HVAC Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my heating and air conditioning system serviced?
The best way to avoid expensive repairs is with regular maintenance. We recommend having your air conditioner serviced every spring and your furnace inspected every fall before the heating season begins.
Routine maintenance helps:
- Lower energy billsÂ
- Reduce unexpected breakdownsÂ
- Extend equipment lifeÂ
- Improve indoor comfortÂ
- Maintain manufacturer warranty requirementsÂ
Many major repairs can be prevented with annual maintenance.
How long should my HVAC system last?
Most heating and cooling systems last:
- Air Conditioners: 12–18 yearsÂ
- Furnaces: 15–20 yearsÂ
- Heat Pumps: 12–15 yearsÂ
Actual lifespan depends on installation quality, maintenance, and how often the equipment operates.
If your system is over 12 years old and requires frequent repairs, replacing it may save you money over time.
How do I know if I should repair or replace my HVAC system?
A repair is often the right choice if:
- The repair is minorÂ
- Your equipment is less than 10 years oldÂ
- Repair costs are relatively lowÂ
- Your utility bills haven’t increasedÂ
Replacement may be the better investment when:
- Repairs are becoming frequentÂ
- Energy bills continue to riseÂ
- The system struggles to keep your home comfortableÂ
- Major components have failedÂ
- The equipment is nearing the end of its expected lifeÂ
Our comfort specialists will explain your options so you can make the decision that’s best for your home and budget.
Why is one room hotter or colder than the rest of my home?
Uneven temperatures can be caused by several issues, including:
- Poor airflowÂ
- Dirty air filtersÂ
- Improper duct sizingÂ
- Leaky ductworkÂ
- Inadequate insulationÂ
- Aging equipmentÂ
- Incorrect thermostat placementÂ
We can evaluate your home’s airflow and recommend solutions that improve comfort throughout every room.
Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling?
Several problems could be causing this, including:
- Dirty air filtersÂ
- Low refrigerantÂ
- Frozen evaporator coilÂ
- Dirty outdoor condenserÂ
- Thermostat issuesÂ
- Electrical component failureÂ
If your AC is blowing warm air, it’s best to schedule service before the problem becomes more serious.
What temperature should I set my thermostat during the summer?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat around 78°F when you’re home and raising it a few degrees when you’re away.
A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures to improve comfort while reducing energy costs..
What temperature should I keep my home during the winter?
Most Illinois homeowners find that 68°F provides a comfortable balance between comfort and energy savings while at home.
Lowering the temperature while you’re sleeping or away can help reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
How often should I replace my furnace filter?
Most filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on:
- PetsÂ
- AllergiesÂ
- Number of occupantsÂ
- Filter typeÂ
- Indoor air qualityÂ
A clogged filter restricts airflow, increases energy usage, and places unnecessary strain on your heating and cooling system.
Why are my energy bills increasing?
Higher utility bills often indicate your HVAC system is working harder than it should.
Common causes include:
- Dirty filtersÂ
- Aging equipmentÂ
- Poor insulationÂ
- Refrigerant issuesÂ
- Dirty coilsÂ
- Duct leaksÂ
- Lack of maintenanceÂ
Our technicians can identify the cause and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Is preventative maintenance really worth it?
Absolutely.
Preventative maintenance helps homeowners:
- Avoid unexpected breakdownsÂ
- Improve efficiencyÂ
- Extend equipment lifeÂ
- Lower monthly utility costsÂ
- Catch small problems before they become expensive repairsÂ
Think of it as routine maintenance for one of the largest investments in your home.
What size HVAC system does my home need?
Bigger isn’t always better.
The right size depends on:
- Square footageÂ
- InsulationÂ
- Window placementÂ
- Ceiling heightÂ
- Home orientationÂ
- DuctworkÂ
- Local Illinois climateÂ
Oversized systems cycle too frequently, while undersized systems struggle to keep your home comfortable.
We perform professional load calculations to ensure your new system is properly sized.
What are the signs my furnace may be failing?
Watch for warning signs like:
- Strange noisesÂ
- Uneven heatingÂ
- Rising energy billsÂ
- Yellow pilot flame (older furnaces)Â
- Frequent cyclingÂ
- Burning odorsÂ
- Difficulty startingÂ
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection before the heating season.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Several issues could be responsible, including:
- Thermostat settingsÂ
- Dirty air filterÂ
- Ignition problemsÂ
- Flame sensor issuesÂ
- Overheating safety shutdownsÂ
Many of these problems are easy to diagnose when caught early.
Should I upgrade to a smart thermostat?
