Furnace

September was crazy!  While hurricanes devastated the south, here in Illinois, we broke records with 7 days of 90-degree temps and above.  However, things seem to be getting back to “normal” and for us. It looks like autumn has finally arrived.  Days are getting shorter and the weather is becoming chillier. It will soon be time to fire up the furnace.

Most people wait until the “frost is on the pumpkin” before they think about their furnace.  When the weather gets colder, they flip the switch from “cool” to “heat” and assume the heat will operate as efficiently as it did several months ago.  However, this is not always the case, and preparing your furnace for the wintry weather before it hits could avoid the expense of an emergency visit from the furnace repairman … and make sure that your family stays warm and cozy, no matter how cold it gets.

Here are a few start-up tips you should consider before you need to fire up the furnace for the season.

Check the Filter

The filter has been accumulating all the dust and pollen from the summer.  A clean filter will help your furnace run at peak efficiency.  However, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a new filter. 

When it comes to furnace filters, the rule of thumb for many HVAC professionals is “the cheaper the better.” Check out the filters we recommend here.

Check the Thermostat

This one may be just fine after the heat wave we just had, most of us have had our air conditioning running for a while now, meaning the thermostat is operating.  However, it’s a good idea to do a quick check of the thermostat anyway.  Make sure the batteries are fresh. Flip the switch to “heat” and make sure the unit fires up and check that there is heat coming from the vents.

This is also a good time to consider replacing your old thermostat.  If you don’t have a programmable thermostat it may be the time to consider having one installed. Programmable thermostats will save you money and keep your home comfortable throughout the year.

Maintenance Check

Scheduling an annual professional inspection of the furnace is recommended. Performing regular maintenance ensures safe and efficient operation of your system.  When your HVAC system is properly maintained it operates much more efficiently, reduces energy usage, and saves you money on utility bills.

If you have a new furnace, a regular professional maintenance tune-up is recommended by the manufacturer. It also keeps warranties valid.

Consider Replacement

If your furnace is 15 years or older it may be time to have a new unit installed.  Even if your furnace still seems to work well, an older furnace doesn’t run as efficiently as a newer unit.  In fact, ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces are 15% more efficient than an older conventional furnace. 

Our team can provide some excellent assistance when it comes to getting you ready for the cold weather ahead.  We have free estimates available and can help you assess what you need to do to get your furnace ready for its job this winter.

Check out our Specials and save on any repair, get a special discount on our furnace tune-ups and check out the current rebates for new furnaces and complete systems.  TR Miller associate are ready to help you and keep you and your family warm and toasty 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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