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Heating

Heating Service in Oak Park

Providing Heating Repair and Replacement Services in Oak Park Since 2008

It can get cold in Oak Park when winter rolls around. And, if you want to live comfortably, you need a reliable, affordable way to heat your home. For many people in our area, that may mean replacing their old furnace or heater with a new one. Unfortunately, like all things, home heating systems don’t last forever—especially without regular maintenance visits from an HVAC professional. They break down and eventually need to be replaced.

In colder months, going without heat isn’t really an option. Beyond comfort, it can mean survival. And, being without heat can also pose a hazard to your house and fixtures. That’s why, when it comes to furnace and heater repairs in Oak Park, you shouldn’t settle for just any Cook County HVAC contractor. You should call Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc..

For information on the heating services we offer in Oak Park, call (312) 858-0358.

A Layman’s Explanation of How Furnaces Work

Understanding and appreciating your home’s heating system is the first step to getting the most out of it.

A furnace is the indoor piece of HVAC equipment used to distribute heat throughout a home or business. This is accomplished by warming air and then forcing it out to each room. As the heated air is circulated, it raises the temperature until the thermostat tells it to stop. The typical heating cycle goes something like this:

  1. Electricity, gas, propane, or heating oil, enters your home from either the utility's network or your home's heating fuel tank.
  2. When the interior of your home starts to cool, the thermostat sends a call for heat to your furnace.
  3. When the furnace is told by the thermostat that heat is needed, the burner ignites the gas in an enclosed metal vessel called a heat exchanger. The fuel byproducts are then expelled through your exhaust vents. This stops potentially toxic gases from mixing with your home’s interior air.
  4. A minute or so after igniting the gas, the blower pulls air into the furnace through your ‘return air’ ductwork, and then pushes it across your furnace's now-hot heat exchanger.
  5. The furnace's heat exchanger transfers the heat from the burning fuel inside it, to the air passing over it.
  6. Your furnace’s blower fan continues to push the warmed air throughout your home until your target temperature is reached.
  7. Once the desired temperature is reached, your thermostat turns off the gas valve and stops the flow of warm air.
Fun Fact: The word furnace is derived from the Latin word fornax, meaning oven. Since propane and gas furnaces weren’t invented until the 1880s, this word predates them by a millennia!
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Heating Services We Offer in the Oak Park Area

We take pride in helping people in Cook County keep warm during the nastiest times of the year. For most people in Oak Park, that means having a furnace or boiler they can count on. Below are a few ways Safe Heating & Cooling ensures your home stays comfy:

Furnace Repair

Any time the heat goes out, everyone crosses their fingers and hopes it's something simple. A loose wire, a bad fuse, or a quick cleaning, for example. And, sometimes it is.

When you need a furnace repair—large or small—you can trust our Oak Park-area heating contractors to get the job done. From filter replacement to full furnace overhauls, we’re never more than a phone call away.

Furnace Repair

Furnace Installation

Are you the proud owner of a brand-new home in Chicago, Oak Park, or Lincolnwood? Are you looking for an HVAC expert to install an additional furnace in the attic or garage? Then, you’ll need a local company you can trust.

Installing a new furnace isn't something you can just do yourself. It takes an understanding of combustion and a lot of technical training. Fortunately, we have the expertise you need to get the job done right.

Furnace Installation

Furnace Replacement

Your furnace has been good to you. It may have even made it well past its 15 to 20-year life expectancy before its blower motor gave out. But now you're faced with a tough choice: fix it or replace it?

Once your furnace reaches double digits, it's usually better to replace it and reap the benefits of new technology and lower utility bills. And we’re the Chicago HVAC company that can help you do it.

So, the next time you’re scouring the Internet for “furnace replacement near me”, know you’ve come to the right place.

Furnace Replacement

Furnace Maintenance

There’s one way to make sure your furnace has a long life. And that’s to get regular visits from an HVAC professional in the Oak Park area. This will not only help you spot problems before the weather gets cold, but will also help you save money on your utility bills.

Schedule regular tune-ups on your furnace or AC to keep it running efficiently. It can help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of costlier repairs, leaving more of your hard-earned money for more enjoyable things.

