Everyone wants to save money, but homeowners should think twice when tempted to go the DIY (do-it-yourself) route, or cheapest alternative, with heating and cooling systems. If you think you’re furnace or air conditioner is having issues, making a mistake could cause additional damage and lead to more wallet-hurting repairs. However, there are some things that every homeowner should know and do. Start with these 8 common mistakes to avoid to ensure your eating system purrs like a cozy kitten all winter long.

  • Appliances near the thermostat
    If you have a lamp, TV, room heater or other heat-emitting appliance near your thermostat, it can trick the thermostat into thinking the room temperature is higher than it actually is.  Throw the thermostat off by a few degrees, and you’ll find the family wearing outdoor coats indoors this winter.
  • DIY thermostat installation
    Today’s thermostats offer much greater temperature and system control. Many homeowners are switching to programmable thermostats (yes, we offer and install them), where you can remote-manage with smartphone apps. Managing is one thing, installing is another. We advise leaving installation to the pros to ensure they function as intended. Our qualified technicians can also determine the optimal locations to place thermostats.
  • Pushing annual maintenance
    We recommend annual system maintenance for numerous reasons. Spending a few hundred dollars each year can help you avoid repair bills that could run significantly higher, or having to replace your furnace or AC early due to avoidable wear and tear. Regular maintenance improves efficiency and extends equipment life, and our technicians are experts at spotting small problems before they morph into big, expensive ones. Making maintenance visits part of spring and winter routines is a wise move (we’re offering a $79 20 point Furnace Tune Up for first-time customers).
  • Hey HVAC system, can you please keep the noise down??
    If you notice your furnace seems to be fussier and noisier than normal, don’t put it off … call right away for an evaluation. It may not be a big deal. But it could be … and a loud noise can evolve into a complete system breakdown if ignored.
  • Smell? What smell?
    If you notice odd odors or the air seems a bit stagnant in your home, it could be the dog, cat or child who decided to wear his “lucky socks” three weeks running. But it also could be a sign that something’s not right with your HVAC system. Call a professional. Better yet, call us. We’ll get to the bottom of it lickety-split.
  • Nah, that filter can last another few months
    Furnace filters need to be checked and changed regularly. Depending on the type and brand you use, they may need changed every few months. A dirty, clogged filter will make your system work harder, and could lead to system damage. It will also affect the quality of the air you breathe. Homeowners with pets or smokers should change more often. For the skinny on furnace filters, our this blog post has everything you need to know: Choosing The Right Furnace Filter.
  • Don’t forget ceiling fans
    Ceiling fans work in conjunction with your HVAC system, helping to circulate the air in your home. Set fans to turn clockwise in the winter, creating an updraft that pushes warm air downward. Do the reverse in the summer.
  • Cheapest is not always best
    Your heating and cooling system is a critical component of your home. And a sizable investment. Don’t jump at every Tom, Dick and Harry who offer a dirt cheap deal to service, repair or replace your HVAC system. Listen to what other say, and make experience, expertise and trustworthiness the highest priorities. Our customers come back to us year after year after year because they trust us, and know we’ll go the extra ten miles to do the job right, with integrity. The results speak for themselves. We are  highest rated HVAC company in the Chicago area.

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Elk Grove, IL offers convenient service appointments seven days a week, including Sundays, and our  24/7 emergency repair service means help is just a phone call away any day or time of the week. Our rates are the same, whether day, night, weekend or holidays. Our guarantees are the best in the industry, including “Always on-time…or you don’t pay a dime!” For commercial HVAC service, repair and installation, see our colleagues at American Comfort Heating & AC.