Ductless mini split HVAC systems have been gaining popularity in recent years as an affordable and efficient alternative to older AC systems. With that newfound popularity comes no shortage of questions and concerns from homeowners and building managers looking to learn more. If you’ve recently installed a ductless mini split system in your home, or if you’re considering it as an option, a common question you may be asking is: Do they turn off when the set temperature is reached?

The short answer is no, but that’s not a bad thing!

How mini splits work.

Ductless mini split systems use something called inverter technology. This allows them to adjust the speed of their compressor dynamically to meet your heating or cooling needs. They differ from traditional HVAC systems because they don’t simply turn on or off to heat and cool. Instead, mini splits regulate their air output to deliver just the right amount of conditioned air needed to maintain the temperature you set. This means that rather than having an intermittent blast of air that quickly and noticeably changes the temperature in the room, mini splits provide a constant, but weaker stream.

So do they ever turn off?

Yes, mini split systems do turn off, but not in the same way a traditional HVAC system does. When the desired temperature is reached, a mini split system will significantly lower its fan speed rather than shutting off completely. This helps in a few ways, making it easy to maintain a constant temperature, reducing energy waste, and minimizing the overall wear caused by the usual cycling that traditional AC systems experience, in turn requiring less maintenance.

That being said, in very mild weather, or particularly well-insulated buildings, a ductless mini split system may well turn off entirely for a while before it restarts. In short, they can and do shut off completely, but only under certain conditions.

This way of conditioning your home is much more efficient than alternative AC systems, which simply blast a powerful jet of air until the thermostat tells them to stop. Mini split systems, running continuously at a lower speed, not only keep a more consistent temperature, but they also often do so at a lower overall energy cost.

When you should worry about your system running non-stop.

As we’ve mentioned, it’s normal for mini split systems to run constantly. However, the exception to this is when the system runs for long periods of time at high power. If you have a ductless mini split HVAC system and you’ve noticed it’s running too high for too long, this could be an indication of:

• A dirty filter or coil
• An issue with the refrigerant
• Improper size for the room

If your mini split system appears to be struggling or running higher than usual, we recommend booking an inspection with TemperaturePro to take a look before your energy bill starts to rise.

Ductless mini split AC systems are designed to be smart, efficient, and responsive to ever-changing temperatures. While they don’t often turn off completely when your desired temperature is reached, that is a big part of what makes them a more efficient option compared to more traditional alternatives.

Have more questions about ductless mini split systems? Give us a call at (708) 390-7165, and we’ll be happy to help with questions and advice!

That blast of cool air on a warm Mokena day is something we often take for granted. But what happens when your air conditioner starts acting…frosty? While it’s counterintuitive, it’s not uncommon for an AC unit in Mokena to freeze, even on a warmer day. While a frozen evaporator coil can come as a surprise, there’s no need to sweat it (at least not too much).

At TemperaturePro Mokena, we understand how crucial a functioning AC is, especially during the summers. That’s why we want to shed some light on this problem, explain why it happens, and what you should do if you suspect a frozen evaporator coil at your home in Mokena.

What is an Evaporator Coil and Why Does it Matter?

Think of your evaporator coil as the heart of your air conditioning system’s cooling process. Located within your indoor unit, this coil is filled with refrigerant. As warm air from your Mokena home is blown across the cold evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat. This cooled air is then circulated back into your living spaces, providing that much-needed relief.

The Chilling Truth: Why Evaporator Coils Freeze Up

So, why would this vital component suddenly turn into an ice block? Several factors can contribute to a frozen evaporator coil:

