Furnace

October is flying by and with the changing of the leaves, we know that it is only a matter of time before the weather takes a drastic turn.
 

Winter is just around the corner.

As always, it is a good idea to get the furnace cleaned and checked before the winter begins. You should also change the filters often.  Preventative maintenance will save you money. 

Here are a few other things you can do to keep heating costs down, while enjoying a healthy and comfortable winter:

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an investment that will pay for itself.  Programmable thermostats give you control to lower your thermostat at night, while you are out of the house, etc. Placing the thermostat in the right place in your home and programming it appropriately will save you around 10 to 20%. If you already have a programmable thermostat make sure it is programmed correctly and that you are ready for the cold.

 

Check Your Seals

It’s a good idea to check your electoral outlets to make sure there are foam insulation gaskets.  Install the do-it-yourself seals on outer doors and windows to keep drafts at bay. Make sure your window frames are free of any cracks and fill in or replace as needed.  If you have a room or area of the home you don’t use seal it off so you don’t heat it unnecessarily.  For windows that cause heat loss and the cool to seep in install plastic film.  Seal exposed ductwork and if you have less than 7 inches of insulation it is a good idea to get an upgrade.

While doing your seal check, make sure to repair any broken windows or fill in any holes in the attic, crawl space or basement (not only will this save you from heat loss it will keep any critters out too.)

 

Cover Up or Open Up

Grab a sweater and socks and cover up, warmer clothes will keep you warm instead of unnecessarily turning up the heat too high.  Cover up those windows too, windows without sun exposure on a windy day close the drapes to keep any drafts from coming into your home.

During the cool months make sure that all doors and windows are closed and open south-facing window curtains/drapes/blinds during the day to let the sunshine in for natural warmth. 

 

Re-Think the Fireplace

Traditional fireplaces can suck the warm, heated air right out of your home.  Think about replacing it with a direct vent or a vent free fireplace.  If replacing your fireplace is not an option, make sure to keep the damper shut when not in use and for extra coverage seal the opening shut.

 

We can help you get ready – Grab our special savings offers on Facebook and Like our Page so you never miss a deal!

From Visually.

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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