Learn
Care through the year
A Chicago home asks a lot of its heating in winter and its cooling in summer. A little care at the right time of year keeps both running and catches problems early.
In this section
- Before the heating season
The fall check-up, the filter and humidifier, alarms, vents, boilers and heat pumps
- Before the cooling season
The AC check-up, coils and drains, the outdoor unit, mini-splits and room units
- Care all year round
Filters, humidity, exhaust fans, dryer vents, open registers and regular upkeep
- What you notice and what it can mean
No heat, short cycling, noises, smells, water, ice and high bills, and what they can mean
Other sections
- Heating and cooling systems
What each piece of equipment does, and how to tell which kind you have.
- How it works
The few ideas behind every system: heat, air, fuel, ratings and size.
- Chicago homes
The climate, the city's rules, older homes, permits and help with bills.
- Safety
Gas, carbon monoxide, venting, warning signs, asbestos, lead and mold.
- Choosing and paying for work
Repair or replace, hiring well, what affects cost and how to pay.