UNMASKING THE HVAC INDUSTRY
The Secret Behind the Brands
Ready for a little insider knowledge? The heating and cooling market isn’t as diverse as it seems. In reality, a handful of core manufacturers are the powerhouses behind roughly 150 different AC and furnace brands you see advertised.
It’s a bit like the auto industry – different badges, similar engines. When it comes to furnaces, just six companies produce the essential heating components found in almost every unit. Air conditioner brands largely focus on the exterior casing, sourcing the crucial internal parts from specialized third-party suppliers.
Forget the brand hype. What truly matters when choosing a new heating system? Our customers consistently prioritize:
- Expert Craftsmanship: Installation done right, the first time.
- Efficient Performance: Lower energy consumption and long-term savings.
- Reliable Coverage: A warranty that protects your investment.
PDM offers precisely that: top-tier installation, competitive pricing, and energy-efficient options with either a lifetime limited warranty or a comprehensive 10-year warranty. We focus on delivering genuine value, not just a name.
AC-Furnace Brands Come And Go
We’ve seen more AC and furnace brands than hot summers in Joliet since 1885! Through all the changes, one thing has been a constant comfort: our exceptional HVAC installations.
Consumer Reports knows the secret – the installation is the real MVP, not just the brand. Let the PDM Comfort team guide you to the perfect setup, offering sound advice and competitive pricing, so you can relax in reliable comfort for years to come.
A SIMPLE APPROACH
Choosing A New HVAC System
Choosing a new HVAC system can feel like navigating a maze of technical terms and unfamiliar brands. But don’t sweat it! Think of it as finding the perfect partner to keep your home feeling just right, season after season. Let’s unlock the secrets to making a smart choice. Below is a summary with more details to follow…
Beyond the Badge: Unmasking True Performance
While some names might ring a bell, remember that even the most reputable brands offer a range of models. The real magic lies in finding the right fit for your unique home and needs. A seasoned installer can be your trusted guide, pointing you toward specific models that align with your budget and comfort goals, regardless of the logo.
The Maestro of Comfort: Why Your Installer Matters Most
Imagine buying a world-class instrument but having someone who doesn’t know how to play it. The result? A lot of untapped potential. The same holds true for your HVAC system. A certified and skilled installer is the unsung hero, ensuring your new system performs at its peak for years to come. They’ll expertly size the unit for your home, install it with precision according to code, and fine-tune it for optimal efficiency. Think of them as the conductors of your home comfort symphony.
The Heart of the Warmth: Decoding Your Gas Valve
If you’re opting for a furnace, the gas valve is a critical component, precisely controlling the warmth flow. Please look for a valve built to last, backed by a solid warranty. It’s the reliable heartbeat of your heating system.
Whispers of Comfort: The Power of the Blower Motor
The blower motor is the gentle breeze that circulates comfort throughout your home. For a truly luxurious experience, consider a variable-speed motor. It’s like having a thermostat with a gentle touch, adjusting airflow seamlessly for consistent temperatures and whisper-quiet operation. Say goodbye to drafts and noisy blasts!
Peeking Under the Hood: Essential Components to Know
While you don’t need to become an HVAC expert, understanding key components like the ignition system and heat exchanger empowers you to ask informed questions. Think of it as knowing the basic anatomy of your comfort system, ensuring you’re investing in quality from the inside out.
The Long Game: Value That Lasts
The allure of the lowest price can be tempting, but true value extends far beyond the initial cost. Consider the warranty offered by both the manufacturer and the installer – it’s a testament to their confidence in the system and their work. The smartest choice balances features, long-term energy efficiency, and unwavering reliability, ensuring your investment keeps you comfortable for years to come.
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The perfect comfort hero
1. What Is The Best AC Furnace Brand?
For over a century and a half, we’ve watched HVAC brands rise and fall, and here’s a little secret: the core ingredients are often surprisingly similar. Safety features? Check. Smart controls? You bet. That crucial heat exchanger is doing the heavy lifting? Likely built with the same principles. Even the parts themselves often roll off the same assembly lines.
The real magic? It’s not just the nameplate. It’s about consistent upkeep. Treat your system right, and most will comfortably cruise past the 15-year mark.
So, instead of chasing the mythical “best” brand, maybe the real question is: which system, installed expertly and cared for diligently, will be best for you?
