Glendale Heights Heating System Prep — HVAC Winter Tips

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

Glendale Heights winters hit hard, and small HVAC issues can snowball into no-heat emergencies. If you want reliable warmth and lower bills, start with heating maintenance Glendale Heights homeowners can count on. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact steps to prepare your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or mini-split for the cold, when to call a pro, and how to save with a $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up.

Why Winter Prep Matters in Glendale Heights

DuPage County winters are a real test for your system. The National Weather Service reports average January lows near 16°F and roughly 36 inches of annual snowfall. Cold snaps and drifting snow strain airflow, fuel supply, and safety systems. A well-prepared heating system delivers three wins:

• Fewer breakdowns and safer operation during the coldest nights
• Lower energy bills through better efficiency and airflow
• Compliance with many manufacturer warranty requirements

Most no-heat calls trace back to neglected filters, dirty burners or coils, failing igniters, and clogged drains. The fixes are simple when caught early.

Your Pre-Season Heating Checklist

Complete these steps before consistent freezing temps arrive:

1. Change or clean filters

• Replace 1-inch filters every 1 to 3 months. High-MERV or media filters may last longer. A clean filter improves airflow, comfort, and energy use.

1. Clear the area around equipment

• Keep 3 feet of clearance around your furnace or air handler. For boilers, keep valves, pumps, and venting visible and accessible.

1. Thermostat and batteries

• Set your winter schedule now. Replace batteries annually to prevent mid-season failure.

1. Test heat early

• Run heat for 10 to 15 minutes on a mild day. Listen for rattles, watch for short cycling, and confirm warm air at vents or steady radiator heat.

1. Outdoor unit care for heat pumps and mini-splits

• Remove leaves, snow crust, and debris within 18 inches of the unit. Make sure the defrost cycle clears frost. Never chip ice with tools.

1. Check vents, flues, and combustion air

• Confirm clear vent terminations outside. Inside, ensure combustion air openings are unobstructed for gas appliances.

1. Carbon monoxide and smoke safety

• Test alarms and replace CO detector sensors at manufacturer intervals. Replace CO detectors at 5 to 7 years of age.

1. Schedule a professional tune-up

• A precision tune-up covers cleaning, calibration, electrical testing, and safety checks you cannot do with basic tools.

What a Professional Heating Tune-Up Includes

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling performs a detailed, no-surprise tune-up tailored to your system:

• Combustion and safety: Inspect burners, heat exchanger surfaces, ignition system, and flame sensor. Verify proper venting and check for gas leaks.
• Electrical integrity: Test voltage, amperage, capacitors, relays, and control boards. Tighten connections.
• Airflow and refrigerant (if heat pump): Measure static pressure, check blower cleanliness, confirm fan speeds. Check refrigerant pressures where applicable.
• Thermostat and controls: Calibrate and confirm accurate staging, cycles, and temperature swing.
• Drainage: Flush condensate lines and trap. Confirm pump operation where installed.
• Filter and cleanliness: Inspect or replace filters. Clean critical components for efficient operation.

Our certified technicians finish with a run test and homeowner walkthrough so you know exactly what was done and why.

Furnace Focus: Keep Heat Steady and Safe

Gas furnaces work hard during polar blasts. Prioritize these items:

• Heat exchanger health: Cracks can leak carbon monoxide. Professional inspection is essential.
• Ignition reliability: Hot surface igniters and flame sensors fail with age. Testing beats guessing.
• Venting and combustion air: Snow drifts can block PVC vents. Keep terminations clear and at code height.
• Blower and duct performance: Clean blowers and correct fan speed reduce short cycling and hot-cold spots.

Signs you need service: repeated restarts, booming ignitions, unusual odors, or rising gas usage with the same thermostat settings.

Boiler Care: Quiet, Efficient Hydronic Heat

Boilers thrive on precision. Our boiler service includes:

• Visual inspection of pipes, connections, valves, circulator pumps, burners, and thermostats
• Pressure checks and expansion tank evaluation
• Venting verification and combustion gas analysis
• Leak detection for gas boilers and system bleed as needed
• Deep cleaning of the heat exchanger and critical internal parts

Book boiler service in late summer or early fall to avoid winter backlog and keep performance smooth.

Heat Pumps and Mini-Splits: Year-Round Workhorses

Because heat pumps heat and cool, they need twice-yearly maintenance, ideally in spring and fall. Key steps:

• Coil cleaning on indoor and outdoor units
• Refrigerant checks and temperature split verification
• Defrost cycle and sensor testing
• Drain pan and line cleaning to prevent leaks and icing
• Fan and blower inspection for quiet, efficient operation

Mini-splits excel at room-by-room control. Keep 18 inches of clearance around outdoor units and clear indoor heads for proper airflow.

Prevent Cold-Spot Problems in Split-Level and Ranch Homes

Local housing styles in Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Lombard often have long duct runs or additions. Solve persistent cold rooms with:

• Duct sealing and reconnection where leaks or disconnects cause pressure loss
• Balancing dampers to redirect airflow
• Blower speed adjustments within safe limits
• Zoning or mini-split add-ons for finished basements or sunrooms

If one room always lags, ask for a static pressure and temperature differential test. A targeted fix beats wasting energy by cranking the thermostat.