Furnace Maintenance

Boiler Services

If you have baseboard heat or radiators, you likely have a boiler system. Common in older homes, these systems use heated water or glycol to transfer heat to all the rooms in your home. When the heat is released into the rooms, the water returns to the boiler to be reheated and pushed back out. With longer lifespans than conventional systems, these units require a specialist to fix. Fortunately, our Oak Park HVAC experts are boiler repair and replacement experts.

Boiler Services

Other Ways We Keep Cook County Warm

Though furnaces are the most common way to heat your home in Cook County, it's not the only option. Our HVAC technicians are here to help you find and select the best system for you and your family. Then, once it's installed, our company will continue to service it. If you need help with any of these alternative heating services, just give (312) 858-0358 a call:

Heat Pump Maintenance

Like all HVAC equipment, heat pumps need regular service to maintain optimal performance. For this, we offer an affordable solution in the form of our maintenance program. While there, our technician will verify adequate airflow, check for leaks, and inspect the unit for potential failure points. We'll also make any needed recommendations during the visit. So, if you want your heat pump in Oak Park to last, consider scheduling heat pump maintenance with Safe Heating & Cooling.

Maintain Heat Pump

Heat Pump Conversion

Want to save money on your energy bills while saving the planet? Then, you might want to consider replacing your existing AC unit with a greener, more efficient heat pump. The process is simple and can make you eligible for thousands in potential rebates. For more information on making the switch, check out the page linked below. We're proud to offer heat pump conversion throughout the Oak Park area.

Convert to a Heat Pump

Heat Pump Repair

Heat pumps may be one of the most efficient and popular types of HVAC systems, but they can still break down. Their year-round use often leads to small component failures. Fortunately, if your system goes out, our heat pump repair experts are here for you.

Call (312) 858-0358 to schedule heat pump service in the Oak Park area.

Heat Pump Repair

Radiant Heating Services

You swing your feet out of bed and instantly regret it. The floor feels like ice beneath your feet. Well, with a radiant floor heating system, that’s no longer a problem. But, putting it in and servicing it can be a complicated process, needing an experienced HVAC contractor to properly install. Call us at (312) 858-0358 for more information on radiant floor heating installation in Oak Park and Chicago.

Radiant Heating Services

Heater Service

Not all homes in Oak Park need a typical forced-air heating system. Some people can get by with a more generalized, frills-free type of heating system. But, rest assured, our HVAC experts can still diagnose and fix any problems you might encounter. Even if you use the term ‘heater’ to refer to a furnace, we’re just a phone call away should you need help.

Reach out by form or phone to schedule service with Oak Park’s favorite heater service experts.

Heater Services

Heater Maintenance

All heaters needs to be routinely maintained, regardless of what type it is. This will ensure everything is functioning as intended and help prevent early system failures. To learn more about our heater maintenance offerings in Oak Park, give (312) 858-0358 a call.

Heater Maintenance

Heater Replacement

Eventually, even the best heater will break down and need to be replaced. Finding the right unit to put in requires the knowledge of a true HVAC professional. Fortunately, as a Oak Park resident, you’re within Safe Heating & Cooling’s service area.

Heater Replacement

Commercial Heating

Do you own a business in Chicago or Oak Park? Then, you'll want to build a relationship with a local heating company you can trust. As true commercial HVAC specialists, we are here to ensure you, your employees, and your customers stay comfortable through the colder months. To get scheduled for heating service or regular commercial maintenance, reach out to us at (312) 858-0358.

Commercial Service

Ductless Heating

Was your home in Oak Park or Chicago built without ductwork? Are you looking for an efficient way to cool a new addition? Then, you want to reach out to Safe Heating & Cooling for more information on ductless mini-splits. These efficient systems can both heat and cool your home. And, for many families, they're the perfect HVAC solution.

