Once a year, preferably in the fall or early winter. Lack of maintenance is the number one cause of no heat calls. Mention the R.E.C.A.P program.

Thermostat batteries and settings first, then the furnace filter. Dead thermostat batteries are a common no-heat call.

Yes, we have 24/7 Emergency Service. If you call after hours, please let our answering service know it is an emergency and they will contact the technician on call so he can call you to discuss your situation and if he should come out for a service call.

This means the blower is running but the burners aren’t lighting or staying lit. The most common problem is a dirty flame sensor.

That depends on what needs to be repaired and the condition of the cast iron sections of the boiler.

Yes! At Murray HVAC, working on older heating systems is one of our specialties. From vintage steam boilers to decades-old hot water heating systems, we have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and service equipment that many companies may be unfamiliar with. We’ve been serving Chicago’s North Shore since 1948, and we believe that older equipment deserves the same careful attention as today’s newest heating systems. Whether your boiler is 10 years old or 100 years old, we’re happy to evaluate its condition and help you determine the best course of action.

Older heating systems often require specialized knowledge because their piping, controls, and operating characteristics differ from modern equipment. Fortunately, many older systems can still be successfully serviced and maintained. Murray HVAC has been serving Chicago’s North Shore since 1948, and our experience with older homes and complicated heating systems is one of the things that sets us apart.

With proper maintenance, many furnaces last approximately 15-20 years, while traditional castiron boilers can often last 20-30 years or longer. The actual lifespan depends on the equipment, installation quality, maintenance history, and operating conditions. Murray HVAC has extensive experience servicing both modern heating equipment and older boilers that have been operating for decades.

Yes, but never turn your heating system completely off during freezing weather. Keeping your thermostat at a minimum of approximately 55°F can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Homes with plumbing in exterior walls or poorly insulated areas may require a higher setting, especially during extreme cold. We also recommend having a trusted friend or neighbor check on your home daily while you’re away, especially during freezing temperatures to make sure your heating system is operating properly. Another great option is installing a Wi-Fi thermostat that can send alerts to your cell phone if the temperature inside your home drops below a set level, giving you added peace of mind while you’re away.

Higher heating bills can result from extremely cold temperatures, inefficient equipment, dirty filters, poor insulation, air leaks, or heating systems that aren’t operating properly. Annual maintenance and addressing comfort issues throughout your home can help improve heating performance and potentially reduce energy costs.

Yes! Murray HVAC services all makes and models of heating equipment, including furnaces, boilers, and a wide variety of residential heating systems. As a family-owned company serving Chicago’s North Shore since 1948, we take pride in providing honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and dependable service.

Banging usually means water is trapped where steam needs to move. Hissing often points to a stuck or failing vent.

Venting and balancing. A tune-up can even out heat between rooms.

Yes. Steam heats heavy cast iron radiators and provides steady and comfortable heat.

2-5 PSI of water pressure

Both steam boilers and hot water boilers heat your home, but they work in different ways. A steam boiler heats water until it turns into steam. The steam travels through pipes to radiators throughout your home, where it releases heat to warm the rooms. As the steam cools, it turns back into water and returns to the boiler to be heated again. A hot water boiler heats water without turning it into steam. The heated water circulates through pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor heating systems. Steam heating systems are commonly found in older homes, while hot water heating systems are used in both older and newer homes. At Murray HVAC, we have extensive experience servicing, maintaining, and repairing both steam and hot water boilers, including systems that have been heating homes for generations.

Yes. High efficiency boilers will work with old radiators.

Yes. A hot water holding tank can be installed and piped into the boiler to heat your water.

A hot water boiler may lose pressure because of leaks, faulty pressure relief vatves, or other system issues. Repeatedly adding water without identifying the cause can lead to additional problems. A qualified technician can inspect the system and determine why the pressure is dropping.

Yes. SpacePak and Unico small-duct systems fit where standard ducts won’t.

Yes. Older homes and complicated systems are our specialty.

Zoning, airflow checks and system balancing.

Uneven radiator heating is a common issue in older homes. It can be caused by trapped air in hot water systems, malfunctioning steam vents, circulation problems, or improper system balancing. Steam and hot water heating systems operate differently so identifying the type of system is important. Murray HVAC has extensive experience diagnosing and correcting heating problems in older North Shore homes.

Yes! Some older cast-iron boilers have remained in service for many decades. However, a boiler’s age alone doesn’t determine whether it is safe to operate. Its condition, maintenance history, safety controls, and overall performance are important factors. Murray HVAC has experience maintaining older boilers, including systems that have been heating homes for generations.

Not every older boiler needs to be replaced simply because of its age. Many cast-iron boilers are durable and can provide years of dependable service when properly maintained. Factors such as repair costs, efficiency, safety, replacementpart availability, and overall condition should guide the decision. At Murray HVAC, we believe in providing honest recommendations based on what’s best for your home-not automatically recommending replacement because equipment is old.

Dry winter air. A whole-home humidifier adds moisture through your system.

In the winter the ideal indoor humidity level is generally between 30% and 40%. Maintaining proper humidity helps keep your home comfortable and can reduce dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity and dry air. When the outdoor temperature drops significantly, you may need to lower your home’s humidity level to prevent condensation from forming on windows and other cold surfaces. Once the extreme cold is done you can set your humidistat back to what you prefer for the winter.