• Dirty Air Filters: The Number One Culprit. Just like the Illinois dust and pollen can accumulate on your windows, it can also clog your AC’s air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, preventing enough warm air from passing over the coil. This lack of warm air causes the coil to become too cold, leading to condensation freezing on its surface. Regularly changing your air filter is the easiest way to prevent this!
• Restricted Airflow Elsewhere: Beyond the filter, blocked return or supply vents, closed dampers, or even a dirty blower wheel can hinder proper airflow across the coil. Make sure furniture and other obstructions aren’t blocking your vents.
• Low Refrigerant Levels: A Silent Problem. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC. If your system is low on refrigerant (due to a leak), the pressure in the system drops, causing the evaporator coil to get excessively cold – cold enough to freeze moisture. This is a problem that requires professional attention.
• Mechanical Issues: Sometimes, a malfunctioning blower motor won’t circulate air effectively, even with a clean filter. Thermostat problems that cause the AC to run constantly can also lead to freezing.
• Running the AC in Cold Weather: While Mokena doesn’t often see extended periods of cold during typical AC usage, running your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are consistently below 60°F can sometimes cause the coil to freeze.

What Should a Mokena Homeowner Do If They Suspect a Frozen Coil?

If you notice reduced airflow, weak cooling, or visible ice on your indoor AC unit, here’s what you should do:

• Turn Off Your AC Immediately: This is crucial to prevent further damage to your system.
• Switch Your Thermostat Fan Setting to “ON”: This will circulate warmer room air over the frozen coil, helping it to thaw.
• Check and Replace Your Air Filter: As mentioned, a dirty filter is a primary cause.
• Ensure Vents Are Open and Unobstructed: Take a quick walk around your home to check for any blockages.
• Wait for the Coil to Thaw Completely: This can take several hours. Don’t rush the process.
• Monitor After Thawing: Once thawed, turn your AC back on and see if it cools properly. If the coil freezes again, it indicates a more serious underlying issue.

When to Call the Mokena HVAC Experts at TemperaturePro

While some causes like a dirty filter are easy to address yourself, a recurring frozen evaporator coil often signals a more complex problem, such as a refrigerant leak or a mechanical malfunction. These issues require the expertise of a certified HVAC technician.

Don’t let a frozen evaporator coil leave your Mokena home feeling like a sauna! If you suspect a problem or want to ensure your AC system is running efficiently and reliably, book online with the team at TemperaturePro Mokena. We’re your local experts for AC repair, maintenance, and installation.

6 Factors While Replacing A System

Choosing a heating/cooling system replacement is an investment in the future. The combined average service life of a furnace and central air conditioner is over 15 years. So, whatever choice you make now, you’ll be living with the results for some time to come. This includes the heating or cooling performance of the system, which has a definite impact on your day in, day out household comfort. The new unit’s energy efficiency will also directly affect the operating costs you’ll be paying every month for many seasons to come. The conclusion is clear: for optimum comfort and lowest monthly expenses, making an informed choice pays off now and years from now.

Here are six important factors that should be part of the decision-making process when choosing a heating/cooling system:

