Winter is well on its way here in Illinois, and that means it’s time to start preparing your home for colder temperatures. There are a few areas to focus on when doing your winter home prep, but your HVAC system is one of the most important.

Your family’s safety and comfort depend on a properly functioning heating system come winter—make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is ready by taking these five steps to prepare your heating system for winter.

1. Schedule Home Heating Maintenance

The best thing you can do to keep your heating system in good shape is to schedule a pre-season tune-up. Many homeowners wonder whether a furnace tune up is worth it, and the answer is yes, absolutely. A tune up allows you to catch and repair minor problems before they become major issues, and preventative maintenance is almost always easier and more affordable than repairing or replacing a broken-down heating system.

With residential maintenance services from AAA Northgate, your heating system will be cleaned, inspected, and tuned up so you can rest easy knowing that it’s ready to keep your home warm all winter long. If you use a combustion heating system like a furnace, we’ll also inspect and adjust the venting system to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other safety concerns.

 

2. Take Your Heating System for a Test Drive

Your heating system has been sitting dormant for several months, and it’s important to make sure it’s running properly before winter begins in earnest. Turn your furnace, heat pump, or boiler on and set your thermostat to your desired temperature. Take note of any issues like strange noises coming from your furnace or certain rooms that don’t get as warm as other areas in your home. Then, let your AAA heating technician know during your maintenance visit so that we can address any heating concerns.

 

3. Change Your Air Filters & Clean Your Vents

Your home’s indoor air quality can impact your health, especially during the winter months when you’re spending a lot of time inside. Keeping your vents and air filters clean will reduce the amount of dust, dirt, and other contaminants that get into your indoor air, helping your family breathe cleaner, healthier air.

 

4. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you’re still using a manual thermostat, fall is the perfect time to upgrade to a programmable or smart system. Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature within your home automatically throughout the day, optimizing your home’s energy efficiency and helping you save money on your heating bills.

 

5. Upgrade Your Insulation

Your insulation may not be a part of your HVAC system, but the two are still closely connected. If your home is lacking sufficient insulation, it won’t be able to keep the cold out or the heat from your HVAC system in. Not only will this impact your home comfort, but it will also drive up your heating costs as your HVAC system struggles to keep your home warm.

If you’re not sure whether you need new insulation, talk with AAA Northgate today! We can evaluate your insulation levels, find out where your home is losing the most energy, and recommend the most effective solutions.

 

Call AAA Northgate for All of Your Heating Needs!

When you need help with heating and cooling in Peoria, Illinois, you need AAA Northgate. We offer a full range of HVAC services, from heat pump diagnostics and maintenance to furnace repair and full heating system replacements. We’ve been in business since 1948 and are the heating company to trust with your home comfort in Peoria, IL and the surrounding communities. Click here to learn more about the cities we serve!

Schedule furnace repair in Peoria, IL today. Call 1-309-408-0737 or contact us to get started.