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September 19, 2024 in Chicago

End of Summer in Chicago: Home Maintenance Task List

As the summer sun packs its bags and makes way for Chicago’s infamous chill, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and tackle some end-of-summer home maintenance tasks. Before you get too cozy with your pumpkin spice latte, check out these five must-dos to keep your crib comfy and your sanity intact. Trust me, future you will thank present you—or at least won’t curse past you when the snow hits.

Gutters: The Leafy Apocalypse Awaits

Your gutters have likely become a retirement home for leaves, twigs, and possibly a frisbee or two. With fall just around the bend, those bad boys are going to get flooded with even more debris.

a man on a ladder cleans gutters - chicago handyman home maintenance

Cleaning out your gutters now might not be glamorous, but it’s way better than dealing with a waterfall pouring down your siding or—worse—your foundation cracking under the pressure of poor drainage. Think of it as giving your gutters a spa day. They deserve it.

Pro Gutter-Cleaning Tips (Because Why Not?)

  • Ladder safety first: make sure it’s steady and always have a friend spot you, or at least stand by to laugh when you inevitably drop something.
  • Scoop out all the gunk with a gloved hand, a gutter scoop, or—if you’re feeling fancy—an old spatula.
  • Rinse it down with a hose and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.

Seal the Drafts: It’s Like Hugging Your House

Remember that chill you felt sneaking through your windows last winter? Yeah, let’s nip that in the bud. Sealing up the cracks around your windows and doors will save you from a winter of high heating bills and wearing three pairs of socks at once. Think of it like giving your house a nice, warm sweater before it faces Chicago’s brutal winds.

Easy Steps to Block the Breeze

  • Use weather stripping or caulking to fill in those cracks. It’s as satisfying as filling in the blanks on a crossword puzzle—if that puzzle is trying to rob you of warmth and money.
  • Get yourself a door sweep. It’s like the forgotten cousin of draft protection, but trust me, it works.
  • Give each window a once-over. You’d be surprised how sneaky those drafts can be.

Furnace TLC: Time to Rekindle the Romance

Your furnace has been ghosting you all summer, but don’t let it catch you off guard when the temperature drops. A little maintenance now will save you from huddling under blankets when it decides to go on strike mid-January.

Get a professional tune-up, swap out that old filter, and make sure your furnace is ready for the cold. You want it to work like a well-oiled machine, not a disgruntled employee.

Furnace-Prepping 101

  • Change the filter. It’s easy, and your furnace will thank you with cozy warmth.
  • Check the pilot light to make sure it’s not going rogue.
  • Have a pro come in to give it a full check-up. They’ll tell you what’s up before the thing gives up.

Roof Check: Save Yourself a Headache (Or a Flood)

If you haven’t looked at your roof since the 4th of July, now’s a good time to give it some love. Missing shingles, tiny cracks, and leaks have a way of snowballing into bigger problems, especially when Chicago’s winter decides to dump several feet of snow on top of them.

Climb up there (or hire someone, if you value your life) and check for any signs of damage. Your future self, sitting by a dry fireplace, will thank you.

What to Look For Up There

  • Loose or missing shingles—because you don’t want your roof looking like it’s losing a game of Jenga.
  • Any signs of leaks or damage. Water has a way of finding the tiniest gaps and making them your biggest problems.
  • Call in the pros if climbing up on your roof feels like a bad life choice.

Outdoor Furniture: Time to Put It to Bed

As much as we all love grilling and lounging on the patio, it’s time to admit summer’s over and pack away the outdoor furniture. Give everything a good clean, store it properly, and resist the urge to squeeze in one last BBQ before the snow flies.

Your furniture will thank you by looking fresh when summer rolls around again (because it will, right?).

Storing Outdoor Gear Like a Pro

  • Give your patio set a scrub. No one wants to sit on a moldy cushion next year.
  • Cover or stash your grill in a safe spot. Treat it like the MVP of summer that it is.
  • Store cushions and soft stuff indoors to keep them safe from Chicago’s icy wrath.

Wrapping Up: Winter Won’t Win This Time

So there you have it—five key tasks that’ll keep your home in tip-top shape as we transition from the glory of summer to the icy grip of winter. Sure, maintenance isn’t as fun as a beach day, but it beats the heck out of dealing with a burst pipe or a drafty house.

And hey, if you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show than wrestle with a ladder or furnace filter, no judgment! Give Chicago Handyman a call, and we’ll handle all the dirty work while you stay cozy inside. We’ll keep your home in great shape and maybe even crack a joke or two while we’re at it. Give us a shout today!