• Get The Right Size. We’re not talking about feet and inches. In HVAC terms, “sizing” refers to the BTU capacity of a specific unit. For a furnace, it’s the BTUs of heat per hour the unit can generate. For an air conditioner, it’s the BTUs of heat the unit can extract from indoor air per hour. Each house has very individualized BTU requirements depending on factors such as square footage, the number of windows, the amount and type of insulation and other characteristics such as the air-tightness of the structure. Guesstimates or “rule-of-thumb” generalities aren’t accurate enough to properly size a unit. Utilizing industry-standard sizing software, a qualified HVAC technician can perform a sizing survey to determine the precise BTU requirements of the house, then identify a heating/cooling system with the capacity specs that match these requirements. Getting sizing right is a critical first step: oversized and undersized units waste energy, cost more to operate and tend to provide disappointing comfort performance you’ll be stuck with as long as the system is installed in the house.
• What About Efficiency? Energy efficiency is built-in to a furnace or air conditioner. Manufacturers are required to determine energy efficiency of a unit by standardized lab tests. A unit’s energy efficiency rating is shown on the yellow EnergyGuide sticker affixed to all new units. For an air conditioner, efficiency is expressed by the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER numeral, the more energy-efficient the unit is and the lower monthly operating costs will be. Today, federal regulations require a minimum SEER of 13 or 14, depending on which region of the country you live in. High-efficiency air conditioners deliver SEER ratings over 20 at a higher upfront purchase price. Furnace efficiency is expressed by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the unit. Standard efficiency furnaces have an AFUE of 80% while more expensive high-efficiency units that capture spare heat from the exhaust stream offer AFUE over 90%.
• Consider Short Term And Long Term. It’s important to strike a balance between initial expense and future costs. Be cautious about considering only the upfront purchase price when selecting an HVAC system. A lower-efficiency unit from a lesser-known manufacturer may indeed have a lower sticker price. However, higher monthly operating costs year after year will erase that saving and expenses imposed by reduced reliability and more frequent repairs may add up, too. Often, cut-rate units don’t offer warranty terms that are as consumer-friendly as units from recognized, name-brand manufacturers, either. On the other hand, an advanced unit with cutting edge, very high-efficiency technology may come with such a high initial price tag that the payback time from lower operating costs may be unacceptably long for you—particularly if you aren’t planning to remain in the home indefinitely.
• Replace Both Sides Of A Central AC. A central air conditioner consists of an indoor air handler/evaporator coil and the outdoor condenser/compressor unit. Don’t attempt to save money by replacing only one half of the system or the other. All parts of a central AC are designed and engineered at the factory to operate as a matched set. Attempting to mix brand new components with old parts of the existing system will result in reduced efficiency, higher monthly expenses and, usually, shorter expected service life of the entire system, too.
• Get A Professional Installation. Proper installation of a new HVAC unit will affect the performance and efficiency of the unit for as long as it’s in the house. Installing a central air conditioner or furnace isn’t a job for a general carpenter or a local “jack-of-all-trades” handyman. It requires specific training and expertise as well as specialized tools. An unprofessional installation that doesn’t meet industry standards can negate all the improvements in monthly expenses and household comfort you expect and deserve from a new HVAC system. Make sure it’s installed by a qualified HVAC contractor with proper certification.
• Evaluate Other Household Factors. Certain other issues in a home will directly affect the performance and efficiency of your new HVAC system. For example, it’s false economy to connect a brand new HVAC system incorporating the latest technology to old, deteriorating household ductwork. You will lose a large volume of conditioned air through duct leakage before it even reaches the rooms it’s supposed to cool or heat. Have the ductwork tested for leaks at the time the HVAC system is installed (in many areas, local codes now require this.) If the leakage rate exceeds standards, your HVAC contractor can present options to seal the ductwork. Similarly, if you haven’t upgraded the insulation in your home in many years, it’s probably under-insulated by today’s standards. To make sure you get the full efficiency and performance improvements your new HVAC system is designed to deliver, check the level of attic insulation and upgrade if necessary to meet current Department of Energy recommendations for your local climate zone.

For professional assistance in selecting a new HVAC system, as well as qualified installation that meets industry standards, contact the heating and cooling experts at TemperaturePro by contacting us today!

Smart Thermostats

When programmable thermostats hit the market some 20 years ago, homeowners who installed them realized energy savings. Their only effort was to program the thermostat to match their occupancy patterns. Anyone coming home unexpectedly had to override the thermostat, which if entered wrong, could wipe out energy savings.

As Wi-Fi apps proliferated, HVAC engineers found that they could combine the best that programmable thermostats offered with the intuitive intelligence of smart technology. Since then, smart thermostats give homeowners the same energy savings, if not more, without the learning curve for both saving energy and staying comfortable.

The technology embedded in smart thermostats now gives you control of your home’s HVAC system from anywhere you can get an internet signal. Besides energy savings, you have complete control over your home’s comfort system. By choosing the right thermostat and apps, you will also have detailed insight into your system’s performance.

Energy Savings

Unlike the learning curve associated with programmable thermostats, smart devices teach themselves. Once placed, the thermostat takes a few days to learn your thermal preferences and occupancy patterns. Sensor technology simplifies changing the temperatures for unexpected occupancy.

If your electric provider uses smart technology, you’ll be able to track your energy use on an hourly basis from anywhere. You can see the relationship between outdoor temperatures and your HVAC system’s energy usage.