Ductless Heating

What to Look for in a Heating Contractor

Your heating system is a major component of your home’s comfort systems. It represents not only safety in winter but also a significant financial investment. That’s why it’s vital that you select the right person to repair and maintain your furnace , boiler, or heat pump. Here in Oak Park, there are plenty of HVAC companies to choose from. The below six characteristics, however, are what separate the pros from more questionable heating contractors:

  1. Current Insurance and Licensing: In Illinois, only contractors who meet certain training and skill requirements can obtain a license. The presence of a valid license is the best sign of a qualified HVAC contractor. To see if a potential HVAC company has one, check out their website. You’ll find ours at the bottom of our site, for instance. If you cannot find a license number, call the company and ask for it. If they cannot provide it, go with a different company.
  2. Comprehensive Insurance: What happens if a heating technician makes a mistake while working on your boiler and floods your home? Do you know who pays medical bills if that same person hurts themselves on your property? These two scenarios are why it’s vital that your chosen heating company carries up-to-date insurance. This is something we provide to ensure your peace of mind.
  3. Glowing Reviews: Check out a contractor's online review profiles. What do former clients say about them? Do you know anyone who has used them before? If so, ask if they’d refer them for heating repair or installation work in Oak Park. If they have a few negative reviews, don’t write them off. What matters most is how they handled the situation and if they responded in a professional, caring manner.
  4. Experience and Expertise: When it comes to heating service in Chicago or Oak Park, experience should top your list of requirements. The more years of experience an HVAC contractor or company has, the better able they are to quickly pinpoint what’s wrong with your heating system. They also tend to be more adaptable and come carrying the right equipment and parts.
  5. Warranties and Guarantees: Things can go wrong with even the newest heating or cooling system. How it's installed can be the cause. That’s why it’s vital to choose a heating company with a comprehensive warranty and guarantee policy. At minimum, your satisfaction should be acknowledged.
  6. Special Offers and Rebates: Check out what kinds of deals the company is offering. Does it align with your current heating needs? If so, print off the coupons and keep them on hand. You can check out our special offers page for discounts.
    7.

As you might guess, we possess all six of the characteristics above. Reach out to us at (312) 858-0358 to schedule heating service in Chicago or Lincolnwood.

Call Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. for Professional Heating Service in Chicago and Oak Park

Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. sets itself apart from other heating contractors in the Oak Park area. The first way we do this is by committing ourselves wholly to ensuring you are happy. We’re so confident in our ability to make you smile that we guarantee your satisfaction. From proper system performance to quality workmanship, we hold ourselves to a higher standard. If you ever find yourself disappointed, reach out to (312) 858-0358. We’ll do everything we can to rectify the situation.

So, the next time you need heating service in Oak Park or Lincolnwood, Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. is here for you. From furnace repair to new heater installations, our Oak Park HVAC contractors have the skills you need. Dial (312) 858-0358 to get scheduled and to join our family of happy customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need Furnace Maintenance in Oak Park?

We suggest having your heater or furnace examined on a regular basis. A lot of heating failures occur because this vital part of homeownership is ignored in favor of a ‘fingers-crossed’ approach. During your inspection, our HVAC expert will look for signs of damage. They will also clean any dust away and test electrical components. From improved efficiency to manufacturer warranty requirements, there’s few better ways to protect your heating system. You can reach out to us at (312) 858-0358 to schedule your furnace tune-up in Oak Park.

A key part of maintaining your heating system’s performance and efficiency is regularly changing the air filter. If you have a standard 1-inch filter, changing it once-a-month is advised. For 4-inch filters, meanwhile, manufacturers recommend waiting six to nine months between replacement. If you have shedding pets in your household, check more frequently. The best way to tell if it’s time for a new one is to look at it. If it’s more gray than white, it’s likely time to swap it out.

Our heating experts work with all brands of HVAC equipment including Coleman, Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Trane, Lennox, Rheem,Ruud, Amana, Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Frigidaire, Gibson, Goodman, Maytag, Weil McLain, American Standard, General, and Dynamic.

  • Is power getting to your furnace or heater? Is a fuse or circuit breaker tripped? Make sure your power switch is in the ON position.
  • When was the last time you swapped out your filter? If it’s been a while, try installing a new filter first. This can solve a lot of heating problems.
  • Verify your thermostat is set to “heat” and not “cool”. If you notice the display is dim, try swapping out the batteries on the back of the unit.
  • Is there snow or other debris blocking your outdoor vent? If so, remove the obstruction. This will allow your system to work more effectively.

