Top Emergency HVAC Services in Hanover, IL, 60103 | Compare & Call
Frequently Asked Questions
My system seems to ice up a lot. Is this an old unit problem?
Systems installed in the original construction of many Hanover homes are now over 80 years old. Age-related wear causes refrigerant leaks and poor airflow, the two primary causes of frozen evaporator coils. An 84-year-old unit operating with original galvanized steel ductwork often lacks the tight seals and proper charge needed for our humid continental climate.
My Ecobee thermostat is showing an 'E1' alert. What does that mean?
An Ecobee E1 error indicates the thermostat has lost communication with your HVAC equipment. In Hanover, this is commonly caused by a safety lockout on the furnace control board due to a fault, such as a flame sensor issue on your propane system or a high-pressure switch trip on the AC. It signals the system has shut down to prevent damage and requires a technician's diagnosis to reset and repair the underlying fault.
What does the new 13.4 SEER2 minimum mean for my electric bill?
The 2026 federal SEER2 standard ensures new systems use at least 13.4 SEER2, a more realistic measure of efficiency under static pressure. At Hanover's average rate of $0.15 per kWh, this upgrade reduces consumption. The active Inflation Reduction Act rebates, with caps up to $8,000, can offset a significant portion of the investment in a higher-efficiency model.
Why does my AC struggle when it's over 90 degrees?
Local HVAC systems are designed for a peak load of 88°F. When ambient temperatures exceed this design limit, the system's capacity to reject heat diminishes, reducing cooling output. Modern R-454B refrigerant, now the standard, maintains better performance and pressure in these high-heat conditions compared to older refrigerants, but all systems will run longer at reduced capacity during extreme heat.
Our AC just quit on a hot day near the Village Hall. How fast can you get here?
A technician can typically be dispatched from our office near IL-84 within the hour. For a critical no-cool call in Hanover City Center, travel time is reliably 5-10 minutes via Route 84, placing a technician at the Village Hall area swiftly to diagnose the issue and restore cooling.
Can my old ducts handle a better air filter for pollen and ozone?
Original galvanized steel ductwork often has restrictive design and potential leaks. Installing a high-MERV filter, like a MERV-13 for May pollen and summer ozone, can create excessive static pressure in these older systems. A technician should perform a static pressure test before upgrading filtration to ensure your blower motor can handle the increased airflow resistance.
Does switching from propane to a heat pump make sense here?
For Hanover homes using costly propane, a cold-climate heat pump is a viable primary heat source. Our winter lows are well within the operational range of modern units. To maximize savings, pair the heat pump with a smart thermostat to avoid operation during ComEd's peak rate hours from 2 PM to 7 PM, shifting the supplemental electric heat strip usage to off-peak times.
What are the rules for installing a new AC with the new refrigerant?
All installations in Jo Daviess County require a permit from the Building and Zoning Department. Since 2023, systems using mildly flammable A2L refrigerants like R-454B must follow updated safety standards (UL 60335-2-40). This mandates specific leak detectors, revised clearance distances, and permanent labeling. Only EPA-certified technicians holding the new Section 608 certification for A2Ls can legally handle the refrigerant.