The data you access will show you when your HVAC system runs the most. If those time periods occur when your home isn’t occupied, you can easily change the indoor temperature wherever you are to save energy and money. Reducing the amount of work your HVAC system does also reduces the wear and tear, which lowers the cost of repairs and increases its lifetime.

Your utility company may also offer an incentive for you to upgrade to a smart thermostat. Their representatives can also help you find a time-of-use plan (TOU) that will likely save money on your electric bill. Electric providers base their pricing on peak and nonpeak hours. These plans encourage users to use more energy during off-peak hours when the utility company pays less for it. When demand is high, you pay considerably more for each kilowatt you use. Switching to a TOU plan could lower your monthly energy bill.

Integration with Smart Home Systems

Some smart thermostats are compatible with devices like Amazon’s Echo. You can ask Alexa to change the temperature from anywhere in your home, whether it’s in the kitchen as you cook, or from the bedroom on a cold, winter night.

Thermostats that work with smart home hubs can coordinate opening your garage door or exterior doors and changing the temperatures at the same time. This feature works especially well in a well-insulated and leak-free home, since they take less time to heat or cool.

Improved Comfort

Many models of smart thermostats offer remote sensors you can place in all your rooms. Most homes have one thermostat typically placed in a hallway. The temperatures throughout your home will vary considerably because their thermal loads differ from the conditions in the hall.

When you put a remote sensor in a room and it’s uncomfortable to you, you can set the thermostat to cool or heat the air to the temperature you want. Unless you have a zoned HVAC system in your home, this ability is likely to raise your energy costs, but it will increase your comfort and give you control over the thermal conditions in that particular room.

Learning Curves with Smart Thermostats

Unlike programmable thermostats, smart devices learn your habits within a few days time, which eliminates the need to program them based on home occupancy patterns. The Nest, for example, uses a sensor that detects when your home is occupied and when it’s empty. It uses those data to establish the temperature setbacks that save energy.

Sensors on smart thermostats have simplified programming. They can tell when your home is empty, and set the temperature back automatically. Should someone come home unexpectedly, the sensor will turn the system back on.

These thermostats also give you the ability to override any settings the current home occupant has specified from anywhere. You can also find thermostats that are password protected, which gives just the people you choose permission to alter temperature settings.

Major Brands

• The first smart thermostat on the market was the Nest, and it’s still a market leader. It has a user-friendly interface and is compatible with most HVAC systems.
• The Ecobee is another major brand with similar features as the Nest.
• Honeywell, one of the nation’s oldest companies, also offers a smart thermostat at half the price of either the Nest or Ecobee without sacrificing any features. Other smart thermostat brands are available and a professional from TemperaturePro can help you choose which would work best for your home.

System Compatibility

You may have to do some homework to determine whether your HVAC system is compatible with specific types and brands of smart thermostats. Newer systems generally have greater cross-compatibility than older units.

Thermostat wiring is normally the limiting factor with regard to compatibility. An expert from TemperaturePro will help you discover which thermostats will work. Installing a device that’s not electrically compatible could damage your HVAC system’s control board.

Some manufacturers offer their own smart thermostats, and the advantages to these lie in their ability to report to you how the system is operating. You’ll receive alerts about when it needs professional maintenance, if a component isn’t functioning at full capacity, or even when to change the air filter.

Heat Pumps Are Special

During the summer, heat pumps work just like air conditioners, but that all changes in the winter when they switch to heat. Most heat pumps use an auxiliary heating coil to provide emergency back-up heat. This coil uses electricity to supply heat whenever the heat pump can’t warm your home adequately within a given period of time.

Electricity alone is the least efficient way to provide home heat, and unless your thermostat knows how to shut off the emergency heat setting, the cost of heating your home will increase.

When you choose a smart thermostat, be sure that it has the capacity to override the emergency setting. The technical term is an intelligent or adaptive recovery thermostat. You may also see the term “balance point” used with compatible smart thermostats. Your TemperaturePro technician will know the best brands and types of thermostats to use with a heat pump to maximize savings in the heating mode.

