When the weather starts to turn cold, most people know that it’s time to check their furnace. But what they don’t always know is what happens during a maintenance visit…
Below, this furnace maintenance company in Skokie, Illinois is going to explain what a professional furnace maintenance visit typically looks like.
System inspection
The first thing the technician does is check your whole furnace. They want to make sure every part is working correctly. This step is crucial to keep your home safe and warm all winter.
One of the most important parts they inspect is the heat exchanger. Even a tiny crack in it can create real safety risks for your family. That is why the technician takes extra time with this part.
Next, they test the ignition system. This part is what lights the heat in your furnace. If it is not working correctly, your furnace might not turn on reliably.
They also check the blower motor. This motor moves warm air through all the ducts in your home. If it is not doing its job, you could experience uneven heating throughout your home. Some rooms may feel warm while others stay cold.
Safety controls get tested too. These are the built-in fail-safes that shut the furnace down in an emergency.
Even the thermostat is tested. The thermostat tells the furnace when to start and stop. If it is sending the wrong signals, your furnace might run too much or not enough. A simple test now can prevent uneven heating or wasted energy later.
Cleaning the furnace
Dust and dirt can build up inside the furnace over time. When that happens, the furnace must run longer to heat your home. That can lead to higher utility bills and more wear on the furnace.
During a maintenance visit, your furnace maintenance company in Skokie, Illinois will clean the furnace thoroughly. The burners get cleaned so the heat spreads evenly. The blower compartment gets cleared out because this is where dust likes to collect. A clean blower moves air smoothly through the whole system.
The air filter is also checked. A dirty filter can send dusty air into your home, not to mention push the furnace to its limits. If the filter is dirty, the technician cleans it or replaces it with a new one.
The area around the furnace is also checked. If there are boxes or other things stored too close to it, that can be a fire hazard. The technician makes sure the area is clear and safe.
Testing system performance
Once the furnace is clean, the technician tests the furnace’s performance. They turn the furnace on and watch how it starts and stops.
They also check the airflow through the ducts. If air is not circulating properly, some rooms may stay cold while others become too hot.
A carbon monoxide test is also done. This is particularly important for your family’s safety, as even a small leak of this gas can be hazardous. The test finds problems early so repairs can be made before they become serious.
The technician also checks how efficiently the furnace runs. A system that uses less energy keeps your home warm without increasing your utility bill. It can also help your furnace last longer because it does not have to run more than necessary every day.
Benefits of a maintenance program
Many homeowners like to sign up for a maintenance program. It makes things simple because you do not have to remember to schedule a visit every year. Your furnace maintenance company in Skokie, Illinois will reach out when it is time for your next visit.
With these programs, you might get priority service. Some programs also offer discounts on parts or repairs.
Joining a maintenance program is an easy way to keep your furnace in good shape year after year.
Looking for a furnace maintenance company in Skokie, Illinois?
If you need a furnace inspection, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. As the most trusted furnace maintenance company in Skokie, Illinois, we will make sure that our service visit leaves your furnace running at its best. Contact us anytime at 847-864-5225 to schedule your service.
