When you wake up on a chilly Mokena morning, you expect the cozy warmth of your furnace. But sometimes, you’re only greeted by a faint whisper of air from your vents. This could mean that your furnace blower motor is failing. This crucial component, the heart of your forced-air heating system, is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. When it falters, your comfort and your heating efficiency suffer. At TemperaturePro Mokena, we understand the importance of a properly functioning furnace. We’re here to help you recognize the signs of a failing blower motor and provide expert furnace blower motor replacement when you need it most.

What is a Furnace Blower Motor?

Your furnace blower motor is the workhorse that moves air through your heating system. It draws in cold air, pushes it across the heat exchanger where it’s warmed, and then forces that heated air through your ductwork and into your rooms. There are a few different types of blower motors: single-speed, multi-speed, and variable-speed. Single-speed motors are basic, while multi-speed offers some control. Variable-speed motors are the most efficient, adjusting their output for consistent comfort and energy savings. A healthy blower motor means efficient heating, even temperatures, and lower energy bills.

Key Signs You Need Furnace Blower Motor Replacement

Don’t wait for a complete breakdown! Here are the telltale signs that you might need furnace blower motor replacement:

• Unusual Noises: Screeching, rattling, or humming sounds coming from your furnace are a red flag.
• Weak or Inconsistent Airflow: If you’re noticing a significant drop in airflow from your vents, it’s a sign your blower motor may be struggling.
• Frequent Cycling: If your furnace is turning on and off more often than usual, it could indicate a problem with the blower motor.
• Furnace Overheating: A malfunctioning blower motor can lead to overheating, causing your furnace to shut down completely.
• Increased Energy Bills: A faulty motor can make your furnace work harder, resulting in higher energy bills.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to call the professionals at TemperaturePro Mokena.

The Importance of Professional Replacement

Attempting DIY furnace blower motor replacement can be risky. Electrical hazards, improper installation, and incorrect sizing can lead to further damage and safety concerns. Our experienced and certified technicians at TemperaturePro Mokena ensure:

• Accurate diagnosis and proper replacement.
• Safety and efficiency assurance.
• Correct sizing and wiring of the new motor.
• Warranty on parts and labor.

We prioritize your safety and comfort, providing reliable and professional service you can trust.

TemperaturePro Mokena’s Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Process

When you choose TemperaturePro Mokena, you can expect a seamless and stress-free replacement process:

• Thorough Inspection and Diagnosis: We’ll pinpoint the exact issue and determine the best solution.
• Explanation of Replacement Options and Costs: We’ll provide transparent pricing and explain your options.
• Efficient and Professional Installation: Our technicians will install your new blower motor with precision and care.
• Testing and Ensuring Proper Operation: We’ll test the system to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
• Clean Up: We will leave your home as clean as we found it.

We’re committed to your satisfaction, and we’ll work diligently to restore your home’s comfort.

Preventative Maintenance for Blower Motor Longevity:

Extend the lifespan of your blower motor with these maintenance tips:

• Regular Filter Changes: Clean filters allow for optimal airflow.
• Professional Furnace Tune-ups: Schedule annual tune-ups to keep your system in top condition.
• Keep the Furnace Area Clean: Remove dust and debris from around your furnace.
• Check for Loose Connections: Periodic checks can prevent electrical issues.

As a homeowner, we understand that you probably don’t think twice about your furnace performance, until you’re dealing with a dreaded system breakdown. That’s why we offer a ProPlan maintenance plan to help keep your HVAC system operating at peak performance year-round.

Call TemperaturePro Mokena for Furnace Blower Motor Replacement

Don’t let a faulty blower motor leave you in the cold. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, or if you need furnace blower motor replacement in Mokena, contact TemperaturePro Mokena today! We’re here to restore your home’s comfort and ensure your heating system is running efficiently.

Is your boiler showing its age? Are you dreading the potential boiler replacement cost? As a homeowner in Mokena, Illinois, you know how crucial a reliable heating system is during our harsh winters. At TemperaturePro Mokena, we understand that navigating the complexities of HVAC systems can be daunting, especially when it comes to significant investments like boiler replacements. 

That’s why we’re here to demystify the process and provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding your boiler replacement cost. Understanding the boiler replacement cost is crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions. 

