Chicagoland homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to heating and cooling their homes. Because of freeze-thaw cycles, older ventilation systems, and home structures built for the temperatures of the 1960s, it’s incredibly important to keep up with furnace maintenance.
But before you call a heating technician, here are a few at-home tips you can use to keep your furnace running smoothly when winter starts.
What to Check Before You Turn the Heat On
Your furnace has been sitting around, idle, all summer long. Most people don’t even think about their heating system until temperatures drop, and unfortunately, by then it might be too late to fix any small problems before winter starts.
Here are a few items to check before that first cold front hits Chicago.
Replace Your Air Filter
While you should do this in the summer to maximize your furnace’s performance, you also need to check or replace your air filter.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, which makes your furnace work harder than it needs to when pushing heat through the house. As a result, the components of your furnace become overworked, and their lifespan shortens.
An easy way to remember when you last changed your filter is to write the date on the filter itself. Common practice is to change every three months, but depending on your system, your home, and pets, it might need to be replaced every 30 days.
Clear Vents and Registers
It’s easy to block a vent when you’re reorganizing furniture or moving boxes around your house. During the fall months, take some time to go around your house and check that your return vents and registers aren’t blocked or covered up.
Not only will this affect how your house heats, but it can also cause problems down the line for your furnace. Blocked registers and vents lead to overworked furnaces, and overworked furnaces tend to break down more often and more easily.
Test Your Thermostat
You should know whether your thermostat is working properly before you need to use it.
An easy check is to turn the heat on and confirm that your furnace turns on, runs, and responds appropriately when you adjust the thermostat. Dead thermostats in October are annoying, but they become a potential health hazard in December.
Listen to Your Furnace
Once you’ve tested your thermostat, take a few minutes to listen to your furnace run. Don’t turn it on and leave the house.
Any banging or screeching sounds, or burning smells that don’t clear after a few minutes on that first start-up are signs that something might be wrong. They might not be emergencies right away, but if they’re caught early enough, they’re easier to fix.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you are running a gas furnace, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in working order. Run a test, install new batteries, and make sure it’s placed in the right spot in your home.
It is not a bad idea to install multiple detectors throughout your home, and many manufacturers make fire/carbon monoxide detector combinations.
While you should keep an eye on your carbon monoxide detector year-round, it’s especially important during winter while your furnace is running.
What Shouldn’t You Check at Home
Vents, air filters, and carbon monoxide detectors are all DIY-safe and should be checked before the cold arrives.
On the other hand, your heat exchanger, ignition system, and other components inside your furnace need to be handled by a professional. If something fails or you make a mistake, it isn’t just about breaking your furnace; it could affect your well-being.
Why You Should Schedule Fall Maintenance with Flader
When you sign up for Flader Plumbing and Heating’s Five-Star Maintenance program, you can expect a full furnace tune-up before winter.
This includes:
- Inspect and adjust controls and safeties
- Lubricate motors & bearings
- Measure the amperage and voltage of the blower
- Measure temperatures and system performance
- Clean and adjust pilot and fan speeds
- Inspect and clean burners
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Check for carbon monoxide
- Inspect gas line & connections
- Test thermostat
- Conduct overall system operation
- Check for loose panels or switches
And once we’re done, we will review our findings with you and recommend any necessary repairs.
But that isn’t all. Members get priority service and scheduling, 30% off repairs, a 2-year 100% comfort guarantee, and so much more value.
Need Help Getting Ready for Winter? Call Flader Plumbing and Heating
We’ve been helping Chicagoland residents for over 100 years with their plumbing and heating needs. Flader Plumbing and Heating’s technicians provide fast service and the expertise needed for Chicagoland homeowners’ specific needs.
Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule a furnace tune-up.
