Heating

 

Winter has arrived in full force and the snow, ice and cold temperatures are here for a while. You may not give much thought to your home’s HVAC system beyond keeping the heat flowing, but there are a few things you should know about keeping your HVAC system humming as it should.

Many homes, especially newer homes, will struggle to keep a consistent temperature. Older homes will likely not keep a consistent temperature.  This means as the temperature outside drops, your HVAC system is working at full capacity. This constant running of the system to maintain a consistent temperature in your home is hard on your furnace.

Additionally, seeing the large amount of snow we currently have in Plainfield, the outside AC unit should not be ignored.

Here are six things you can do to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and safely.

1.            Turn Off Programmable Thermostat

Take the programmable thermostat off of its scheduled settings, either turn off the schedule or put the temperature you set on HOLD until the extreme cold has passed.

2.            Bump Up the Thermostat

When extreme cold is predicted, below zero windchills or temperatures, dial the temperature on the thermostat up about 2 to 3 degrees above what you normally have set. Keep this temperature consistent until the extreme cold has passed. It is recommended that the temperature be set at 70 degrees, this is a good temperature to keep the home warm and the furnace operating properly.

3.            Keep Air Flowing

Keep the clean air flowing by swapping out the furnace filter. This will help the furnace pump that warm air even more efficiently.

4.            Clear the Vents

Make sure vents in each room are not covered or blocked by furniture and the air is blowing unobstructed.

5.            Get Cooking

If you are still struggling to keep warm and the 70-degree temperature is not warming your home as much as you like, bake something, or cook. Boiling water or making soup will introduce humidity into the air and will help keep warmer temperatures steady. (DO NOT turn the oven on and think this will help heat up your home, it will not work, and it is VERY dangerous.)

6.            Let the Sunshine In

During the day when the sun is out open the curtains to help heat up your home. The sun’s warmth will do a bit to keep your home comfy and cozy. However, at night, make sure you close the curtains to keep that cold air out.

Still Cold? Call TR Miller Heating and Cooling

If you notice the furnace running odd cycles, running way too long, or not at all; or if there is no warm air blowing from your vents it may be time to call in a professional. Our technicians are knowledgeable and licensed so you can trust that we will be able to resolve your problems.

When you call us for service, you’ll speak with a live person who will quickly dispatch one of our certified, highly trained technicians to your home. Your technician will listen closely to your needs, provide an accurate diagnosis, and work with you to decide on the right solution.

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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