Before the consistently cold weather hits Illinois, Joliet homeowners will want to ensure that their furnace is operating at peak performance. To do this, you can complete several simple checks to improve heating reliability, efficiency, and safety before your furnace needs to run regularly.
Read on as the experts at Comfort First Heating and Cooling cover how homeowners can prepare their systems for the cold with both easy DIY tasks and professional furnace maintenance.
6 Steps to Get Your Furnace Ready for Heating Season
We recommend running through this simple furnace tune-up checklist to confirm your system is ready for regular use:
1. Replace or Check the Furnace Filter
Proper airflow is critical for furnace efficiency. When the filters are clogged or dirty, they restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder. That’s why our team recommends replacing filters every one to three months.
Before the weather changes, inspect your furnace’s filter, as it may have been sitting since last year. If it is dirty, replace it to start the heating season with a clean slate.
Once your new filter is in place, check it periodically to keep it clean and prevent airflow problems.
2. Clear Vents and the Area Around Your Furnace
The vents in your home blow heated air into your living spaces. Keep your vents and return registers clear of furniture, rugs, curtains, and other objects. This is especially true during the holiday season when you might have added decor or rearranged spaces.
Also, make sure the area around your furnace is clear of boxes or other stored belongings. Clutter in this space can restrict airflow to the system. As a result, your furnace may have to work harder to heat your space.
Also, it’s critical to keep any combustible or flammable materials safely away from heating equipment.
3. Check Your Thermostat
Use this time to check and replace thermostat batteries to keep it working properly in the coming months.
To adjust your thermostat settings, start by switching from “cooling” to “heating” mode. Keep the fan on auto and set the temperature higher than the current indoor temperature. Your furnace should turn on immediately.
4. Give Your Furnace an Early Test Run
Like routine heating maintenance, a test run is a smart step to take before the first genuinely cold day. To avoid urgent service, confirm that your furnace starts normally and warm air reaches your home’s vents. During this test, you can also check for obvious issues such as rust, water around the unit, or loose panels.
Take this time to address safety concerns by testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing batteries as needed. With these early tests, you’ll have time to address any problems before the winter weather arrives.
5. Pay Attention to Unusual Furnace Sounds, Smells, or Performance
After sitting unused for several months, your furnace may take a few heating cycles to warm back up. However, you should watch for signs that something is wrong.
Call a trusted HVAC company if you experience:
- Banging, rattling, grinding, or squealing sounds
- Persistent burning or unusual odors
- Weak airflow
- Uneven heating between rooms
- Frequent starting and stopping
- Difficulty reaching the thermostat setting
In these scenarios, don’t attempt to handle furnace repairs yourself. Instead, call a professional if you notice persistent or concerning problems.
6. Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance
The best way to protect your furnace and comfort this winter is to schedule your annual heating tune-up before the system starts running heavily. Your HVAC technician will use this appointment to identify worn components, reduce breakdown risks, support efficient operation, and verify safe furnace performance.
During a furnace cleaning and tune-up, a technician will inspect, test, and adjust critical components, including burners, ignition components, electrical connections, blower components, safety controls, and the heat exchanger. This ensures that your system is ready to perform reliably and safely.
When Is the Best Time to Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up?
Early fall is an ideal time for a heating tune-up in Joliet. Furnace maintenance is preventative, so you shouldn’t wait until something goes wrong to schedule service. Instead, complete these tune-up tasks on the first moderately cold day, before freezing temperatures place sustained demand on your furnace.
You can streamline this part of your to-do list by enrolling in an HVAC maintenance plan to stay consistent with seasonal heating and cooling maintenance.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance With Comfort First Heating and Cooling
Joliet homeowners can complete their furnace preparation before winter weather arrives with Comfort First Heating and Cooling. Our professional furnace maintenance, combined with these simple homeowner checks, helps ensure your heating system is ready for the winter season.
Contact Comfort First Heating and Cooling today to schedule furnace maintenance or sign up for our HVAC maintenance plan.
