Heating

 

2021 is flying by and we are just about to the first day of winter.  Experts predict that heating costs will be going up severely this winter.

According to a recent article in the New York Times, “after plunging during the pandemic as the global economy slowed, energy prices have roared upward. Natural gas, used to heat almost half of U.S. households, has almost doubled in price since this time last year.”

Here are a few tips to make sure you weather the winter and maybe shave the monthly bill just a bit.

Make sure you and your home are ready with these 6 tips:

  1. 1. Program the Thermostat

Invest in a programmable thermostat and help regulate the temperature in your home, as well as the monthly utility bills.  Set the temperatures based on times your home is occupied.  This will help save money and keep your family comfortable.

  1. 2. Seal the Cracks

Seal up those gaps and cracks in the foundation and walls. This will keep those chilly drafts (and warmth seeking rodents) from entering your home.  A bit of caulk will help close those gaps. Additionally, make sure your doors and windows are sealed properly to cut down on the cool air finding its way into your home.

  1. 3. Change the Furnace Filter

Dirty filters will cause your system to work harder than it needs to work, thus increasing your monthly bills, in addition to causing potential problems to our HVAC system.  Dirty furnace filters can also add to respiratory illnesses and allergies, making you miserable.  Swap out that filter, it’s easy and it’s cheap!

  1. 4. Schedule a System Check (if you haven’t already!)

If you are concerned about an older unit, or you have had issues in the past, schedule a system inspection conducted by an HVAC professional.  Potential problems can be identified prior to the need for emergency services.  No heat when the temps are below 0 degrees is no fun, prevent problems with a complete system check and be ready for the cold.

  1. 5. Invest in a New Energy Efficient HVAC System

Furnaces don’t last forever. If your system is older than 10-15 years or you have scheduled more repairs each winter, it may be time to invest in a new furnace.  Buying a new appliance will cost you money up front, but installing a newer, more energy efficient unit will be worth it down the road

At TR Miller Heating & Cooling, we take pride in keeping homeowners in the greater Chicagoland Area safe and comfortable all year long. Contact us to speak with on our heating experts today!

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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