Furnace Maintenance in Chicago
Most $29 tune-ups are just a foot in the door to sell you a new furnace. Our Furnace Maintenance in Chicago service is a rigorous 21-point inspection designed to prevent breakdowns, not create them. We use calibrated tools, not guesswork.
We Look Closer
Cracks, leaks, and rust don't hide from us.
"I tell my guys: Treat this furnace like it's heating your grandma's house. If it's safe, clean it and let it run. If it's dangerous, prove it." - Bernie
Why Chicago Furnaces Die Young
In Florida, a furnace is a decoration. In Chicago, it's a life-support system. As your trusted Heating Contractor, we know our heating season is 7 months long. That means your furnace runs for 2,500 hours a year.
Dirt is the Enemy
Chicago is dusty. Construction, traffic, and old homes create dust that coats your blower wheel. 1/16th inch of dirt can drop efficiency by 20%.
Thermal Shock
Going from 50°F days to -10°F nights puts massive stress on the metal heat exchanger. Expansion and contraction cause cracks over time.
Ignition Cycles
It's not just running time; it's starting and stopping. The igniter gets hot thousands of times a year. It's a wear item, like brake pads.
The Problem with "$29 Tune-Ups"
You've seen the ads. A guy comes to your house for the price of a pizza. How do they make money? They find a reason to condemn your furnace.
The "Sales Tech" Inspection
- XThe "Cracked" Heat Exchanger: They show you a rust spot and call it a crack to red-tag your unit.
- XThe Pressure Pitch: "This unit is dangerous, you need to sign for a new one today to get the discount."
- XCommission breath: The tech only gets paid if he sells something.
The Honest Mechanic Inspection
- Combustion Analysis: As a qualified HVAC Contractor, we use a digital analyzer to prove if the unit is safe or not. Numbers don't lie.
- Repair Options: If it is broken, we quote the repair first. We love swapping heat exchangers!
- Hourly Pay: Our techs are paid to fix it, not sell it.
Bernie's 21-Point Precision Tune-Up
We don't just look at it. We touch, test, measure, and clean it. Here is exactly what you get.
Safety & Combustion
- Test for Carbon Monoxide leaks
- Inspect Heat Exchanger for cracks
- Test High Limit safety switch
- Test Pressure Switch operation
- Inspect Flue Pipe for blockages
- Check Gas Valve for leaks
- Verify Flame Rollout safety
Ignition & Burner
- Clean and adjust Pilot Assembly
- Clean Flame Sensor (Crucial!)
- Inspect Hot Surface Igniter
- Inspect Burners for rust/corrosion
- Adjust Gas Pressure to factory spec
- Check Thermostat operation
- Measure Temperature Rise
Motor & Airflow
- Check Blower Motor amp draw
- Check Inducer Motor amp draw
- Inspect Blower Wheel for dirt
- Test Blower Capacitor
- Tighten all electrical connections
- Check Air Filter condition
- Check Static Pressure (Airflow health)
Is Your Filter Killing Your Furnace?
We see it every day: A homeowner buys the most expensive "allergen-blocking" filter at the hardware store, thinking they are doing a good thing.
The Truth: Those thick, restrictive filters choke your furnace. They are like trying to breathe through a straw while running a marathon.
This causes your blower motor to work harder, overheat, and fail prematurely. During your maintenance visit, we measure the Static Pressure of your ductwork to tell you exactly which filter your system can handle.
Bernie's Rule of Thumb:
Use a cheaper, pleated MERV 8 filter and change it monthly. Your furnace will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule a furnace tune-up?
Once a year, ideally in the fall before the heavy heating season begins. This ensures your system is clean and safe before it has to run 24/7.
Will gas furnace cleaning lower my bill?
Yes. A dirty burner or blower wheel forces the system to run longer to produce the same amount of heat. Calibrating the gas pressure also ensures you aren't wasting fuel.
What is included in furnace maintenance?
Our comprehensive 21-point furnace maintenance checklist covers safety systems, ignition components, electrical connections, and airflow optimization. We specifically check for carbon monoxide leaks and cracked heat exchangers.
Do you service boiler systems too?
Absolutely. Steam and hot water boilers require even more specialized maintenance than furnaces. We are Chicago boiler experts.
Peace of Mind for $89 Tune-Ups
No contracts. No hidden fees. Just a clean, safe, and efficient furnace for the winter ahead.