With our expertise and commitment to transparent pricing, TemperaturePro Mokena aims to make this process as smooth as possible, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Factors That Influence Boiler Replacement Cost

Several factors contribute to the overall cost of a boiler replacement. Let’s break them down:

Type of Boiler and Fuel Source:

Gas boilers are the most common in Mokena, known for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Oil and electric boilers are also options, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Gas boilers are often the most affordable to install.

Boiler Size and BTU Output:

The size of your home and its heating needs dictate the boiler’s required British Thermal Unit (BTU) output. Proper sizing is essential for efficiency and performance. An undersized boiler will struggle, while an oversized one will waste energy.

Efficiency Rating (AFUE):

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating indicates how efficiently a boiler converts fuel into heat. High-efficiency boilers (90%+ AFUE) can significantly reduce your energy bills. Condensing boilers offer the highest efficiency but may have a higher upfront cost. However, this upfront boiled replacement cost pays off in the long run as you save on energy bills.

Complexity of Installation:

Simple replacements in the same location are less expensive. Complex installations involving relocating the boiler, installing new piping, or modifying venting systems will increase costs. Older homes may present additional challenges.

Labor Costs:

Labor costs vary depending on the complexity of the job and the experience of the technician. Qualified technicians ensure proper installation and safety.

Additional Work:

Replacing pipes, radiators, or thermostats adds to the overall cost. These components may need upgrading to match the new boiler’s performance.

Brand and Model:

Reputable brands offer reliable performance and warranties. Premium models may have advanced features and higher price tags.

General Boiler Replacement Cost Ranges in Mokena

In Mokena, homeowners can generally expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000 for a complete boiler replacement, including installation. These are estimates, and the actual cost will vary based on the specific factors mentioned above. For a personalized and accurate quote, contact TemperaturePro Mokena.

Maximizing Your Investment and Reducing Costs

Energy Efficiency Tips:

Regular boiler maintenance, proper home insulation, and thermostat programming can help maximize energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Financing Options:

TemperaturePro Mokena may offer financing options to make boiler replacements more affordable. Ask us about our current financing plans.

Importance of Professional Installation:

Hiring a qualified technician ensures safe and efficient installation. DIY boiler installation can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs.

Why Choose TemperaturePro Mokena for Your Boiler Replacement?

At TemperaturePro Mokena, we pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our certified technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle all your boiler replacement needs. We offer transparent pricing, quality workmanship, and reliable service. As a locally owned and operated business, we understand the unique heating needs of Mokena residents. Contact TemperaturePro Mokena today for a free, no-obligation boiler replacement quote.

Affordable Boiler Replacement Costs with TemperaturePro Mokena

Understanding the boiler replacement cost is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can better prepare for this significant investment. 

At TemperaturePro Mokena, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference of working with a trusted local HVAC expert. We look forward to providing you with comfortable and efficient heating for years to come.

Choosing the right furnace size can be a real head-scratcher. Too small, and you’ll be shivering through those chilly Mokena winters. Too big, and you’ll be wasting money on energy bills and dealing with uneven heating. But don’t worry, TemperaturePro Mokena is here to help you find that Goldilocks furnace – the one that’s just right.

Understanding Furnace Types

Before we dive into sizing, let’s quickly review the main types of furnaces:

• Natural Gas Furnaces: The most common type, offering efficiency and relatively low operating costs.
• Electric Furnaces: Environmentally friendly and great for those without access to natural gas lines.
• Oil Furnaces: Effective in very cold climates but less common due to fluctuating oil prices.

Each type has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.

Factors Affecting Furnace Size

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of furnace sizing. Here are the key factors to consider:

Home Size

• Square Footage: The bigger your house, the more powerful your furnace needs to be. To get a rough estimate, calculate the square footage of each floor (length x width) and add them together.
• Ceiling Height: High or vaulted ceilings? You’ll need to factor in that extra space. A simple calculation is to multiply your square footage by your ceiling height to get cubic footage. Then, multiply that number by 0.133 to find the approximate BTUs needed.

Calculating Square Footage

• Measure: Homeowners can measure the length and width of each room in their home in feet.
• Calculate: Multiply the length and width of each room to find the square footage.
• Add: Add up the square footage of all rooms to find the total heated area of their home.

Climate Zone

Different climates have different heating requirements, so your location plays a big role in determining the right furnace size. Mokena, Illinois is in Climate Zone 5. This means you’ll need a furnace with a higher BTU output per square foot to keep your home warm during those chilly Midwestern winters. Here’s a general guideline for BTU output based on climate zone:

Estimated BTU Output Needed Based on Square Footage (Climate Zone 5)

Insulation and Air Sealing

• Insulation: A well-insulated home is a happy home (and a less expensive one to heat!). Check the R-values of your insulation – higher is better.
• Air Sealing: Seal up those drafty windows and doors to prevent heat loss and reduce the strain on your furnace.