2. Unearth Your Perfect Installer
Let’s face it: not all hands are created equal. Your brand-new furnace? It’s only as reliable as the expert who brings it to life. We’ve witnessed the magic of a stellar pro making even a modest unit shine, standing tall behind their work. Conversely, a less skilled hand can turn the finest furnace into a future headache, leaving you in the cold.
Think of it: hidden shortcuts are an installer’s secret weapon, and you might never see the evidence… until it’s too late. Seek out a heating hero with a history you can trust. The industry landscape is dotted with fleeting faces; choose a contractor with staying power, someone who’ll be there if your system needs a helping hand down the line.
Here’s a truth bomb: a new furnace doesn’t automatically equal lower bills. A careless install – leaky ductwork, mismatched sizing – can squander your fuel savings. And a harmonious heating and cooling duo? That’s key to peak efficiency. Trust the experts: finding a contractor you connect with is your smartest move.
Steer clear of the siren song of the cheapest price or the fastest install. This is a long-term relationship with your comfort. Factor in the lifetime costs: fuel, upkeep, repairs, even the sheer frustration of a faulty system. A bargain-basement installer who skips steps, overlooks details, or makes assumptions will cost you dearly in the long run. If a larger system is suggested, demand the “why” behind it.
Ready to connect with a PDM installer who’s the real deal?
3. Most Important AC Part
Beyond the evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve lies the engine room of your air conditioning: the compressor. This crucial component is the driving force behind cool comfort, typically serving you for over a decade.
When the compressor’s lifespan ends, it’s a key moment to consider the bigger picture. While replacing just the compressor is an option, upgrading the entire system can unlock benefits like optimized energy usage, consistent comfort, and the confidence that comes with a brand-new, harmonized unit.
4. How Much Efficiency Is Right For You?
True comfort is about finding that sweet spot where performance meets your needs, and efficiency keeps your wallet happy.
Think of your ideal HVAC efficiency as a personalized recipe. We’ll help you understand the key ingredients:
- Your Home’s DNA: Size, insulation, and even window placement (and landscaping) play a big role.
- Your Lifestyle Symphony: Do you keep a consistent temperature or prefer to adjust throughout the day? Are you a weekend warrior or a homebody?
- The Climate Canvas: We’ll factor in our unique Will County environment.
- Technology’s Tune: From AC SEER ratings, furnace AFUE ratings, to smart thermostats, the latest innovations can fine-tune your system’s performance.
Ready to unlock your home’s optimal comfort and efficiency? Let us be your guide. We’ll help you navigate the factors and find the perfect balance for your unique situation.
Let’s talk comfort and savings. Contact us today for a personalized efficiency consultation!
5. Understanding Your Furnace’s Gas Valve
Your furnace works hard to keep your home a haven, and at the heart of its efficiency lies the gas valve. Think of it as the conductor of your comfort orchestra, precisely controlling the flow of energy to create the perfect temperature. But just like orchestras, not all conductors – or gas valves – are created equal. Let’s explore the different choices and how they impact your comfort and wallet:
The Steady Performer: Standard Single-Stage Gas Valve (Good)
Imagine a reliable workhorse. This is your standard single-stage gas valve. When your thermostat calls for heat, it kicks on at full blast and delivers a consistent stream of warmth until the desired temperature is reached. Then, it simply shuts off. While dependable, this on-off cycle can lead to noticeable temperature fluctuations – those slight peaks and valleys that might leave you reaching for a sweater one minute and opening a window the next. It gets the job done, but it’s like listening to music with only the “play” and “stop” buttons.
The Smooth Operator: Two-Stage Gas Furnace (Better)
Now, picture a more nuanced approach. The two-stage gas furnace offers a “better” way to stay comfortable. It starts gently, using its lower setting most of the time (around 65%). This allows for a gradual, more even distribution of warmth, preventing those abrupt temperature swings. It’s like easing into a warm bath instead of jumping in all at once. And when that extra boost is needed on a particularly chilly day, it seamlessly shifts to the high stage to quickly bring your home to the perfect temperature. Bonus: This gentler operation can also lead to lower utility bills and more consistent air filtration.
The Maestro of Comfort: Modulating or Multi-Stage Gas Furnace (Best)
For the ultimate in comfort and efficiency, meet the modulating or multi-stage gas furnace. This is the maestro of home heating. Its secret? A self-adjusting gas valve that can operate anywhere between 35% and 100% capacity. It constantly fine-tunes the heat output to match your precise needs, eliminating temperature swings almost entirely. Imagine a symphony where every note is perfectly balanced. The result is unparalleled comfort, significant energy savings, whisper-quiet operation, and superior temperature control. This premium system truly elevates your home comfort experience.