September 18, 2024 in Chicago

Choosing the best Mini Split AC system for Chicago

Are you considering installing a mini-split system in your home? Whether you’re upgrading your current heating and cooling setup or installing a new system, selecting the right mini-split can greatly enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. With a variety of brands and models available, it’s important to make an informed decision. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when choosing a mini-split system, helping you find the best option for your needs.

Understand SEER Ratings: Balancing Efficiency and Cost

What is SEER?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures a mini-split’s cooling efficiency over a typical cooling season. Higher SEER ratings indicate better energy efficiency, but the difference between a 20 SEER and a 22 SEER unit may not result in substantial savings on your energy bills.

Cost vs. Savings

Higher SEER units often come with a higher upfront cost. It’s essential to balance the initial investment with potential energy savings over time. In many cases, a mid-range SEER rating offers a good balance between efficiency and affordability.

Prioritize Parts Availability

Ease of Maintenance

Selecting a brand with widespread parts availability ensures that maintenance and repairs are straightforward. Brands that rely on proprietary parts or have limited distribution channels can lead to extended downtime and increased costs when issues arise.

Brand Reliability

Established brands typically have a more extensive network of parts suppliers, reducing the risk of delays in obtaining necessary components. This reliability is crucial for keeping your mini-split system running smoothly year-round.

Assess Customer and Contractor Support

Technical Support

Reliable customer and technical support are invaluable, especially when troubleshooting issues or requiring guidance on installation. Brands that offer robust support systems help both homeowners and contractors address problems efficiently.

Effective Communication

Effective communication between the support team and contractors ensures that any technical challenges are resolved promptly, minimizing disruptions to your heating and cooling system.

Mini Split Systems have a Variety of Options

Diverse Configurations

Artists depiction of a mini splt air conditioning system - shows the blower and condenser along with refrigerant lines

Different homes have different needs. Look for brands that offer a variety of mini-split heads and configurations, such as wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ducted, or ceiling cassette units. This versatility allows you to tailor the system to your specific space and design preferences.

Advanced Features

Some brands provide advanced options like pairing mini-splits with conventional gas furnaces or integrating multiple indoor units with a single outdoor unit. These features can enhance the system’s functionality and efficiency.

Compare Warranty Terms

Warranty Length and Coverage

Warranty terms vary significantly between brands. Look for mini-splits that offer comprehensive warranties, preferably with extended coverage periods. A robust warranty provides peace of mind and protects your investment against potential defects or issues.

Installation Conditions

Ensure that the warranty terms are clear about installation requirements. Some brands may void warranties if the system isn’t installed by certified contractors or if specific installation protocols aren’t followed. Choosing a brand with flexible warranty conditions can prevent unexpected penalties.

Choose the Right Refrigerant: R32 vs. Others

Transition from R410A

The HVAC industry is moving away from R410A refrigerant due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP). New regulations are phasing out R410A in favor of more environmentally friendly options.

Benefits of R32

R32 is a single-component refrigerant that offers several advantages:

  • Lower GWP: R32 has a significantly lower GWP compared to R410A, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
  • Efficiency: R32 systems often provide better energy efficiency.
  • Proven Performance: R32 has been extensively tested and used in thousands of homes worldwide, ensuring reliability and performance.

Choosing a mini-split that uses R32 refrigerant can future-proof your system and align with evolving environmental standards.

8. Evaluate Heating Performance

Reliable Winter Heating

While all mini-splits excel at cooling during the summer, their heating performance can vary. If you rely on your mini-split for winter heating, it’s crucial to select a system that maintains efficiency and effectiveness in colder temperatures.

Performance Metrics

Look for brands that provide clear performance data for heating mode, ensuring the system meets your home’s heating requirements even during the chilliest months.

Why Choose Chicago Handyman for Your Mini-Split Installation?

Chicago Handyman is dedicated to providing top-notch craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Whether you need basic handyman tasks like hanging pictures and furniture assembly or more extensive projects like gut rehabs and home additions, our team has the expertise to handle it all. Drywall repair and installation are significant components of our services, especially for interior water damage restoration.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mini-split system involves more than just comparing specifications. By evaluating local contractor support, understanding SEER ratings, ensuring parts availability, assessing customer and technical support, exploring diverse options, comparing warranty terms, selecting the appropriate refrigerant, and evaluating heating performance, you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Have you recently selected a mini-split system or are you considering one? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! For more insights, visit Chicago Handyman or contact us directly for expert assistance with your home heating and cooling needs.