Bottom Line

You don’t need a smart phone to enjoy the benefits of a smart thermostat, and they are many, like energy savings, convenience, control and comfort. The technicians from TemperaturePro can help you select the most suitable for your HVAC system, lifestyle, and your energy saving goals. Contact us today!

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start dialing your home’s temperature down a few degrees. If you’re like us, you like to keep your air conditioning bill low; here are a few ways to keep your cooling costs as low as possible even in the peak of the summer heat!

1. Turn on those fans!

This is a very easy way to keep the temperature in your home down without having to rely on the thermostat. You can use either ceiling or standing fans to keep the cool air circulating throughout your home.

2. Seal windows and doors

Poorly sealed doors or windows can sometimes let the hot air from outdoors in, which means that your AC will have to work even harder to cool your home. Make sure that any cracks or holes are filled in or perhaps use a weatherstrip to ensure a strong seal.

3. Properly maintain your home’s AC system

Taking care of your home system is crucial if you want to maximize energy efficiency, in fact, if you’re not properly maintaining your system you’ll cost yourself more money in the end. Keeping up with all routine maintenance and cleaning your equipment (air filters, floor registers, condenser coils, evaporator, etc.) will keep your home cool this summer without costing you a fortune! If you’re not sure if you’ve been taking good care of your system, call us! We’ll send one of our expert service techs to take a look for you.

4. Get a programmable thermostat

When you’re out of the house or asleep you don’t need to cool your home as much as you normally would, that’s why programmable thermostats are such great tools! You can even set it to gradually cool your home before you get home instead of drastically lowering it immediately as you arrive. This is a great way to make your home more comfortable and save some money while doing it.

5. Use window treatments

The heat from the sun can beat down into your home through the windows and increase the internal temperature. This will cost you more and make your AC do extra work. Consider investing in some shades or curtains to block these unwanted rays.

6. Utilize outdoor grills

Cooking generates a lot of heat, a great way to cool your home is to keep the extra heat outdoors is to do the cooking outdoors as well. Get outside and fire up the grill, that’s one of the best parts of the summer! You can also save extra by hand washing dishes or hanging up your wet laundry to dry on a clothesline. Dishwashers and dryers can generate lots of extra heat indoors so if you want to save some money on your cooling bill consider some outdoor alternatives.

Well, there you have it, six easy ways to keep your home cooler in the summer. If you’re having any trouble with your cooling system or just have a question and want an answer, give us a call! At TemperaturePro, we’re always happy to help. So stay cool & have a great summer!

Have you ever had an HVAC technician in your home and they use terms you don’t understand at all? Or you call an HVAC company to describe a problem you’re having and their response includes confusing words? What are they talking about?!

You’re not an experienced HVAC technician and you don’t have the background knowledge to understand these advanced terms. But it’s important to know what your technician is talking about when it comes to YOUR heating and cooling systems.

We are committed to making sure our customers are well-informed about HVAC systems. That’s why we wrote this blog post!

Let’s decode some HVAC terminology you hear but might not recognize or understand…

Airflow volume: the amount of air circulated in a space measured by cubic feet per minute.

Condenser: the hot side of an air conditioner or heat pump that can transfer heat to air.

Coil: performs heat transfer to air when mounted inside an air unit or ductwork.

Damper: sheet metal plates that can be opened or closed to control the flow of air into a zone.

Compressor:  A pump that increases the pressure of refrigerant gas.

Drip pan: a container for catching material that drips from above.

Freon: the cooling agent used in most air conditioning systems that actually creates cool air.

Gas heater: space heater used to heat by burning natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, propane or butane.

Electric heater: electrical energy is converted to heat.

Heating coil: part of system that allows electricity to act as fire.

Intermediate fluid: a liquid or gas used to transfer heat between two heat exchangers.

SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; the rating of a unit for the cooling output during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the unit’s SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.

Congrats, you’re an expert on everything HVAC now! Ok, not really, but you know more than you did before! Now that you are familiar with these terms, you are one step closer to understanding your HVAC technician and your HVAC issues.

Share this article to keep your friends well-versed in HVAC terms!