The Future of Efficiency: High-Efficiency Condensing Furnace (Top of the Line)
Looking towards tomorrow? The high-efficiency condensing furnace represents the cutting edge of heating technology and may soon become the standard. It’s designed to capture and reuse some of the heat that traditional furnaces simply vent outside. This ingenious process, known as condensing, requires a modification to your exhaust system with new PVC venting and air piping due to its sealed combustion. While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term savings on your fuel bills can be substantial. Think of it as investing in a greener future and a more comfortable present. In some cases, this upgrade might also necessitate adjustments to your gas water heater’s exhaust.
Which Gas Valve is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Do you prioritize consistent comfort? Are energy savings a major concern? Understanding the nuances of each gas valve type will empower you to make an informed decision and ensure your home remains the perfect sanctuary, season after season.
6. Fan Speed: Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Airflow
Tired of temperature swings and stuffy air? The unsung hero of your home comfort system – the blower motor (or fan speed control, if you prefer!) – plays a vital role in keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer, all while impacting your energy bills. Let’s explore the options and discover which one lets you breathe the easiest.
The Gold Standard: ECM Variable Speed – Intelligent Comfort & Unbeatable Savings
Imagine a gentle, consistent flow of perfectly conditioned air throughout your home. That’s the magic of an ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) variable speed blower. Think of it as the smart thermostat for your airflow.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Say goodbye to noisy blasts of air. The ECM intelligently adjusts its speed, operating at a low hum for most of the time.
- Energy Savings Superstar: This isn’t just a little saving – we’re talking 33% or more compared to older single-speed motors! The ECM uses only the precise amount of energy needed, saving you money month after month.
- Humidity Control Master: In the sticky summer months, this motor can remove up to four times more humidity than a standard blower. This not only makes your AC more efficient but also creates a noticeably more comfortable and less clammy environment.
- Consistent Comfort, Every Room: By subtly adjusting airflow during start-up and operation, the ECM eliminates those hot and cold spots, ensuring even temperatures from the basement to the attic.
- Year-Round Air Purification: Running the fan on a low speed provides continuous air filtration, keeping dust and allergens at bay without the noise or energy guzzling of a traditional system.
The Solid Choice: Multi-Speed Blower Motor – Reliable Comfort & Adaptability
Stepping up from the basics, the multi-speed blower motor offers a significant improvement in comfort and efficiency. It’s like having gears in your airflow.
- Tailored Airflow for Every Season: This motor delivers just the right amount of air for heating, cooling, and ventilation. No more blasting heat or weak AC.
- Improved Humidity Management: By varying the airflow during start-up, it helps to better manage humidity levels compared to a single-speed motor, leading to a more comfortable indoor climate.
- Quiet Performance: Designed with durability in mind, this motor operates more quietly than a standard single-speed unit.
- Customized for Your Home: While the speed is set during installation and doesn’t change automatically during operation, it’s tailored to your specific home’s needs, providing consistent comfort and reliability.
The Basic Option: Constant Fixed Speed Blower Motor – Simple On/Off Control
The constant fixed speed blower motor is the standard, no-frills option. It operates at a single, manufacturer-determined speed – like a light switch with only “on” and “off.”
- Basic Functionality: It gets the job done by moving air, but lacks the finesse and efficiency of variable and multi-speed options.
- Temperature Swings: Because it always runs at the same speed, you’re likely to experience noticeable temperature fluctuations as the system cycles on and off.
- Limited Humidity Control: This type of motor offers minimal ability to manage humidity levels effectively.
Ready to Upgrade Your Comfort?
Choosing the right blower motor is a crucial step towards a more comfortable, efficient, and healthy home. While a basic fixed-speed motor provides rudimentary airflow, upgrading to a multi-speed or the top-of-the-line ECM variable speedmotor offers significant advantages in terms of comfort, energy savings, and air quality.
Which airflow solution is right for you? If consistent comfort, whisper-quiet operation, and substantial energy savings are priorities, the ECM variable speed blower is the clear winner. For a reliable upgrade with improved comfort and adaptability, the multi-speed option is a solid choice.
Talk to your HVAC professional today to explore the best blower motor options for your home and start enjoying a new level of indoor comfort and efficiency!