Yes. Low humidity can cause gaps and cracks. A humidifier helps protect wood floors.

Yes. We install Fresh-Aire UV Systems which are known for helping air quality. They help reduce odors, bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens. Since the systems are installed directly into the central air system, air is purified and circulated throughout the whole home. They also help reduce growth on damp coil surfaces and drain pans. Bulbs need to be replaced yearly.

** Talk about Hepa Systems, UV Systems

Hold it up to the light. If light doesn’t pass through, it’s time.

Yes. We install whole house Dehumidifiers which help lower the humidity level throughout the house in the summer months. It helps remove excess moisture from the air, keeping your home more comfortable and maintaining a healthier indoor environment. For more information on whole house Dehumidifiers give us a call or send us an email.

One in the furnace or boiler room, and one near the bedrooms. Combination smoke and CO detectors work well.

Twice a year is ideal. Setting a reminder during each time change in fall and spring is a good reminder to replace batteries for smoke detectors, CO detectors and thermostat batteries

Get everyone outside right away (including pets) and call 911. Then you can call us

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by malfunctioning fuelburning heating equipment. Symptoms of exposure may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Every home should have properly installed and functioning carbon monoxide detectors. If an alarm sounds, move everyone outside immediately and call 911 or your local fire department. Do not reenter until emergency personnel say it is safe.

Cover only the top to keep leaves and sticks. Never wrap the whole unit.

In spring or early summer is ideal. Air conditioning maintenance is dependent on the weather outside.

Yes, heat pumps can provide heating during Chicago area winters. However, we generally do not recommend relying on a heat pump as your sole heating source due to higher operating costs that can occur during very cold weather. Give Murray HVAC a call and our experienced team will be happy to discuss the heating options that would work best for your home.

Yes, ductless mini-splits can be a great option for older homes, especially those without existing ductwork. However, the best solution depends on your home’s layout and heating and cooling needs. We recommend having one of our experienced team members visit your home to evaluate whether a ductless mini-split system is the right fit or if another option would better suit your needs.

A hanging gas or electric heater

One option is by adding electric baseboard heaters to that room.

Murray HVAC proudly serves Chicago’s North Shore and surrounding communities, including Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Glenview, Skokie, Evanston and nearby areas.

We have been family owned and operated since 1948.

Yes, we do! Please give our office a call to discuss your heating and cooling needs.We’ll be happy to schedule a convenient time to visit your home, evaluate your needs, and recommend the best solution for you.

The cost of a new furnace or boiler can vary significantly depending on the type of equipment, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation. Every home and heating system is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price.

At Murray HVAC, we believe in providing accurate, personalized estimates rather than general pricing that may not reflect your home’s specific needs. Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll evaluate your existing system, discuss your options, and recommend the best heating solution for your home and budget.

Rebates and incentives may be available for qualifying heating and cooling equipment, depending on the type of system being installed and current program offerings.

Since rebate programs, eligibility requirements, and available incentives can change frequently, we recommend checking directly with your local gas or electric utility provider for the most up-todate information.

You can also contact our office with any questions about the equipment you’re considering.

Yes. Murray HVAC offers financing options through FTL Finance to help make purchasing a new heating and cooling system more manageable. Financing allows qualified customers to spread the cost of their new equipment over time with convenient monthly payments. For more information, please visit the financing link on our website or contact our office. We’re always happy to answer any questions! Financing is subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.

We install Comfortmaker, Weil-McLain, Navien, Viessmann, Crown, Bosch, Unico, Spacepak, A.O Smith, Aprilaire, Honeywell, Fresh-Aire UV, Arzel Zoning Systems. In addition to the brands we install, we service all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment.

For most homeowners, setting the thermostat around 74-78°F while home provides a reasonable balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Raising the temperature a few degrees while you’re away can help reduce cooling costs. However, during extremely hot weather, we recommend keeping your thermostat on HOLD at your desired temperature rather than making frequent adjustments. Large temperature changes can make it difficult for your air conditioning system to bring your home back to a comfortable temperature, especially during periods of extreme heat.

During extremely hot weather, your air conditioner may run for longer periods to maintain the desired indoor temperature. However, if your system runs continuously without reaching the thermostat setting, it could indicate dirty coils, restricted airflow, low refrigerant due to a leak, or other mechanical issues. A professional inspection can help identify the problem.

Most standard 1-inch filters should be checked monthly and typically replaced every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type, household conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. A dirty filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and can cause your air conditioning system to work harder than necessary.

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, first check that your thermostat is set to COOL and the temperature is set below the current room temperature. Other possible causes include restricted airflow, refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or compressor issues. If the problem continues, it’s best to have your system inspected by a qualified HVAC technician.

Uneven cooling can be caused by inadequate insulation, ductwork problems, improper system balancing, or differences in sun exposure. Older homes can be particularly challenging to cool because many were built before central air conditioning became common. Murray HVAC specializes in finding cooling solutions for older homes and complicated systems throughout Chicago’s North Shore.

Most central air conditioning systems last approximately 12-15 years, although some can operate longer with proper maintenance. Equipment quality, installation, usage, and maintenance all affect system lifespan. If your air conditioner is aging, frequently needs repairs, or struggles to keep your home comfortable, it may be time to consider replacement.