If you still don’t have heat, it’s time to contact Oak Park’s favorite furnace repair experts at (312) 858-0358.

The most obvious way to reduce heating bills in Oak Park is to install a new heating system. But it’s not the only way to take a bite out of gas and electric bills. You can also:

  • Lower Your Thermostat: Turning your thermostat down 10 degrees can reduce energy use by roughly a third. If that’s too cold to stomach, each degree will save around three percent.
  • Get Rid of Air Leaks: Heat often escapes through holes in your home or ductwork. In older homes, this accounts for between 25 and 40 percent of all heat lost. Sealing these leaks not only prevents drafts but also lowers your energy bills.
  • Service Your Heating System: Yearly tune-ups on your heating system are a great way to lower your heating budget. During these service calls, our Oak Park HVAC technicians will clean your boiler or furnace, allowing it to operate more smoothly and efficiently.
  • Install Better Insulation: Insulation is one area where home builders often cut costs. You might be surprised by how cost-effective getting your home reinsulated is. We suggest calling a local Oak Park insulation contractor for a better idea of the type of savings you can expect.
  • Cover Your Windows: The Department of Energy estimates that 30% of all heat is lost through the windows. While old ones should be replaced, even newer ones can leak warmth. Adding floor-length curtains helps keep the warmth from your heating system inside.
  • Check the Vents: Now’s the time to make sure the vents are unobstructed. Are they dusty? Take off the plates and clean them. This simple step will allow the heat in your home to flow more easily and evenly throughout your home.

The cost of a furnace installation is dependent on several factors including the type of furnace being installed, how much extra work is involved, and how large of a furnace you’ve chosen. Your home may also have two units which may raise the cost of a furnace replacement in Oak Park.

A no-heat call is an industry term referring to a customer with a complete lack of heating power. Their furnace, boiler, or heater is producing no heat whatsoever for one reason or another. Because these scenarios can be uncomfortable, especially in Oak Park's cooler seasons, we prioritize these appointments on our schedules.

It’s time for the vacation of a lifetime! Just you and the Outback for the next three weeks. No more annoying IL winter to deal with. During that time, the last thing you want to think about is your home’s heating system. Some people turn off their furnace or boiler before they leave, but this is the wrong approach. Allowing your home to get too cold could not only burst pipes but damage appliances, walls, and photos.

To both save on costs and protect your home, you’ll want to set your thermostat at around 55 degrees, a little warmer if you have pets. Just don’t forget to set your thermostat to ‘vacation’ or ‘hold’ before you dance your way out the door.

Is one of your bathrooms freezing and the other too hot? Heat inconsistencies like this are often the result of airflow problems. Blocked vents, improper heating system design, and leaky ductwork are often to blame. While you can try to DIY a fix like this, it’s often better to leave the fixing to an Oak Park HVAC specialist. Call (312) 858-0358 today and let Safe Heating & Cooling even things out.

First, this is an acronym that stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rating tells you how effectively a water heater, furnace, or boiler converts its fuel into heat. The higher the number, the more efficient a heating system is. This number is reached by dividing the unit’s annual energy output by its input. The government sets acceptable minimum AFUE standards for equipment subject to periodic review and change.

The AFUE is one example of an efficiency rating. Other common ones include the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), and energy efficiency ratio (EER). Regardless of what measurement is used, these ratings all have one job. They tell you how well a heating system heats a space and how much energy it uses.

Which fuel source is best for your home depends on several factors. We’ll briefly compare the two fuel sources across a variety of characteristics:

  • Air Quality: Electric heating systems provide better air quality than their gas counterparts.
  • Safety: No flammables or gasses means less risk to your family.
  • Speed: Gas heaters generally reach temperature quicker.
  • Extreme Weather: If your power’s knocked out by winter weather, electric furnaces can’t function. Gas units can still provide warmth.
  • Lifespan: Electric furnaces in Oak Park last slightly longer than gas ones.
  • Maintenance: Gas furnaces require more maintenance overall.
  • Cost: Electric heaters are less expensive to install but cost more to operate.

