I am a project manager working at a university for an Air Force research project involving additive manufacturing during the day.

Our Air Force family lived in England for 16 years. 

I used to live off of Blue Creek School Road (By the Air Station) where a strawberry patch grew the sweetest and juiciest strawberries in Onslow. 

I have had people look at the furnace to see why it does not blow hot air thru the vents ,it had been suggested that since the intake air vent is also located in the ceiling with the vents is the cause but no suggestion how to remedy that,I was also given the suggestion to insulate the space between the ceiling and the second floor unit,this is a condo complex,I did that but it has not proved to change the outcome of the production of heat,I have to say that the unit is on the first floor also has a very big three window side that is north facing and no building on that north side to block any of the cold north winds ,this is an old building converted to condos in the early 1990's ,I come to find that there is no insulation in the walls at all, so I know that is not helping hold any heat in the unit.I have installed ceiling fans on the suggestion of another person saying that would help..Okay the point is there is an element that is not working ,unplugged,not getting hot ,or whatever the case may be,the last person who worked on the furnace said that the blower motor was tripping the circuit so since he could not find a blower motor and ordering it would take 3 days so he used a condenser motor saying that it would be ok, but the tenant say the blower stays on longer and still does not produce much heat ,at my wits end and need to know exactly how to handle this heating problem without tearing down walls .I have went to home depot's service desk to get someone who is able to get me the right answer to this problem, I have an appointment on Monday can someone tell me what it takes to replace and element in an electric furnace,is it hard ,is it simple is it expensive will it help,can the condenser motor stay or should the motor blower be returned,is there anything I can read up on for more knowledge before Monday..Questions Questions Questions....

Also, downstairs is heated via gas fireplace and the central air is controlled in the upper unit.

Valuations of property or services don't come from thin air! 

Then, pack the white oakum, and re-pour lead or get white oakum and a home depot tube below (NOT RECOMMENDED). http://www.homedepot.com/p/10-3-oz-Plastic-Seal-25...If you have the tools go for it, otherwise, don't bother. 

A lot of buildings in Chicago are quite old, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but be on the lookout for things such as knob and tube electrical wiring, radiant heat, and the possibility of asbestos tiles particularly in the basement.

Other than I fly into the airport just n. of town and the one over at Courdelene   as well as the one up on the big lake north.. so I know it from the air  LOL.  

My parents are Air Force vets. :)