting and chimneys
How exhaust leaves the house, backdrafting, tests and signs to notice
- Warning signs
Signs a system may be unsafe, and when to stop and have it checked
- Asbestos and lead
Old insulation, lead paint, and the rules for who may disturb them
- Moisture and mold
Where mold grows, how to keep it dry, and when to call a professional
Other sections
- Heating and cooling systems
What each piece of equipment does, and how to tell which kind you have.
- How it works
The few ideas behind every system: heat, air, fuel, ratings and size.
- Care through the year
What to check before winter, before summer and in between.
- Chicago homes
The climate, the city's rules, older homes, permits and help with bills.
- Choosing and paying for work
Repair or replace, hiring well, what affects cost and how to pay.