Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Questions, Answered
CONFIRM: Spec asks to keep and rewrite the 14 questions from Gartner’s current FAQ page (sizing, SEER2/AFUE/MERV, warranty lookup, thermostat 68°F/78°F, short-cycling, R-22 → R-454B/R-32, etc.) plus a Booking & Billing group (payment methods). The current site text is needed to finish this. Answers below are the approved answers already written in the spec.
Can’t find your answer? Call us at (847) 965-9645 or ask the Gartner AI Assistant, available 24/7.
- Family-Owned Since 1985
- Factory Authorized Bryant Dealer
- Bryant Circle of Champions: 3 Years Running
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- All Makes & Models Serviced
- Licensed & Insured
- Rated 4.95/5 on Bryant.com
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Gartner offers 24-hour emergency service for heating, cooling and plumbing problems. Call (847) 965-9645 any time, day or night.
Gartner is based at 4550 Oakton Street in Skokie and serves 32 communities across the North Shore, the northwest suburbs and Chicago's North Side, including Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Niles, Park Ridge and Rogers Park.
Yes. Gartner is a Factory Authorized Bryant Dealer and a three-time winner of Bryant's Circle of Champions award. We also repair and maintain all other major brands.
Yes. Many North Shore and North Side homes still heat with steam or hot-water boilers, and Gartner repairs, maintains and replaces them, including radiant heating systems.
Yes. Click "Book Service" on any page to choose your service and an arrival window. Your request goes straight into our scheduling system and our office confirms it.
Yes. Financing is available on qualifying new heating and cooling systems. See our Financing page or ask your technician for details.
Yes. Gartner handles water heaters, plumbing repairs, drain cleaning and sump pumps in addition to heating and cooling. CONFIRM: plumbing scope
Once a year each: the furnace or boiler in the fall and the air conditioner in the spring. Regular tune-ups help prevent breakdowns, protect efficiency, and keep manufacturer warranties in good standing.
The most common causes are a clogged filter, a thermostat set to "fan on," a failed ignitor or flame sensor, or a tripped safety switch. Start by checking the filter and thermostat. If the air is still cold, call Gartner and we'll diagnose it.
Most gas furnaces last 15–20 years with annual maintenance. Furnaces that skip tune-ups often wear out sooner and cost more to run.
Common causes are a dirty filter, low airflow, or low refrigerant. Turn the system off and run the fan to thaw it, then call Gartner. Refrigerant should only be handled by a certified technician.
Condensation at the indoor unit's drain line is normal. Water pooling around the furnace or on the floor usually means a clogged drain or pan and should be checked.
Yes. Gartner services pre-2010 R-22 systems. Because R-22 is no longer produced, repairs can cost more, and we'll explain conversion and replacement options honestly.
Usually 12–15 years with annual maintenance.
In hot-water systems, trapped air is the most common cause. Bleeding the radiators often fixes it. In steam systems, a failed air vent or a piping pitch problem is more likely. Gartner can diagnose either.
Banging (water hammer) usually means water is trapped in the piping, from improper pitch, a bad vent, or too much water in the boiler. It's fixable, and worth fixing before it damages pipes.
Once a year, ideally in early fall. Annual service includes cleaning, safety control checks and combustion testing.
Modern cold-climate heat pumps can keep heating well below freezing. In our climate, many homeowners choose a dual-fuel system so a gas furnace covers the coldest days.
Check it monthly. Standard 1-inch filters usually need changing every 1–3 months; thicker media filters last longer. Ask your technician to show you.
For most homes, MERV 8–13 balances filtration and airflow. Higher ratings can restrict airflow on some systems, so ask your technician what your system can handle.
If you notice static shocks, dry skin, or gaps in wood floors in winter, a whole-home humidifier can help. Ideal winter indoor humidity is roughly 30–45%.
There's no fixed schedule. Clean when there's a reason: renovation dust, contamination, pests or odors.
Typically 8–12 years for a tank unit, and up to about 20 years for a well-maintained tankless unit.
Turn off the cold-water supply valve on top of the heater and turn off the gas (or the breaker for electric). Then call Gartner. A leaking tank usually means replacement.
Typically 7–10 years. Test yours every spring by pouring water into the pit to make sure it turns on and pumps out.
We don't recommend them. They can damage older pipes and rarely clear the real blockage. Mechanical cleaning is safer.
Usually a main line blockage. Heavy rain can also overload older sewer systems. If it happens repeatedly, a camera inspection shows the cause.
Schedule Service with Gartner HVAC
Book online in under a minute, or call our Skokie office. For emergencies, we answer 24 hours a day.
Service Area: Skokie · North Shore · Northwest Suburbs · Chicago North Side | Questions first? Ask our AI Assistant.