Chicago winters are hard on heating and cooling equipment, and the outdoor units take the worst of it. An hour of prep in October prevents most of the emergency calls we get in January.
Outdoor condensers and mini splits
Clear leaves, grass clippings, and debris from around the unit and from the fins. Trim back anything growing within two feet. If the unit will sit idle all winter, a breathable cover over the top keeps ice and debris out, but never wrap it in plastic, which traps moisture and rusts the coil. Mini splits that also heat should stay uncovered and clear of snow on all sides.
Refrigerant lines and insulation
Look at the insulated line running from the outdoor unit into the house. If the foam is cracked, chewed, or missing, replace it. Bare lines lose efficiency and can sweat and freeze. Seal the wall penetration where the lines enter the house so cold air and pests stay out.
Test heat before you need it
Switch the thermostat to heat on a cool day in October and let it run for a while. Listen for the burners lighting, feel for warm air at the vents, and note any burning-dust smell that does not clear in a few minutes. Finding a problem now means a normal service call, not a no-heat emergency on a holiday weekend.
Furnace basics
Change the filter and keep spares. Make sure supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture. Clear the area around the furnace, especially anything flammable. Check that the exhaust and intake pipes outside the house are clear.
Schedule the tune-up
A fall tune-up cleans the burners and flame sensor, checks the heat exchanger for cracks, tests the igniter and safety controls, and checks for carbon monoxide leaks. It is the single most effective thing you can do to avoid a mid-winter breakdown.
Need a hand with this?
No heat in January is an emergency. We repair gas furnaces and boilers and offer fall tune-ups so it never gets that far.
Furnace Repair & Service in Chicago
