Chicago is well known for cold, snow and high winds.
We are rather famous for our brutal winter weather.
However, the conditions are a challenge all year long. When spring finally arrives, the snowmelt and rain can cause major problems with flooding. We often get hit with thunderstorms that knock out power lines. Last winter was especially snowy and cold. When the weather warmed up, we still had huge piles of snow. Losing power due to a big storm was super inconvenient. Without electricity, the sump pump doesn’t run and my basement flooded. Plus, we were without running water, lights and air conditioning. The strong winds knocked down trees and branches and caused damage to my outdoor AC unit. Even when power was restored, the cooling system wouldn’t start up. The HVAC contractor I called for repairs checked out the equipment and told me that it would be less expensive to replace it. I doubted his honesty and hired another HVAC company for a second opinion. They also recommended investing into a new air conditioner. I wasn’t able to get my homeowners insurance to cover any of the cost because it was considered damage from a natural disaster. The AC’s manufacturer’s warranty was no longer valid. The installation project was expensive. I had expected the cooling unit to last another five to ten years. At least the new model is more energy efficient, makes less noise and is compatible with a smart thermostat. The HVAC company I dealt with was very helpful and handled the installation quickly and smoothly.