The Truth About Dirty Furnace Filters A significant portion of the furnace service calls we go on trace back to one thing: a dirty filter that should have been changed weeks or months earlier. A clogged filter doesn’t just reduce air quality — it causes real mechanical failures that cost real money to fix. The […]
There are plenty of reasons to keep repairing an older furnace — and there are clear signs that it’s time to move on. If you’re on the fence, here are 10 reasons a new furnace might be the right call this year. Energy savings add up fast. If your furnace is 15–20 years old, it […]
HVAC Systems
Chicago Wind Causing Heating Problems? Your Furnace or Boiler May Be Experiencing a Downdraft
Why Your Furnace or Boiler Stops Working on Windy Days Have you ever noticed your furnace or boiler acting up during very windy weather? In some homes, strong winds can interfere with the way a heating system vents exhaust gases. This problem is often caused by something called a downdraft. A downdraft happens when wind […]
Space heaters cause an estimated 1,700 house fires every year in the United States — most of them preventable. At Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc., we see the aftermath of heating emergencies every winter. The safest approach is a well-maintained primary heating system, but when a space heater is part of the picture, […]
Vent covers are easy to ignore, but when dust and debris build up, they can circulate back into your home, reduce airflow, and make your heating and cooling system work harder than it should. At Around the Town Heating and Cooling, we recommend adding vent cover cleaning to your regular home maintenance routine. It is […]
HVAC Systems
Just Bought a Google Nest Learning Thermostat? Let Around the Town HVAC Install It Right
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home—sleek design, adaptive scheduling, energy savings, and full smart-home compatibility. But to get the performance, comfort, and efficiency it’s known for, professional installation matters. Around the Town HVAC makes Nest installation simple, fast, and worry-free. Our licensed technicians ensure […]
Have you ever had one of those moments where the universe confirms you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be? The other day, an associate was looking for a reliable HVAC distributor in Chicago, and we pointed him to W.L. Engler Distributing. They’ve been a staple for contractors, carrying everything from Oxbox furnaces to A.O. Smith […]
Many homeowners install a Nest Thermostat expecting savings, but it often becomes nothing more than expensive wall art without the right settings and HVAC care. At Around the Town Heating & Cooling, we help Chicago homeowners unlock their thermostat’s full potential to lower energy bills and improve comfort. Features like Eco Mode, Home & Away, […]
With Chicago’s warm, humid summers, many households rely heavily on air conditioning to stay comfortable. But how much does that comfort actually cost you each month? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity rate in Chicago is about 17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of mid-2025. The cost of running […]
If you have a smart thermostat but still find yourself too hot in one room and too cold in another, you are not alone. Most thermostats only measure the temperature right where they are installed—usually in a hallway or central spot. That single reading rarely reflects the true comfort level throughout the house. I found […]