What to Check Before You Call a Heating Company

Before calling a heating company in Chicago, check your thermostat settings, circuit breaker, air filter, furnace power switch, gas valve, and pilot light. Many heating problems stem from simple issues homeowners can fix themselves. Chicago homes need heat for most of the year with over 6,500 heating-degree-days annually.

Our team has solved thousands of heating problems across Chicago over 20 years. Most service calls involve issues customers can resolve in minutes. We want to help you save time and money.

This guide shows you exactly what to inspect before dialing a technician. You will learn simple checks that restore heat fast.

Key Things to Check Before Calling a Heating Company in Chicago

Inspect the Thermostat First

Check thermostat settings before anything else. This simple step solves most heating complaints. The thermostat controls your entire heating system.

Confirm It's Set to "Heat" Mode and Above Current Room Temperature

Set thermostat to "Heat" mode and raise it five degrees above room temperature. Many thermostats accidentally switch to "cool" or "off" mode. The temperature setting must exceed your current room level to trigger heating.

Replace Batteries in Battery-Powered Thermostats

Replace thermostat batteries if your screen looks dim or blank. Dead batteries prevent your furnace from receiving heating commands. Fresh batteries restore system control immediately.

Check Furnace Power and Circuit Controls

Verify furnace power switch on near your heating unit. This switch looks like a regular light switch. Someone might have bumped it accidentally.

Reset Tripped Furnace Breakers

Reset circuit breaker if it has flipped to the off position. Furnaces trip breakers when they draw too much power. Locate your electrical panel and flip the furnace breaker back on.

Ensure the Furnace Emergency Switch Is Turned On

The emergency switch sits on or near your furnace. This red switch cuts all power to your heating system. Flip it to the on position if needed.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

Inspect and replace air filter every one to three months. Dirty filters block airflow and force your furnace to work harder. Nearly 97% of Chicago homes use gas furnaces that need clean filters.

A Dirty Filter Can Cause Furnace Overheating or Shutdown

A clogged filter makes your furnace overheat and shut down automatically. This safety feature prevents damage to your heating system. Replacing the filter often restores heat within minutes.

Make Sure Air Vents and Registers Are Open

Inspect vents and registers for blockage throughout your home. Furniture, rugs, and curtains often cover heating vents. Blocked vents reduce airflow and create uneven heating.

Remove Any Blockages Like Furniture or Rugs

Move furniture away from vents to allow proper heat circulation. Open all register dampers completely. Good airflow helps your system heat efficiently.

Specific Checks for Gas Furnaces

Is the Pilot Light Lit?

Check pilot light status on your gas furnace. About 83% of Chicago homes use natural gas for heating. A pilot light should burn steady and blue.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions to Relight Safely

Check furnace manual for troubleshooting steps to relight your pilot. Turn the gas control knob to pilot position. Hold the reset button while lighting the pilot flame.

Confirm the Gas Supply Is On

Ensure gas supply valve open on the pipe leading to your furnace. The valve handle should align with the pipe direction. A perpendicular handle means the gas is off.

Reopen the Gas Valve if It Was Turned Off

Turn the valve handle parallel to the gas pipe. Wait a few minutes before attempting to restart your furnace. Gas needs time to reach the heating system.

Important Safety Checks Before Calling a Pro

Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Identify signs of carbon monoxide leaks by testing your detectors monthly. Press the test button on each detector. Replace batteries or units that fail to beep.

Leave Immediately and Call a Pro if You Smell Gas or Burning Odors

Smell of gas or electrical burning requires immediate professional help. Exit your home and call your gas company or 911. Never ignore these dangerous warning signs.

When to Call a Professional Heating Company in Chicago

Persistent No Heat or Uneven Heating Issues

Monitor heating performance consistency throughout your home. Call a technician if heat remains weak after basic checks. Uneven heating indicates serious system problems.

Frequent Breaker Trips or Furnace Lockouts

Look for error codes on control panel if your furnace keeps shutting down. Modern furnaces display codes that help technicians diagnose problems. Document any recent repairs or changes to share with your heating professional.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Chicago Homeowners

Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up Before Winter

Professional maintenance prevents breakdowns during cold Chicago winters. Technicians clean components and test safety controls. Annual tune-ups extend your furnace lifespan significantly.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Change air filters regularly every 30 to 90 days. Clean filters improve efficiency and indoor air quality. Illinois recorded PM2.5 levels of 8.9 µg/m³ in 2022, making filtration crucial.

Conclusion

These simple checks solve most heating problems Chicago homeowners face. Performing these checks first can save time and reduce repair costs significantly. Most issues involve thermostats, power switches, filters, or gas valves.

We are Chicago's trusted HVAC contractor with over 20 years of experience. Our team helps thousands of Chicago families stay warm every winter. We understand the unique heating challenges Chicago homes face.

Contact Chicago Comfort HVAC Services today for expert heating repairs and maintenance. We provide fast, reliable service when you need it most. Let us keep your home comfortable all winter long.

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