HVAC System

It’s hard to believe that Summer 2017 has come and gone.  It’s now September with Fall just around the corner and Winter not far behind.

It’s time to start thinking about packing up the summer stuff and getting ready for bonfires, football and hot cocoa.

It’s also time to start buttoning up the summer HVAC system and prepping the furnace for its job ahead.  Here are 6 things you should do this September to finish off summer and prepare for winter.

  1. Change the air filter. Give your furnace a fresh start. Even though you may still be running the AC here and there while the dog days of summer stick around, it’s a good idea to pop in a new, fresh filter.
  2. Get a professional end-of-season AC tune-up. While you can do a lot on your own to wind down your AC system, it’s a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician out to preop the unit for winter. This is especially important if you neglected to get a tune-up before summer started.  A tech can also make sure nothing is leaking and discourage mildew from forming or stop a small problem before it becomes a large problem.
  3. Clear the area. During the summer weeds or other foliage may have grown around the unit, clearing this away from the area along with any grass clipping or leaves is a good idea.  This debris can attract bugs or ants or other critters looking to hunker down in the cooler weather.  If you are still using your AC during the warmer days, the debris could be a fire hazard. Clearing the area will keep you safe.
  4. Adjust the thermostat. With the kids back at school the house may now be empty all day, and evenings tend to get a bit cooler.  It usually isn’t necessary to keep the same settings you had in July.  Set the temperatures to comfortable settings that make sense with the outside temps at different times of the day. You don’t need to cool a house when no one is in it all day.
  5. Get a professional furnace evaluation. If your system is older, you remodeled, added on, or you bought a new home, it may be a good idea to have a professional HVAC tech come and evaluate whether you need an updated system.  If a new system is necessary it will likely save you quite a bit in utility costs and will ensure that you have proper heating and ventilation for your home.
  6. Schedule a Fall furnace tune– Now is the time to get your furnace ready for the long winter ahead – and winter tends to be pretty darn long.  A professional tune-up will make sure the unit is clean and running properly.  A technician will calibrate the thermostat, inspect the system and clean it, test the airflow, measure the motor voltages and tighten any electrical connections.  A tune-up will ensure the furnace runs properly and safely.  A yearly tune-up will also keep your warranty valid if you have a newer system.

Summer is almost over and Fall will be here very soon.  Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your HVAC system is running properly. Stay warm and save money this winter!

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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