Air Conditioning Articles

How Does AC Work?

June 24, 2019
Small girl eating watermelon on the floor in front of a fan.

An air conditioner is a standard appliance in interior comfort. The Energy Information Administration reports that 87% of homes have an AC unit and they account for almost 20% of yearly electricity consumption in the US. At Chris Mechanical Services, we believe that knowledge is power – the more you know about the appliances you…

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3 Health Benefits for Using Your AC While Sleeping

June 19, 2019
Baby and dog sleeping in good indoor air quality in West Chicago, IL.

At Chris Mechanical Services, we understand that depending on your air conditioner to run efficiently is crucial to helping you get the good night’s sleep you deserve.

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SEER––What Does It Mean?

May 2, 2019
HVAC technician getting ready to read about air conditioner's SEER rating.

SEER is a term that gets thrown around a lot in reference to air conditioning (AC) products. As a homeowner, it’s helpful to know what it means. SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Essentially, it’s a rating system that allows you to quickly determine an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Its rating is…

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Why Is My Thermostat Blank?

February 11, 2019
Blank thermostat.

It’s an “Oh no!” moment when you approach your home’s thermostat and see its screen is blank. Is it serious? Does it mean your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioning is broken? Not necessarily. In fact, most of the time, it’s something minor and can be easily fixed. Here are some of the most frequent…

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Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?

September 1, 2018
Family sitting on floor reading a book.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) often goes unthought of in most people’s home and businesses, but if left neglected IAQ can have detrimental health effects. Recently the EPA found people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors with air quality 2-5 times more polluted than outside air. For most, this may come as a…

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Ductless Heating and Cooling

August 14, 2018
Wall-mounted ductless air conditioner.

Originally from Japan, ductless heating and cooling (AKA mini-split systems) was introduced to the US about 30 years ago. Sales and popularity have been growing since then due to their high efficiency levels, affordable price tag, and flexibility of installation. Ductless systems can be used in numerous applications. Below are 5 common mini-split applications: 3…

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Why is My Air Conditioning Blowing Hot Air?

June 15, 2018
Woman checking ductless air conditioner.

Why is your air conditioner unit starting to blow warm air? There are a couple reasons this may be happening, but one thing we know is no AC is unacceptable in West Chicago, IL. At Chris Mechanical we want you to keep cool, so here are a few minor items you may want to look at before you request…

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Frozen Air Conditioner?

May 17, 2018
Ice-covered air conditioner.

A freeze up is when a layer of ice forms on the outside of your AC unit. Whether you have a window unit or a central air system the causes and effects of this, as well as the solutions, are the same. The ice build up on your AC unit creates an inability to cool…

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7 Tips To Cut Energy Costs This Summer

May 9, 2018
7 energy saving tips.

1.Install a wifi thermostat Not only will this save you up to 20% in energy costs each year it also allows you to alter your thermostat schedule on the go. On the go scheduling gives you the ability set your thermostat back longer if you find you’re not going to be home at your normal…

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5 Air Conditioning Myths

April 30, 2018
5 A/C myths.

Myth 1: My Air Conditioning will work faster if I set my thermostat back 10 degrees. Truth: It doesn’t matter whether or not your thermostat is set back 10 or 2 degrees your air conditioning unit is going to cool at the same rate. Setting your thermostat 10 degrees back will only cause potential system…

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