October 5, 2026

Fall HVAC Prep for Illinois Homes: Furnace Safety, Airflow Checks, and Filter Changes

Before colder weather arrives in Madison and St. Clair Counties, give your heating system some attention. Check for furnace warning signs, keep airflow paths clear, and make sure the HVAC filter is clean. These steps can help you spot concerns before you rely on your heat every day. What Furnace Safety Checks Matter Before the First Cold Night? Test your carbon monoxide detectors and pay attention when the furnace first runs. Unusual noises, persistent odors, or a system that struggles to heat your home call for a professional inspection. Do not ignore a carbon monoxide alarm. Leave the home and contact emergency services. A fall heating maintenance visit gives a professional the opportunity to inspect the system before Illinois temperatures drop further. If you already know your furnace is having trouble, schedule service instead of waiting for a complete breakdown. How Can You Check Airflow Around Your Home? Walk through your rooms and look for supply vents or return grilles blocked by furniture, rugs, or other items. Clear airflow helps heated air reach your living spaces and return to the system. Notice whether some rooms feel much cooler than others, even with the vents unobstructed. If uneven heating continues, the...

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October 18, 2023

How often does a furnace need to be serviced?

Furnace maintenance is an important part of home care that homeowners must take seriously. Regular inspections and tune-ups can help prolong the lifespan of the furnace, improve efficiency, and provide a safer living environment. On the other hand, not taking the time to hire professionals to service your furnace can result in significant problems. Frequency of Servicing The common recommendation for furnace servicing is to have it inspected and tuned up once a year. Scheduling this annual checkup, usually before the onset of winter, is advisable as it prepares the heating system for the colder months ahead. Here are some other factors that can impact how often you need to schedule a furnace checkup. Age of the Furnace Older furnaces tend to need more frequent servicing compared to newer models. The parts will wear down as a furnace ages, and it may require more regular attention. Type of Fuel Used Different fuels burn at different rates and may leave varying amounts of residue. Furnaces using oil might need more frequent cleaning and inspection than those using natural gas or electricity. Usage Patterns A furnace that is heavily used during long and cold winters might need more frequent servicing. On the...

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December 21, 2022

Furnace Lockout: Causes and Solutions

Is your furnace leaving you out in the cold more often than not? Is it refusing to restart after several attempts to reset it? You may be experiencing a furnace ignition lock out. What Is Furnace Lockout? Today’s modern furnaces come equipped with various safety sensors that ensure its proper function. If these sensors detect a condition that is determined to be unsafe, the furnace will be forced to shut down to prevent any safety hazards or damage to your unit. While these safety measures are effective, your furnace is likely to remain in lock out until you or a professional technician reset it. Many homeowners send a furnace into lockout mode after attempting to get it going several times without success. Furnace lockouts most commonly occur due to: Issues with a flame sensor Issues with the ignition mechanism Issues with a limit switch Issues with gas supply Faulty Flame Sensors A faulty flame sensor is one of the more common causes of a furnace lockout. As a furnace starts a cycle, a safety sensor checks for the presence of fire. If the safety sensor is defective, it will not detect a flame, and a control switch will halt the...

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September 20, 2021

Here’s How You Can Safely Re-Light Your Furnace

When the cold temperatures arrive, it can be so comforting to turn on your heater and enjoy the warmth in your home. However, sometimes your furnace might not be able to turn on. There are several reasons why you may be having trouble with your furnace, and one of them is that the pilot light may have gone out. Thankfully, it’s usually pretty simple to relight the furnace. Below, we’ll walk you through each step. 1. Gather Everything You Need Find a long match or a lighter, and bring it with you as you go to your furnace. When you’re at the furnace, locate two components. The first is the gas valve control knob, and the other is the “Reset” button. They should be close to each other and near the bottom of the unit. 2. Turn the Knob to the “Off” position This will stop gas from flowing. After you’ve turned the knob to the “Off” position, wait a few minutes. To be safe, set a timer for five minutes, and then come back when the timer goes off. This will let any gas in the chamber dissipate. 3. Press the “Reset” Button and Light the Match/Lighter With one...

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November 12, 2019

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

On a cold winter day, the last thing you want to deal with is a furnace that doesn’t produce hot air. This issue could require just a minor fix, or it could be something more major that a professional will need to repair. Here are some reasons your furnace could be blowing cold air. The Filter Needs Replacing Dirty and clogged filters can cause severe problems, such as a cracked heat exchanger. Thankfully, a fail-safe mechanism could shut off the heat exchanger before any cracks occur. Once the part is turned off, the furnace won’t blow hot air. For filter replacements, part repairs, and other solutions, can assist residents of Madison and St. Clair. Changes to the Thermostat The weather outside is freezing, but someone changed the thermostat setting to “cool” or “fan.” Accidents do happen. Changing the setting to “on” could lead to the fan spinning and circulating air, but the heat-generating burners are off. Now, you’re only getting cool air. Check the thermostat and see if the settings are right. The Gas Line Isn’t Running A furnace connects to your gas line. Ignited gas creates the flames that heat the air. Is the gas company performing repairs and...

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