Every year, millions of Chicagoans mark the changing of seasons in an exciting ceremony—by switching the thermostat from “cool” to “heat.” Well, it might not be much of a ceremony, because it happens about as fast as the seasons change here on the North Shore. That’s why it’s never too early to be prepared to get your furnace ready for winter.
Finding out that you need furnace repairs now, rather than the first cold snap when HVAC technicians get busier, makes it easier to ride into winter comfortably.
Test the Thermostat
Switch to “heat” and adjust the temperature above its current setting, then feel the vents to verify that warmer air comes out. Some strange noises and dusty air can be normal, but if the furnace doesn’t start or struggles, definitely call an HVAC professional.
Get a Fall Furnace Maintenance Visit
Annual furnace tune-ups always help. A thorough inspection and cleaning make the furnace run more efficiently this winter. Plus, you can take care of small repairs while it’s convenient instead of the dead of winter.
Change the Air Filter
Clean or replace your furnace filter regardless of how clean it looks. It’s been collecting dust for many months.
Hire a Chimney Sweep
Who knows what’s been going on up there? Clean the chimney or hire a pro to sweep out dirt, leaves, soot, squirrel nests, and more.
Check the Air Vents and Ceiling Fans
Open up all the vents so your furnace can run smoothly. Be sure to consider whether furniture has been moved to block floor and wall vents. It’s also a good time to redirect your ceiling fan blades to push heated air down.
Oil Furnace Maintenance
If you have an oil-fueled furnace, remember to get a refill ASAP. You can also replace the oil filter and clean the nozzle. Better yet, call for a complete oil furnace tune-up to be safe.
Seal Windows and Doors
Preventing air leaks can significantly lower your energy bills, all year long. Your furnace has to work harder and more often if there’s a draft, which also leads to faster wear-and-tear and shortened lifespan. Replace weatherstripping on doors with daylight gaps and check window seals, too.
Furnace Maintenance & Tune-Ups in Chicago’s North Shore
Glenbrook Heating & Air Conditioning will be there when you need us mid-winter furnace repairs, but you can increase your odds of a stress-free heating season with a fall furnace maintenance check-up.
We’ll treat you like family and get your furnace in the excellent working order we’d want for ourselves. Call or contact us online to schedule furnace maintenance. You can also contact us for Northbrook HVAC or Northbrook furnace repairs.