A lot of homeowners think that closing off vents saves energy. But it doesn’t. In fact, this attempt at energy-saving can:

  • Cause undesirable pressure changes in your ductwork
  • Lessen overall heating system efficiency
  • Worsen existing air leaks
  • Aid mold growth due to misdirected warmth
  • Result in heat exchanger damage

Instead of shutting vents, open doors between rooms. If the issue is a room being too hot—and you haven’t zoned your home—you can slightly close the vent.

The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at how the heat is delivered. You use a boiler if you have radiators and water pipes coming from your unit. If you have ducts or vents, your home in Oak Park is heated by a furnace or a heat pump. To tell the difference between the latter two, count how many pieces of equipment you have. If there’s just one and it’s outside, it’s a heat pump. Two pieces, meanwhile, mean you rely on traditional forced air. If you still aren’t sure, ask our Oak Park HVAC technician during your heating system tune-up.

Even if you have the constitution of a lizard, it’s a bad idea to set your furnace too high. In fact, most modern furnaces can’t be set above 90 degrees. This safety measure protects the system by preventing long cycles and overheating. This protects vital components like the heat exchanger. Your heating system likely has a high-limit switch as an additional safety measure. If it detects the furnace's interior is too hot, it will shut the unit off. Most Oak Park HVAC experts recommend setting your thermostat no higher than 78 degrees.

Single-stage heating systems, typically older or more economical, only have one level of heating output. While you can adjust the temperature on the thermostat, it doesn’t alter how hard the furnace works. To help boost efficiency, many modern furnaces are two-stage. This means they have a high and low output setting. The former is used on the coldest days to keep Jack Frost at bay. During more mild weather, the lower setting kicks in. These systems save energy and allow for more even heat distribution. Due to their flexibility, they’re also called modulating furnaces.

Hotter air can hold more moisture than cold air. So, as it cycles through your home, heated air will pull water from the environment. The combustion process can also lower your home’s relative humidity. It should also be noted that winter is often characterized by dry air. Consider installing a whole house humidifier in Oak Park to make things more comfortable. These systems can be directly integrated with your furnace or heater.

Here’s a breakdown of the parts you’ll find in most heating systems in Heating:

  • Blower: This component pushes heated air from your furnace throughout the rest of the home. If this part breaks, you’ll notice the unit is on, but the vents aren’t active.
  • Blower Motor: The blower motor powers the fan in the blower. Without it, the air wouldn’t reach more than a foot or two from the unit.
  • Blower Chamber: That motor generates a lot of force and vibration. This box houses the two parts above and stabilizes them, stopping them from falling off course or rattling apart.
  • Combustion Chamber: This area of the furnace holds the entire firing system. For safety reasons, it’s separate from the blower chamber.
  • Heat Exchanger: This is one of the most important parts of a modern furnace. It’s how you get warm, safe air in your home. The gasses created by the ignition process are piped into the heat exchanger. The excess heat warms this part, transferring that energy to the air flowing outside the exchanger’s walls. Once drained of heat, the combustion gasses are sent out the flue pipe.
  • Burner: Every furnace needs fire to kickstart the heating process. Oxygen meets gas or an electric spark at the burner, and the resulting flame kickstarts the whole heating process.
  • Burner Cover: This small piece of metal covers the flame sensor, blower chamber, and ignitor. Its primary responsibility is keeping flames inside the furnace.
  • Flame Sensor: This part is small but mighty. It detects when the burner catches fire. Typically, it does nothing but wait. If there’s an issue with the burner, however, the sensor will shut the unit off, preventing deadly carbon monoxide leaks.
  • Ignition System: Older furnaces have pilot lights, which are always on and ready to start the system. Newer units—anything made after 2010—have an electronic ignitor. Unlike pilot lights, these systems can’t be blown out by a gust of wind, making them more fault-tolerant.
  • Limit Switch: This sensor reads the temperature inside your furnace. If the unit gets too hot, it’ll shut it off. You can typically find the limit switch under the supply plenum. You may hear it referred to as a fan limit or furnace high limit switch.