7. Essential Furnace Components You Should Know
Think your furnace is just about making heat? Think again! Several unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your home cozy and safe. Let’s peek under the hood at some other important players:
The Spark of Life: Your Ignition System
Say goodbye to the flickering pilot light! Today’s furnaces are smarter, using electronic ignition systems. Imagine a tiny, super-hot light bulb filament – that’s essentially your igniter. Crafted from durable silicon nitride (the longer-lasting champ) or the more delicate silicon carbide, this component heats lightning-fast (think 1800°F to a scorching 2500°F!) the moment your thermostat calls for warmth. This intense heat ignites the gas, and once the flame is detected, the igniter takes a well-deserved break. Because each step is crucial, a reliable ignition system is a smart investment in consistent comfort. Pro Tip: A clean furnace and air filter are your ignition system’s best friends, helping it go the distance.
Listen Closely: The Sound of Comfort
Ever wonder why some furnaces sound like a jet engine while others hum a gentle tune? It’s all about the combustion technology and fan speeds. The good news? Most new furnaces come with fully insulated cabinets, meaning a quieter operation right out of the gate. Think of it like choosing a car – an economy model gets you there, but a luxury ride offers a smoother, quieter experience. The more refined the system, the less you’ll hear it working its magic.
Smart Moves: Intelligent Controls and Thermostats
Welcome to the future of cozy! Smart technology puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to control your home’s temperature from your phone, tablet, or computer – even with just your voice! From optimizing efficiency to pinpointing room temperatures, these intelligent controls offer a level of comfort and convenience tailored to your lifestyle. It’s not just about heat; it’s about having complete command over your comfort.
The Silent Guardian: Your Heat Exchanger
Consider the heat exchanger the heart of your furnace. This crucial component captures the heat from the burning gas, ensuring that warmth circulates through your home instead of escaping up the chimney. In high-efficiency models, you’ll often find two heat exchangers working in tandem to maximize heat extraction and minimize wasted energy. However, this vital part also carries a critical safety responsibility. If it cracks or develops even a tiny pinhole, dangerous gases can leak into your home, necessitating a repair or complete furnace replacement. That’s why heat exchanger warranties are significant, often ranging from 10 to 20 years, and we also offer a lifetime limited warranty for ultimate peace of mind.
8. Warranty And Value For Worry-Free Comfort.
You deserve a heating system that not only keeps you cozy but also protects your investment. While the standard 5-year parts warranty leaves room for uncertainty (and often requires yearly upkeep), Amana® Gas Furnaces offer a superior level of value and assurance.
Experience the confidence of a 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty* on every essential component. Plus, select models elevate your protection with a Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty*. This isn’t just a warranty; it’s a testament to Amana’s quality and our commitment to your long-term comfort. For the original registered homeowner, a heat exchanger replacement is on us, should it ever fail.
Don’t settle for standard. Choose Amana® for enduring comfort and exceptional value.
***Online registration within 60 days of installation is necessary to activate the Lifetime and 10-Year Limited Warranties. See PDM for full warranty information.
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Trust The Oldest Expert For Free Advice
Whispers of Wisdom for Your Home Comfort.
Four generations. Over a century of keeping Chicagoland comfortable. When it comes to your AC and furnace, experience matters. We’ve seen brands come and go, and we know what truly lasts. Call the oldest experts at PDM Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Since 1885 for insightful advice on the best AC and furnace brands and a transparent replacement price.
More Than Just an Estimate, It’s Peace of Mind.
We don’t just look at your units; we understand your home. Our thorough inspection considers your AC, furnace, and even your home’s construction to answer all your questions. You’ll receive a free, no-obligation estimate for a reliable, energy-efficient AC-furnace, proudly made in America and backed by strong industry warranties.
Installation Done Right, Down to the Booties.
Expect more than just an install. Our polite, uniformed team treats your home with the utmost respect. We protect your floors with booties and coverings, ensuring a clean and orderly workspace. We handle everything from safely and quickly installing your new, energy-efficient furnace to responsibly recycling your old equipment and even recovering and recycling old AC refrigerant.
Ready for lasting comfort and expert guidance? Contact PDM Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Since 1885 today. PDM serves Joliet, New Lenox, Plainfield, Homer Glen, and SW Chicago Suburbs. Call PDM at 1-815-390-7095 for a free estimate.
