Refrigerant Types Guide: R-22, R-410A, R-32, R-454B & More

Last updated: 2026 · Covers EPA AIM Act regulations & current phase-down schedule If you work in HVAC and refrigeration, you already know that the refrigerant landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade — and it’s still changing. The phase-out of R-22, the ongoing phase-down of R-410A, and the rise of low-GWP alternatives like R-454B and […]
How Commercial Refrigeration Works: A Technical Overview

Commercial refrigeration is the backbone of the food service, hospitality, grocery, and cold chain industries. Whether it’s a walk-in cooler behind a busy restaurant, a supermarket display case, or a pharmaceutical cold room, these systems rely on the same fundamental thermodynamic principles to move heat from one place to another. Understanding how commercial refrigeration works […]
Cracked Heat Exchanger Scams in IL: How Some HVAC Companies Scare Homeowners Into Buying New Furnaces

Every winter, homeowners in Chicago and nearby suburbs hear the same terrifying words from an HVAC technician: “Your heat exchanger is cracked. This furnace is unsafe. You need a new one immediately.” Sometimes that diagnosis is real.Too often, it’s not. At Four Elements Service, an honest HVAC company serving Lake Zurich, Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Deer […]
Commercial Rooftop HVAC Unit Repair During Extreme Winter Temperatures in Schaumburg

When winter temperatures drop in Illinois, commercial HVAC rooftop units work harder than ever. Cold weather puts additional stress on critical components, and even a small failure can shut down heat for an entire building. Recently, our technicians responded to a commercial rooftop HVAC repair call at a Schaumburg mall, where a Carrier rooftop unithad stopped heating during freezing […]
How a Critical Walk-In Cooler Failure Was Quickly Fixed and Saved a Restaurant from Disaster

When a walk-in cooler stops working, panic sets in fast—especially for a busy restaurant. Spoiled food, health code risks, and lost revenue can pile up by the hour. That’s exactly what happened at a local restaurant that called us for emergency walk-in cooler repair when their unit suddenly stopped holding temperature. Fortunately, we were able to diagnose the […]
Furnace Tune-Up Checklist for Homeowners in Lake Zurich, IL

As winter approaches in Lake Zurich, Illinois, your furnace becomes one of the most important systems in your home. A properly maintained furnace doesn’t just keep your family warm—it also improves energy efficiency, lowers heating bills, and helps prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest days of the year. This furnace tune-up checklist will help Lake Zurich homeowners understand […]
Furnace Shutting Down on Limit Switch in Buffalo Grove, IL

How High Static Pressure and Incorrect Installation Caused Heating Failure Location: Buffalo Grove, Illinois Service Type: Furnace Diagnostic & Repair Home Size: Approx. 2,000 sq ft Furnace Type: Two-Stage Gas Furnace (66,000 BTU) Customer Complaint A homeowner in Buffalo Grove, IL contacted Four Elements Service because their furnace was: The homeowner was also concerned that the furnace might be too small for the […]
Emergency Furnace Repair in Deer Park, IL – Trane TUH2D120A9V5VAC Restored in Just 2 Hours

When temperatures drop in Deer Park, IL, a furnace failure can feel overwhelming. Our team at Four Elements Service recently handled a heating emergency where the home temperature had fallen to 45°F. Because the weather was extremely cold, the homeowner needed immediate help. We arrived quickly and restored heat in just two hours. A Cold Home and an […]
Humidifier for Home | Hoffman Estates Air Quality Solutions 2025

Why does humidifier affect air purifier? A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity levels in a room or building by releasing water vapor into the air. Humidifiers are often used to improve indoor air quality, especially during the winter months when the air can become dry, leading to symptoms such as dry skin, […]
Case Study: Emergency Carrier Furnace Repair During Winter Storm in Buffalo Grove, IL

George Stahov