Windows and Sunlight

• Window Efficiency: Old, single-pane windows are heat suckers. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows to keep those heating bills down.
• Sunlight Exposure: South-facing windows can provide some passive heating, potentially reducing your furnace needs.

Other Factors

• Number of Occupants: More bodies = more heat.
• Appliances and Electronics: These generate heat, which can contribute to overall warmth.
• Desired Temperature: If you like it toasty, you might need a slightly larger furnace.

Important Notes

• Avoid Oversizing: An oversized furnace will short cycle, leading to inefficiency and premature wear and tear.
• Manual J Load Calculation: For the most accurate furnace sizing, contact TemperaturePro Mokena for a professional Manual J load calculation. Our experts will consider all the factors mentioned above to recommend the perfect furnace for your home.

Why Choose TemperaturePro Mokena?

At TemperaturePro Mokena, we’re not just about selling furnaces – we’re about building relationships with our customers and ensuring their comfort. Here’s why you can trust us with your furnace needs:

• Customer-Focused: We prioritize your satisfaction and strive to provide a seamless and respectful service experience.
• Expert Technicians: Our highly trained and certified technicians can handle any furnace installation or repair.
• Well-Equipped: We come prepared with the tools and parts to get the job done efficiently.
• Core Values: Honesty, transparency, and upfront pricing are at the heart of everything we do.

Ready to find the perfect furnace for your Mokena home? Contact TemperaturePro Mokena today for a free consultation!

The Environmental Protection Agency shocked homeowners a few years ago by reporting that indoor air in most homes is on average two to five times more polluted than outdoor air — and in many cases, is even scores of times worse. If you’re skeptical and think your home might be an exception because you work at keeping it clean to the max — well, sorry to disappoint, but a rigorous cleaning regimen alone will not provide good indoor air quality.

Most modern residential construction results in an airtight structure so that the home is more efficient, keeping conditioned air in and unconditioned air out. And while that’s good for your pocketbook, it’s not great for your breathing.

An airtight home isn’t just keeping in conditioned air; it’s also retaining all those airborne pollutants you’ve brought in, let in or generated by allowing certain conditions to exist. Among the major sources of pollution in most homes are these:

• Volatile organic chemicals, or VOCs, off-gassed by household chemicals, textiles, dry cleaning and pressed wood
• Dust
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Mold
• Insect particles (dust mites)

These pollutants can cause a number of health problems, ranging from triggering asthma attacks, to aggravating allergies and bronchial infections, and causing headaches, dizziness and eye and skin irritations.

Fortunately, there are a number of tactics you can adopt to improve your indoor air quality. Here are five that will help you ensure that your home’s air is fresher, cleaner and less likely to exacerbate any health problems suffered by you or your family.

1. Attack pollutants at the source.

Your best defense against poor indoor air quality is to attack air pollutants at the source: don’t let them in, or else work to contain them. Some ways to do that are:

• Air out products with VOCs before you bring them indoors. Whenever possible, buy natural products. Keep a tight lid on chemicals, or store them in the garage.
• Take off shoes at the door.
• Brush pets outdoors; bathe them at least once a week.
• Brush pollen off clothing, or change clothes quickly upon entering the home and put the clothing in a laundry bag till you can wash it.
• Maintain lower relative humidity (under 50 percent) in the home to control mold. If you find mold, take steps immediately to get rid of it. Be advised that chlorine bleach is not always effective, and it cannot be used on porous surfaces such as wood or drywall. Vinegar and water may be a better solution, but do consult with a professional for advice if you find mold in your home.
• Vacuum rugs and upholstered furniture frequently to control dust mites; wash linens weekly in hot water.

2. Improve your home’s ventilation.

Most modern homes are so airtight that very little fresh air seeps in, the way it used to with older homes of looser construction. You can open a window now and then to let in fresh air, but a better solution is to install some sort of ventilation. There are four basic types:

• Exhaust — Exhaust ventilation is usually installed in rooms where moisture collects, such as the kitchen or bathroom. The ventilation system removes polluted air from the home.
• Supply — Fresh air is pulled inside the home, typically through the ducts.
• Balanced — This type of system adds fresh air equal to the amount of stale air removed.
• Heat or energy recovery — These ventilation systems recover energy or heat while adding fresh air, to reduce heating and cooling costs.

