Chicago’s long, frigid winters mean furnaces here work significantly harder than in most parts of the country, often running 10 to 18 hours a day for months at a time. Because of this, regular maintenance isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for preventing breakdowns, reducing energy bills, and extending the lifespan of your system. Most manufacturers suggest annual furnace maintenance, but Chicago homeowners often benefit from having their system checked twice a year: once

Few things are more stressful than a furnace that suddenly stops working during a Chicago winter. With temperatures frequently dropping into the single digits or below zero, losing heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can quickly become dangerous. The good news is that many no-heat situations are caused by simple issues that can be identified and resolved with a few quick checks. In many cases, a furnace shutting off doesn’t mean the entire system has failed. In Chicago homes, ev

Chicago winters are some of the harshest in the country, and when temperatures drop into the teens or plunge below zero with windchill, even a well-maintained furnace is pushed to its limits. If your home still feels cold despite the thermostat being set high, it’s typically a sign that something inside your system is struggling. The long heating season in Chicagoland—often stretching from late October through early April—means furnaces here run longer and more frequently tha

Cold weather can make monthly heating bills climb quickly, but improving your home’s efficiency doesn’t always require replacing your furnace. In fact, several low-cost adjustments can significantly reduce energy usage without sacrificing comfort. One of the most effective changes is installing a programmable or smart thermostat. Because heating makes up a large portion of a home’s total energy use, a thermostat that automatically lowers temperatures while you are asleep or a

There’s nothing more frustrating than switching on your heat during the fall season only to have cold air blowing through your home. Before assuming something is seriously wrong, there are several common issues that may be causing it—and many are simple fixes. Sometimes, a furnace may blow cool air for the first 30 to 90 seconds of a heating cycle, which is completely normal. However, if the problem continues, the first thing to check is the thermostat. If the fan setting is

As temperatures begin to drop, your furnace quickly becomes the most important system in your home. A little preventative maintenance during the fall can save you from expensive repairs once freezing weather hits. The first and most essential step is replacing your furnace filter. A clean filter allows proper airflow, prevents your furnace from working harder than necessary, and helps keep your energy bills in check. During winter, filters should be replaced every 30 to 60 da

Most homeowners don’t think about their heating and cooling system until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, that approach can be...

Few things are more stressful than waking up on a frigid Chicago morning only to find that your furnace has stopped working—or losing air...

When it comes to keeping your Chicago home comfortable, choosing the right HVAC system is one of the most important decisions you can...

While it’s still warm outside, August and early September  are actually the perfect time to prepare your furnace for the colder months...

As summer winds down, many Villa Park homeowners think they can ignore minor AC problems until next year. But the truth is, late-season...

If your air conditioner has been struggling this summer, you might be wondering if it’s worth replacing now or waiting until next year....

August in Villa Park still brings plenty of heat, but many homeowners forget that their air conditioner has already been working hard for...

Sometimes what seems like an AC issue is actually a thermostat problem — and during the peak of summer in Villa Park, that can lead to a...

If your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling and you notice ice on the coils or refrigerant lines, your AC is frozen — and it’s one of...

If you haven’t scheduled your AC tune-up yet this summer, you’re not alone — but waiting too long can cost you. At Planz Heating & Air...

If your air conditioner has been acting strange lately, don’t ignore the signs — it could be on the verge of a complete breakdown. At...

It’s the middle of July, and your air conditioner just stopped working — now what? If you’re in Villa Park or anywhere in the Chicagoland...

If your AC has been limping along for the last few summers, July is the ideal time to replace it — before it fails completely during the...

There are a lot of myths surrounding air conditioner maintenance — and believing the wrong ones could cost you comfort, money, or even...