Blog / Article
How often should you service your furnace, AC and boiler?
The simple answer is once a year for each system, timed for the season it protects.
A Chicago schedule
- Furnace: in early fall, before the first cold snap.
- Boiler: in early fall, before the heating season.
- AC and heat pump: in spring, before the first hot week.
Between visits
- Check filters monthly. Most one-inch filters need replacing every one to three months.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris.
- Keep vents and radiators uncovered.
What a good tune-up includes
For a furnace, that means a carbon monoxide test, a gas pressure check, burners, flame sensor, pressure switches, blower motor current and the heat exchanger and venting. For an AC, it means refrigerant pressures, superheat and subcooling, coils, capacitor, contactor and the condensate drain. Boilers get pressure, expansion tank, relief valve, low-water cutoff and burner checks.
Why it matters
Regular maintenance catches worn parts before they fail, keeps efficiency up and checks for combustion safety problems. Many manufacturer warranties expect it. See our maintenance plans.
Need a hand? See our maintenance plans, grab a coupon, or call 773-644-8227.
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