3. Control humidity.

You may not think of humidity as a pollutant, but it can be. High humidity can cause a number of problems in your home, from making occupants feel warmer than they need to in the summer, which means you’ll need to set the thermostat down to feel comfortable, to increasing the likelihood of mold, mildew and fungus in your home. What’s more, high humidity can cause dust mites to flourish in carpets and textiles.

If your home’s humidity is higher than 50-55 percent, you should take steps to reduce it. Exhaust ventilation in damp areas will help. Fix leaks in the plumbing or roof or ceiling as soon as you discover them.

4. Use a good quality air filter.

If you’ve been using a cheap fiberglass filter in your HVAC system, you’re probably keeping your system free of larger dirt particles. But don’t expect these filters to contribute to better air quality in your home, as they are not effective in trapping very small particles that travel into the system with the return air.

Installing a good quality, pleated air filter will do wonders for your indoor air quality. The higher the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value), the better job the air filter will do. For best results, install an air filter with MERV 8-12. Denser filters will not only remove small particles of dirt, but will also capture pollen, pet dander, mold and viruses. Filters rated higher than MERV 12 will slow down the air flow and cause your system to work harder than it should to condition the air, so should not be installed in most homes.

But if someone in your home has respiratory problems, such as asthma or chronic bronchial issues, you may want to look into having your HVAC system modified so that it can handle a filter with a higher MERV.

5. Install an air cleaner.

Air cleaners go a step beyond air filtration. Mechanical air filters catch particles as they pass through with the HVAC system’s return air supply. Air cleaners, also known as air purifiers, clean in different ways so you will need to decide which type best meets your needs.

For instance, if you have a mold issue, or you’re concerned about other living organisms such as fungus, viruses or bacteria, you may want to look into installing UVGI, or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, lights in your HVAC system. These devices make use of the ultraviolet end of the light spectrum to kill organisms as they pass through your HVAC system in the air supply. They are usually installed near the evaporator coils, where conditions are likely to be damp, or in the ducts. The bulbs must be changed every year or so, as they are only effective when the light is strong.

If you’re concerned about other types of pollutants, such as pet dander or pollen, an electrostatic air filter, which is installed in the HVAC system, may do the trick. These work by trapping particles with a negative charge as the air passes through the system. The plates must be cleaned periodically to be effective, but these air cleaners last a long time and are considered permanent.

Activated charcoal filtration is a type of air cleaning that helps to remove cigarette smoke and other gas particles from the air.

Air cleaners may come in portable or whole-house models. Generally, whole-house models — that is, those that are installed in your HVAC system — are more effective.

Conclusion

The road to improving your indoor air quality lies not in applying just one of the tactics detailed above, but in crafting an overall, whole-house strategy. If you’d like more information on how to improve the air quality in your home, contact us today.

About half the homes in the United States utilize natural gas-fired furnaces for heating. A gas furnace is a sturdy appliance with a long expected service life—it’s not uncommon to find units over 20 years old still on the job. Because gas heating has a long history, mass production of gas-fired furnaces by established manufacturers also helps keeps the costs of brand new units relatively low and installation simplified.

Not For The Do-It-Yourselfer

As with any heating or cooling system, however, furnace problems may occur over the long natural lifespan of any unit. Some are simple, some are complex and some are signs that its time to upgrade to a new furnace, ASAP. While certain very basic troubleshooting to resolve furnace problems such as changing an air filter and checking thermostat settings are an acceptable DIY project, furnace diagnosis and repair should strictly be left to the skill and expertise of a qualified HVAC technician. Safety is a critical issue here: gas-fired furnaces generate dangerously high temperatures at the open-flame burner as well as produce toxic combustion byproducts including deadly carbon monoxide gas. For the well-being of your home and family, consult a trained, certified professional for furnace repair.

The list of typical furnace problems are familiar to any experienced technician, though symptoms may vary according to individual make and model. Here are ten common furnace problems as well as some of the typical causes a professional HVAC technician will investigate:

1. Neglected Maintenance.

Many furnace problems including malfunctions and breakdowns—as well as chronic issues like poor heating performance—can be avoided in the first place with regular preventive maintenance by a qualified technician. The annual furnace tune-up includes a checklist of manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance procedures as well as a close-up inspection of all functions to detect any developing issues before they turn into an even bigger expense and inconvenience. If your furnace is still under warranty, annual preventive maintenance by an approved HVAC contractor is usually required under the terms to keep the warranty in effect.

