Furnace

Most people wait until it gets cold before they think about their furnace.  When the weather gets chilly the switch gets flipped from “cool” to “heat” and they assume the heat will crank on and operate as it several months ago.  However, this is a common misconception.  Preparing your furnace for the cold weather before it hits is a smart move.

As the furnace ages, it becomes less efficient and may begin requiring repairs.  Whether you need a replacement or maintenance, it’s important to give your furnace and HVAC system some TLC this year.

Maintenance Mission

Like your car or other appliances, the HVAC system needs to be properly maintained to keep in good working order.   A good furnace maintenance strategy combines both professional assistance and DIY tasks to keep your system running smoothly.

Professional – Preventative maintenance on the furnace should be performed in the fall, prior to the first use of the season.  A professional HVAC tech will ensure the unit is clean and operating properly, making any necessary repairs or adjustments.

DIY – The filter should be checked monthly and changed as needed or per the manufacturer’s recommendation.  Vents and registers should be free of obstruction, clearing any furniture or other objects that may be over the openings and preventing air to properly flow through the ducts.  Finally, programming the thermostat based on the season will help keep the utility bills reasonable.

Maintenance Matters

Preventative maintenance done annually is smart and can save money in the long run.  IF you are questioning whether you need to schedule your furnace maintenance this fall, here are 6 benefits of preventative furnace maintenance done by a professional.

Preventative furnace maintenance:

  1. Reduces energy bills.
  2. Is energy efficient.
  3. Extends the life of the HVAC unit.
  4. Provides in-home comfort.
  5. Prevents breakdowns.
  6. Maintains the unit’s manufacturer’s warranty.

Here to Help

Whether you need a system install, preventative maintenance, or you are unsure what you need, the HVAC professionals at TR Miller Heating and Cooling can help.  Contact Us to set up a free estimate or schedule your preventative maintenance.  We can help you get ready for the cold winter ahead.

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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