Your Complete Guide to Heating Services in Chicago’s North Shore
As temperatures drop across Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, and surrounding areas, ensuring your heating system operates efficiently becomes crucial. At R. H. Witt, we’ve compiled our top advice for maintaining, repairing, and optimizing your home heating systems.
Signs Your Furnace Needs Professional Attention
- Unusual noises (banging, whistling, or grinding)
- Inconsistent heating throughout your home
- Sudden increases in your energy bills
- Yellow pilot light instead of blue (potential carbon monoxide issue)
- System cycling on and off frequently
- Age of system (15+ years typically warrants replacement consideration)
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance extends the life of your heating system and improves efficiency, especially important in our harsh Winnetka and Wilmette winters.
- Change filters monthly during heavy-use seasons
- Schedule professional tune-ups before winter begins
- Check thermostat settings and calibration
- Keep vents and returns clear of furniture and obstructions
- Inspect ductwork for leaks or damage
Energy-Saving Heating Strategies
Residents in Glencoe and Highland Park can benefit from these approaches to reduce heating costs:
- Install a programmable thermostat to reduce heat when you’re away
- Seal windows and doors to prevent heat loss
- Add insulation to attics and crawl spaces
- Consider zoned heating systems for multi-level homes
- Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use
When to Consider a New Heater Installation
If you’re experiencing these issues in your Northbrook or Glenview home, it might be time for an upgrade:
- Repairs costing more than 50% of a new system
- Heating system older than 15 years
- R-22 refrigerant system (being phased out)
- Consistent comfort issues despite repairs
- Increasingly expensive utility bills
Common Heating Problems in Chicago’s North Shore
Our service technicians frequently address these issues in Wilmette and surrounding communities:
- Ignition or pilot control problems – causing failure to heat
- Mechanical wear and tear – particularly in older systems
- Clogged or dirty filters – restricting airflow
- Thermostat malfunctions – leading to temperature inconsistencies
- Ductwork issues – common in older North Shore homes
Emergency Heating Service Tips
If your system fails during a cold snap:
- Check circuit breakers and power supply first
- Ensure thermostat is set correctly
- Inspect air filters for extreme clogging
- Close off unused rooms to conserve heat
- Call for emergency service if these steps don’t resolve the issue
Remember that proper maintenance and timely repairs from professionals like R. H. Witt can prevent most emergency situations, keeping your Highland Park, Glencoe, or Winnetka home comfortable throughout our challenging Chicago winters.