2. Increasing Operating Costs.

If your monthly gas expenses are getting higher every year during the heating season, your furnace may be consuming too much fuel. Declining efficiency can be simply a function of age. A gas furnace is a combustion appliance and, though moving parts are relatively few, wear and tear from repetitive heating and cooling cycles gradually affects critical components. A general formula is that a furnace loses about 1% of its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating for every year of operation. Therefore, the energy efficiency of a standard AFUE 80% unit will decline to 70% by the time it’s a decade old, accompanied by a commensurate increase in gas consumption and operating costs.

3. Poor Heating Performance.

Running the furnace longer but getting less heat? Often this is an issue of low airflow. Proper supply and return airflow volume is required to circulate the amount of BTUs of heat required for the square footage of your home. If the system air filter hasn’t been changed recently, install a new one and keep changing the filter at least every other month. If performance doesn’t improve, contact your local qualified HVAC contractor. A failing blower motor is another potential airflow issue as well as problems with ancillary systems such as leaky ductwork that’s allowing hot air to escape into the attic, crawl space or other unconditioned zones.

4. Ignition Problems.

If the furnace burner simply doesn’t light when the thermostat signals it, the issue could be a faulty ignition system. Older gas furnaces and some new ones incorporate a standing pilot light to ignite the main burner. If the pilot flame goes out frequently—often caused by a defective thermocouple—the burner won’t ignite. Most newer furnaces have electronic igniters. Over time, these may fail due to defective wiring or circuitry.

5. Defective Thermostat.

Old-school mercury-style thermostats are manual units that incorporate metallic springs that weaken and contact switches that become unreliable over time. This may cause the thermostat to actuate at the wrong temperature—or not at all—and/or to run the furnace for overly long cycles. Consider upgrading now to an electronic programmable thermostat. You’ll save money with more consistent indoor temperature control and free your family from the daily need to change thermostat settings to meet the time of day. Utilized properly, a programmable thermostat can save enough in lower operating costs to pay for itself after the first year.

6. Strange Noises.

Some sounds are common as a furnace cycles on and off. The muffled booms and bangs of metal ductwork expanding and contracting as it heats and cools is normal, though annoying. However, squeaky or screeching sounds when the furnace cycles on usually means a failing blower motor or bearing. Unusually loud roaring sounds when the burners are lit indicates a combustion problem that should be reported to a qualified HVAC contractor immediately.

7. Furnace “Short Cycles”.

If a unit cycles on and off rapidly many times per day, failure of an internal component is one probable cause. A flame sensor incorporated in the unit may not be properly sensing the burner flame and turning the unit off prematurely. Professional service may include cleaning the flame sensor and, if the problem doesn’t resolve, replacing the sensor unit. Another cause of short cycles may be a furnace that is overheating and triggering the high temperature limit switch that shuts the burner off. This is a safety issue that requires professional service.

8. Furnace Is Improper Size.

In this case, “size” refers to the BTU output of the unit. Furnace output of a given model must be the proper size to accommodate the BTU requirements of the home. Oversized and undersized furnaces waste energy and under-perform in providing indoor comfort. Resolving sizing issues requires upgrading to a new furnace after getting a sizing calculation performed by a qualified HVAC contractor to accurately determine the home’s heating load.

9. Some Rooms Too Cold, Other Rooms Too Hot.

Have you closed heating vents in certain unused rooms to lower heating costs? This can upset the careful airflow balance throughout the entire system, causing rooms nearer to the furnace to be too hot while rooms furthest away may be too chilly. Closing air vents doesn’t save money, in any case, as the furnace frequently runs unnecessarily long cycles and burns more gas to compensate for airflow and heating imbalances.

10. Defective Heat Exchanger.

If an HVAC technician discovers a damaged or deteriorating heat exchanger, that fact alone usually means it’s time for a new furnace. This critical safety component keeps system airflow separate from deadly carbon monoxide gas produced in the combustion chamber. A cracked or corroded heat exchanger usually means the furnace is unsafe to operate and must be shut down. Because the heat exchanger is the most expensive single component in the furnace, replacing it in an older unit is usually not a financially viable option. Upgrading to a new furnace is indicated.

For qualified service to resolve furnace problems that impact your household comfort as well as your monthly expenses, contact the heating professionals at TemperaturePro.