HVAC emergency in Chicago? Call Bernie's Heating & A/C Service now! Same-day service available for all heating and cooling emergencies.
Annual furnace tune-up & safety inspection keeps your heating system running safely and efficiently all winter in Chicago.
We've been doing pre-season tune-ups since 2008. A $89 fall inspection catches worn igniters, cracked heat exchangers, and CO risks before the first deep freeze hits.
We're upfront about what's included because we're not hiding a bait-and-switch.
Time:
45-60 minutes for a standard gas furnace
Cost:
$89 (no hidden trip charges or "diagnostic fees")
When to Do It:
September or October, before heating season
What Costs Extra:
Oversized filters, humidifier service, repairs (quoted before work starts)
Here's what happens when you wait until your furnace actually breaks:
Chicago fact: We get 200+ no-heat calls per day during polar vortex weeks. Those customers wait. Tune-up customers who need repairs get priority scheduling.
This isn't just "changing a filter and checking a box." Here's what our techs catch on routine tune-ups:
Found in ~3% of older furnaces
Why it matters: Cracks leak carbon monoxide into your home
What we do: Red-tag the furnace immediately, explain options
Cost to ignore: CO poisoning, furnace replacement suddenly mid-winter
Replacement cost: $2,500-$5,000 (vs catching it early and budgeting)
Found in 15-20% of furnaces 7+ years old
Why it matters: Igniter cracks = no heat
What we do: Show you the cracked part, quote replacement
If you approve: We replace it same visit ($150-$250 vs $400 emergency call)
Lifespan: Igniters last 5-7 years, they don't "heal themselves"
Found in 60%+ of furnaces
Why it matters: Dust buildup cuts airflow 20-40%, wastes gas, overheats furnace
What we do: Pull the wheel, brush it clean, vacuum housing
Result: Quieter operation, lower gas bills, better heat distribution
Cost: Included in $89 tune-up
Causes 25% of no-heat calls
Why it matters: Dirty sensor shuts off gas flow after 3-5 seconds
What we do: Clean sensor rod with emery cloth, test operation
Prevention: Annual cleaning prevents winter failures
Cost: Cleaning included in tune-up
If you want to set-it-and-forget-it, our Annual Maintenance Plan covers both seasons.
$179/year
Saves $10 vs buying separately + you get repair discounts
Not necessary if: You only have a furnace, or you're diligent about scheduling yourself. We're not pushing plans—some customers just want the $89 fall tune-up and that's fine.
Manufacturer warranties require it. Beyond that, 80% of furnace breakdowns we see could've been prevented with a $89 tune-up. Dirty flame sensors, worn igniters, clogged condensate drains—all easy catches during maintenance, all expensive when they fail mid-winter.
We show you the problem (photo if it's hidden), explain what happens if you don't fix it, and quote the repair cost. You decide. We don't "find" things to upsell—we're hourly-paid techs, not commission salespeople.
Filter changes help, but they don't catch cracked heat exchangers, failing limit switches, or improper gas pressure. Those cause no-heat calls or worse—CO leaks. DIY maintenance is better than nothing, but it won't catch the dangerous stuff.
September or October, before the first cold snap. November is our busiest month (everyone waits until it's cold). December is peak emergency season. Book early, get your pick of times.
Schedule your fall furnace tune-up before Chicago winter hits. $89 flat rate, no hidden fees, no pressure.
Most tune-ups take 45-60 minutes. Same-day appointments often available in September/October.