Safety First: Carbon Monoxide, Gas, and Electrical Checks

Professional safety testing protects your family:

• CO risk: Verify tight heat exchangers, proper vent draft, and correct combustion.
• Gas safety: Check for leaks and confirm correct pressure for reliable ignition.
• Electrical reliability: Inspect wiring, caps, and controls to prevent mid-winter failures.

Maintenance supports warranty compliance for most manufacturers, which often require annual professional service.

Emergency Readiness and When to Call 24/7

Call immediately if you notice:

• No heat with a burning smell or repeated tripped breakers
• Rapid short cycling or loud bang at startup
• Vents or flues blocked by ice or snow
• CO alarm activation or symptoms of CO exposure

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency response with certified technicians and fully stocked trucks for fast repairs.

The Smart Move: Join a Maintenance Plan

Our maintenance membership is built for busy homeowners:

• Two professional heating and A/C tune-ups per year
• Priority booking for repairs and emergencies
• Member discounts on parts and services
• Service reminders before the weather shifts

Members reduce surprise breakdowns, keep bills in check, and often extend system life. It is a simple way to protect your comfort and budget.

DIY You Can Do, and What to Leave to Pros

Do these safely:

• Swap filters, clear snow from outdoor units, vacuum floor vents, and test thermostats.
• Keep supply and return vents unblocked by rugs or furniture.

Leave these to a licensed pro:

• Gas valve, ignition, or control board work
• Combustion setup, flue draft measurement, and CO analysis
• Refrigerant circuit service and sealed electrical repairs

Pro service prevents safety risks and helps keep warranties valid.

When to Consider Replacement Instead of Repair

Think about a replacement if:

• Your furnace or boiler is over 15 years old with rising repair costs
• Heat pump or mini-split efficiency is lagging and refrigerant issues persist
• You have comfort gaps that repairs fail to solve

Modern systems offer higher AFUE and HSPF ratings, quieter operation, and better control. We provide clear options, financing, and warranties on parts and labor.

Local Proof of Performance and Peace of Mind

With decades of Illinois experience, our techs know how lake-effect winds and freeze-thaw cycles tax HVAC equipment. Expect a clean workspace, a clear estimate before work starts, and a full walkthrough after service. That is how we keep Glendale Heights comfortable in every season.

Special Offer: $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up

Get winter-ready with our $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up, backed by our No Breakdown Guarantee. This month only. Call (331) 294-8710 or schedule at https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/ to reserve priority service.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"I recently used Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling for a heating system repair, and I was impressed with their professionalism and efficiency... Their pricing was fair, and there were no surprise charges. I would highly recommend Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling."
–Glendale Heights Homeowner

"I just want to give a shout out to Cesar Lopez for a great job. He was so thorough and explained EVERYTHING... I couldn't be happier... I would recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reasonable HVAC company."
–Local Furnace Service Customer

"Efrain is great! Extremely knowledgeable... Problem solved why part of the house was always colder... We have Summer's annual service plan, so there was no charge for reattachment. Amazing!"
–Annual Plan Member, Carol Stream

"When I needed a new furnace during zero below temps, they had an appt ready for me quickly... affordable price and a lower competitive interest rate... The techs were extremely knowledgeable, efficient, and kind."
–New Furnace Customer, DuPage County

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I service my heating system in Glendale Heights?

Heat pumps need tune-ups twice a year, spring and fall. Furnaces and boilers should be serviced at least once a year, ideally in late summer or early fall before peak cold.

What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter?

Start around 68°F when home and awake. Lower it 3 to 5 degrees when asleep or away. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain comfort and efficiency.

How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked?

Warning signs include soot, odd odors, visible corrosion, and repeated CO detector alerts. Only a licensed technician can confirm with proper inspection and testing.

Are mini-splits good for cold Illinois winters?

Modern cold-climate mini-splits perform well in our area when sized correctly. Proper installation, defrost control, and maintenance keep them reliable in low temps.

Should I repair or replace an older system?

If your system is over 15 years old and needs frequent or costly repairs, consider replacement. New units improve efficiency, comfort, and warranty coverage.

The Bottom Line

Pre-season care prevents breakdowns and keeps your family safe. With heating maintenance Glendale Heights homeowners reduce risk, control bills, and protect warranties. Book your tune-up before the next cold snap.

Get Warm, Stay Safe: Schedule Now

Call (331) 294-8710 or visit https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/ to schedule. Ask for the $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up with No Breakdown Guarantee. Serving Elgin, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Hoffman Estates, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Bartlett, Carol Stream, and Streamwood.

Ready for worry-free heat? Call (331) 294-8710 or book at https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/. Mention the $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up for priority scheduling and the No Breakdown Guarantee.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For over 40 years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served Glendale Heights and nearby suburbs with same-day HVAC service. Homeowners choose us for licensed, background-checked technicians, upfront pricing, and 24/7 emergency support. We install and service furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and mini-splits, and every install includes labor and manufacturer warranties. Our maintenance members get priority booking, two tune-ups per year, and exclusive discounts. Local expertise, clean workmanship, and financing options help you stay comfortable in every season.