For many homeowners, yes.
Smart thermostats can:
- Learn your scheduleÂ
- Reduce energy consumptionÂ
- Allow remote control from your phoneÂ
- Provide maintenance remindersÂ
- Improve comfortÂ
- Lower heating and cooling costsÂ
Many homeowners recover their investment through energy savings.
How can I improve my indoor air quality?
Indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air.
Solutions include:
- High-efficiency air filtrationÂ
- Whole-home air purifiersÂ
- UV air purificationÂ
- Whole-home humidifiersÂ
- Whole-home dehumidifiersÂ
- Proper ventilationÂ
Our indoor air quality specialists can recommend the right solution for your family’s needs.
Why is my home so humid during the summer?
High indoor humidity can make your home feel warmer than it actually is.
Common causes include:
- Oversized air conditionerÂ
- Poor ventilationÂ
- Dirty coilsÂ
- Refrigerant issuesÂ
- High outdoor humidityÂ
Reducing indoor humidity improves comfort and helps your air conditioner operate more efficiently.
Do you offer emergency HVAC service?
Heating and cooling problems don’t always happen during business hours.
That’s why All Temp offers prompt service when unexpected breakdowns occur, helping restore comfort to your home as quickly as possible.
Do I need a new HVAC system if mine still works?
Not necessarily.
If your system is keeping your home comfortable, operating efficiently, and requiring minimal repairs, it may still have years of reliable service left.
However, if repair costs continue to increase or your energy bills are climbing, replacing your system may provide greater long-term value.
We’ll always explain your options honestly and help you make the decision that’s best for your home—not ours.
Why choose All Temp Heating & Air?
Choosing an HVAC company is about more than equipment—it’s about trust.
When you work with All Temp, you can expect:
- Highly trained techniciansÂ
- Honest recommendationsÂ
- Upfront communicationÂ
- Quality workmanshipÂ
- Reliable serviceÂ
- Respect for your homeÂ
- A commitment to your comfortÂ
Our goal is simple: provide dependable heating and cooling solutions that keep your family comfortable through every Illinois season.
Boiler Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boiler, and how does it heat my home?
Unlike a forced-air furnace, a boiler heats water and circulates it through pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor heating systems. Instead of blowing warm air through ductwork, boilers provide steady, even heat that many homeowners find quieter and more comfortable during Illinois winters.
How long should a boiler last?
A well-maintained boiler can last 20 to 30 years, and some high-quality systems last even longer.
Its lifespan depends on:
- Annual maintenanceÂ
- Water qualityÂ
- Proper installationÂ
- Frequency of useÂ
- Overall system conditionÂ
Regular service is one of the best ways to maximize your investment.
How often should my boiler be serviced?
We recommend scheduling professional boiler maintenance once a year, ideally in late summer or early fall before cold weather arrives.
Annual maintenance helps:
- Improve efficiencyÂ
- Reduce breakdownsÂ
- Extend equipment lifeÂ
- Identify worn components earlyÂ
- Verify safe operationÂ
- Help maintain manufacturer warranty requirementsÂ
h3>Why isn’t my boiler heating my home?
Several issues could prevent your boiler from producing heat, including:
- Low water pressureÂ
- Thermostat problemsÂ
- Air trapped in the systemÂ
- Circulator pump failureÂ
- Ignition issuesÂ
- Faulty zone valvesÂ
- Pressure relief valve problemsÂ
A professional inspection can quickly identify the cause and restore your home’s comfort.
Why are my radiators cold?
If some radiators stay cold while others heat normally, common causes include:
- Air trapped inside the radiatorÂ
- Closed radiator valvesÂ
- Circulation issuesÂ
- Low boiler pressureÂ
- Sludge buildup within the systemÂ
In many cases, bleeding the radiator solves the problem, but recurring issues should be professionally evaluated.
What does it mean if my boiler keeps losing pressure?
Boilers naturally experience slight pressure changes, but if you’re constantly adding water, there may be an underlying issue such as:
- A leaking pipeÂ
- Faulty pressure relief valveÂ
- Expansion tank problemsÂ
- Internal boiler leakÂ
Ignoring pressure loss can eventually lead to larger repairs.
Why is my boiler making banging or knocking noises?
Unusual sounds often indicate something isn’t operating properly.
Common causes include:
- Air in the systemÂ
- Mineral buildupÂ
- Low water pressureÂ
- Pump issuesÂ
- Water flow restrictionsÂ
- Expansion and contraction of pipingÂ
While some noises are harmless, others can indicate conditions that reduce efficiency or damage the system if left unaddressed.
