CAHILL COMFORT

Weather and regulatory changes mean homeowners need to be informed of their air conditioning options.

Brandon Delfino and Paul Dale know their stuff. The operators of Cahill Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Lake Bluff—a company that has been serving homeowners and businesses on the North Shore for more than 50 years—not only provide excellent HVAC maintenance and installation services, but they also keep abreast of the trends and issues that impact homeowners.

Maintenance is key
First, though, a few reminders. The most important thing for homeowners to remember is to have a technician come in on an annual basis and inspect their air conditioner and recommend any repairs that are needed to keep the unit operating smoothly.

For Cahill customers, this means a thorough cleaning and inspection of the unit, including coils and elements; checking connections, motor operations, and thermostat functionality; monitoring refrigerant pressure, testing safety controls, checking the power motor and, importantly, condensation drains. Cahill technicians will provide an estimate for repairs, if needed, and a schedule to get the repairs completed.

Because of the Midwest changes in seasons, which can sometimes be uncomfortably abrupt, the earlier maintenance
is conducted the better. As we move into spring and summer companies like Cahill get busy, meaning longer waits and, as Dale says, chances of problems occurring.

“I would say that’s probably one of the biggest misconceptions is people saying, ‘I’ll just wait’,” Dale says. “I’ve had people tell me they don’t turn their air conditioners on until the last minute, so they don’t get it checked until then. It’s better to get it knocked out, so they’re worry free for the rest of the season.”

Major regulatory changes this year
In May 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that as of January 1, 2025, new air conditioners must be designed to use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP).

Dale and Delfino and the team at Cahill Heating & Cooling closely followed developments related to the change and the company’s technicians have undergone training on the new systems, which use a flammable refrigerant.

“The change is all driven by environmental concerns. The legacy refrigerants that are being used are ozone depleting and contribute to global warming,” Dale says. “By using the new refrigerant, they are aiming to lower the effects on climate change.”

The good news is there are incentives in place to the tune of up to $3,400, limiting the financial hit for homeowners, including federal tax credits and rebates for ComEd customers in Illinois. Homeowners whose units may be aging should think strongly about upgrading while the incentives are still available.

Given the investment, deciding on major repairs or to replace an air conditioner is one of the more daunting decisions homeowners need to make. First and foremost, Cahill offers a $99 annual maintenance visit which will keep an AC humming and extend its operational life.

The company also offers free estimates to replace systems, and manufacturers are providing desirable financing options—no interest and no payments for 12 months, or longer-term loans as low as $49 a month.

“It’s easy to forget what goes into heating or cooling your home when you’re sitting comfortably on your couch in the dead of summer or winter,” Dale says. “Homeowners need to remain aware of their repair or replacement options.”

Cahill Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is located at 28983 Herkey Drive in Lake Bluff, 847-595-1551, callcahill.com.