You are viewing the Big Horn Home location.
Your furnace might turn on and warm the house on a chilly day, but that doesn’t mean it’s running as it should. It could take longer to heat certain rooms, cycle more often than usual, or use more energy than it needs. Our team at Big Horn Heating & Cooling can help Billings homeowners understand how their heating systems are performing, spot potential safety concerns, and address maintenance issues before winter puts their equipment to the test.
Pre-Winter Furnace Checklist for Billings Homeowners
There are a few things you can check before calling us for service.
- Replace or inspect the filter. A clogged filter limits airflow and can cause overheating or frequent shutdowns.
- Test the thermostat. Switch to heat and make sure the furnace responds and warm air reaches the rooms.
- Check vents and returns. Move rugs, furniture, and storage boxes that block airflow.
- Listen during startup. Repeated clicking, banging, or a long delay before warm air arrives deserves attention.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms. Replace weak batteries and check expiration dates.
Make a note of any rooms that stayed cold last winter so our technicians can check for airflow problems beyond the furnace.
Ignition Problems a Furnace Tune-Up Can Uncover
Your furnace needs to start reliably every time you need heat. Our technicians can inspect the ignition system, burners, flame sensor, and related controls for wear or buildup. An aging igniter or dirty flame sensor may cause occasional problems in the fall, then prevent the furnace from running reliably when temperatures plummet. Not every worn part needs immediate replacement, but we’ll explain anything we find and whether a repair is needed.
Airflow and Efficiency Checks That Matter
Your furnace’s performance depends on many components working together. Our technicians check blower operation, filter condition, temperature rise, and airflow restrictions. Poor airflow could leave certain rooms chilly while the furnace runs longer than necessary.
Measuring temperature rise is also useful. It’s the difference between air entering and leaving the furnace, and technicians compare it with the manufacturer’s specified range. An abnormal reading can point toward airflow or equipment issues that need closer investigation.
Furnace Safety Checks Before Freezing Weather Arrives
When you call us for heating maintenance, we’ll check safety controls and look for potential hazards, including venting problems and signs of combustion issues. Depending on the system, this may include carbon monoxide testing and a heat exchanger inspection.
You can also look at where snow gets shoveled or drifts along your exterior walls. Some high-efficiency furnaces use low sidewall intake and exhaust pipes. If a snowbank blocks them, it could create a hazard or shut down the furnace. Find out where those pipes exit your home and keep the openings clear.
Schedule Your $99 Precision Tune-Up in Billings
October is a good time to schedule furnace maintenance before colder weather brings more heating service calls and longer appointment waits. This month, our team at Big Horn Heating & Cooling is offering a $99 Precision Tune-Up, a $50 savings. A precision tune-up focuses on preventive maintenance, not fixing existing problems. If we discover something that needs repair, we’ll explain your options before recommending additional work.
Live Rugged. Rest Easy. Contact Big Horn Heating & Cooling today to schedule heating maintenance.
