We are dead in the middle of winter and in the Chicago area that means several more weeks of cold weather and snow. When the temperatures drop below freezing, the cold is bitter and uncomfortable which makes it important for your heating system to stay functional throughout the winter. If your heat breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze, it can create an uncomfortable and even dangerous living condition inside your home. The best way to avoid having your heat breakdown during cold weather is to keep your air duct system maintained and recognize these common warning signs that your heating system needs to be serviced before it breaks down.
Unusual Noise
Every furnace makes noise as it runs but if you hear a noise that the system does not normally make, it could mean that there is a problem. Every system is different and makes different noises as it operates so it is important for you to be able to recognize when your heating system is making an unusual noise. These noises may include squealing or rumbling and it is difficult to tell what a specific noise means. If you consistently hear an unusual noise coming from your heating system, it is best to have it checked out by a professional.
Heat Will Not Turn On
If you notice that your heating system has stopped kicking on, that is a sure sign of a problem. If your furnace has a pilot light, you may be able to fix the problem simply by relighting the pilot light. If your furnace does not have a pilot light, you will need to call a professional to take a deeper look at the heating system.
Air Losing Heat
This sign can be difficult to notice but if the air coming from the heating system is not as warm as it should be, then there is a problem within the system. This commonly means that there is a fuel issue or the delivery system is disrupted. Either way it is best to have a professional service your heating system for internal issues.
Your heating systems is one of the most important systems in the house during the winter season so if you notice any of these problems, it is important to act immediately so that your heat does not break down on you in freezing temperatures. Proper maintenance is the best way to prevent malfunctions with your heating system and having your air ducts regularly cleaned is the best form of maintenance for the system. Contact ServiceMaster DRR if you think your heating system could benefit from our air duct cleaning services and makes sure to contact a certified professional for potential repair issues.
Steve VanDenBerg is the owner of ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration and Recovery. He has over 30 years of experience working within the restoration industry and successfully leading start-ups, turnarounds, acquisitions and mergers, and rapidly growing companies.
Steve earned his BS in Business & Accounting from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI and began working for DSI Holdings as their Chief Financial Officer. When Steve began with DSI Holdings, they were running an underperforming ServiceMaster Restore franchise with one location. Steve implemented new policies and procedures for accounting and finance as well as a professional sales plan that increased profits eightfold over his time as the CFO. He was then promoted to President and CEO and in this time, he expanded the company from two locations with $4M in sales to 12 locations and $45M in sales. DSI Holdings became one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the U.S. and helped with major restoration projects throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Steve purchased ServiceMaster DRR in 2015 when the business was in decline. Drawing on his years of experience in turning around struggling ServiceMaster franchises, Steve overhauled our operations, including finance, sales, and marketing, which led to a quick turnaround. Within Steve’s first 24 months, sales increased by 60 percent. Steve also helped greatly improve our operating margins and established a relationship with California’s largest residential insurance company. Under Steve’s leadership, we have become one of the largest disaster restoration providers in California.
Steve has found great success in turning around struggling and stagnant restoration franchises by changing the business model and strategy, greatly increasing sales and profits. Many of the changes he has implemented have even been adopted by the franchisor into their operating model.