Is it normal for my boiler to make noise?
A properly operating boiler should run relatively quietly.
If you hear:
- BangingÂ
- GurglingÂ
- WhistlingÂ
- ClickingÂ
- VibratingÂ
- HummingÂ
it’s worth scheduling an inspection before the issue becomes more serious.
What is boiler short cycling?
Short cycling occurs when your boiler repeatedly turns on and off before completing a normal heating cycle.
This can be caused by:
- Thermostat issuesÂ
- Oversized equipmentÂ
- Water circulation problemsÂ
- Pressure issuesÂ
- Dirty heat exchangersÂ
Short cycling reduces efficiency, increases wear, and can shorten the life of your boiler.
Can a boiler help lower my heating bills?
Yes.
Modern high-efficiency boilers can significantly reduce heating costs compared to older systems.
Many homeowners notice:
- Lower utility billsÂ
- More consistent temperaturesÂ
- Better comfortÂ
- Improved energy efficiencyÂ
The amount you’ll save depends on the age and efficiency of your current equipment.
Should I repair or replace my boiler?
A repair may be the best option if:
- The boiler is under 15 years oldÂ
- The repair is relatively minorÂ
- The unit has been well maintainedÂ
- Repair costs are reasonableÂ
Replacement may be a better investment if:
- Repairs are becoming frequentÂ
- Heating bills continue to increaseÂ
- Major components have failedÂ
- The boiler is more than 20 years oldÂ
- Parts are becoming difficult to obtainÂ
Our comfort specialists will explain all available options so you can make the best decision for your home and budget.
What is a high-efficiency boiler?
High-efficiency boilers extract more heat from the fuel they burn, allowing them to operate with much greater efficiency than older models.
Benefits include:
- Lower energy costsÂ
- Improved comfortÂ
- Reduced emissionsÂ
- Quieter operationÂ
- Better temperature controlÂ
Many modern boilers achieve efficiency ratings above 90%.
Is a boiler better than a furnace?
Neither is universally better—they simply heat homes differently.
Many homeowners prefer boilers because they provide:
- Even, consistent warmthÂ
- Quiet operationÂ
- No blowing airÂ
- Less dust circulationÂ
- Improved comfort during cold wintersÂ
A furnace may be preferable if your home already has ductwork or if you want central air conditioning integrated into the same distribution system.
The best solution depends on your home’s design, comfort preferences, and budget.
What is radiant floor heating?
Radiant floor heating uses warm water circulating beneath your floors to gently heat your home from the ground up.
Benefits include:
- Exceptional comfortÂ
- Even temperaturesÂ
- Quiet operationÂ
- Improved energy efficiencyÂ
- No visible vents or radiatorsÂ
Many homeowners describe radiant heat as one of the most comfortable heating systems available.
Why is my boiler leaking water?
Water around your boiler should never be ignored.
Leaks may result from:
- Loose fittingsÂ
- Pressure issuesÂ
- CorrosionÂ
- Failed sealsÂ
- Damaged valvesÂ
- Expansion tank problemsÂ
Even a small leak can lead to water damage or larger mechanical issues if not repaired promptly.
What is an expansion tank, and why is it important?
As water heats, it expands. The expansion tank absorbs this increase in pressure, helping protect your boiler and plumbing system.
If the expansion tank fails, you may notice:
- Pressure fluctuationsÂ
- Water leaksÂ
- Relief valve dischargeÂ
- Boiler shutdownsÂ
Routine maintenance includes checking the expansion tank to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Can I bleed my own radiators?
Yes. If your home has hot water radiators, trapped air can often be released using a radiator key.
However, if you frequently need to bleed radiators, it may indicate a larger issue with the boiler or hydronic system that should be inspected by a professional.
Is boiler maintenance really necessary if everything seems to be working?
Absolutely.
Many boiler problems develop gradually and aren’t noticeable until they cause a breakdown.
Routine maintenance helps:
- Improve reliabilityÂ
- Increase efficiencyÂ
- Extend system lifeÂ
- Prevent costly repairsÂ
- Verify safe operationÂ
- Prepare your system for the Illinois heating seasonÂ
Annual maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in your home’s comfort.
Why should I choose All Temp for boiler service?
When it comes to keeping your home warm through an Illinois winter, experience matters.
At All Temp, our technicians are trained to diagnose, repair, maintain, and install a wide range of boiler systems. Whether your home uses radiators, baseboard heat, or radiant flooring, we provide honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and dependable service you can trust.
Our goal is simple: to keep your family safe, comfortable, and warm—no matter how cold it gets outside.