Boiler and Furnace Tune-Ups Before Winter
The best time to find a weak igniter, a clogged condensate trap or a failing low-water cutoff is on a mild fall afternoon, not on the first night it drops below zero. A pre-winter tune-up checks the parts most likely to fail when the system starts running hard, and it gives you time to plan a repair instead of reacting to one.
In plain language: we clean, test and adjust the boiler or furnace before winter and tell you about anything that looks close to failing, so you can decide what to do on your schedule.
Tell us what the system is doing when you call — that decides which truck and which parts head to your address.
What a boiler tune-up covers
A boiler tune-up depends on the type of system. On every boiler we check burner operation, ignition and flame, gas pressure where accessible, venting and draft, and the operating and safety controls. Steam boilers also get a low-water cutoff test, sight-glass and water-quality check, pressuretrol inspection and a look at main vents. Hot-water boilers get pressure and expansion-tank checks, relief-valve inspection and circulator operation. Condensing boilers add the condensate trap, neutralizer and intake/exhaust piping.
What a furnace tune-up covers
A furnace tune-up checks the thermostat call, filter and airflow, inducer motor and pressure switch, igniter and flame sensor, burners, limit and rollout switches, blower operation and the visible portion of the heat exchanger. High-efficiency furnaces get a condensate drain and trap check, because a clogged trap is one of the most common causes of a no-heat call in the first weeks of winter.
Why tune up before winter
Parts that fail in January usually show warning signs in October: an igniter that takes longer to glow, a flame sensor that drops out intermittently, a boiler that floods its sight glass, a relief valve that weeps. Finding them early means parts can be ordered and work scheduled at a convenient time. A properly adjusted system may also run more efficiently; actual results depend on the equipment and how it was running before.
Safety is part of every tune-up
We look for venting problems, scorch marks, flame rollout signs, gas leaks at accessible fittings and anything that could put carbon monoxide into the living space. If we find a safety issue, we explain it plainly and show you what we found. We also recommend working CO alarms on every level of the home.
Tune-ups for multi-unit and commercial buildings
Courtyard buildings, condo associations and small commercial properties often depend on one boiler for every occupant. Scheduling a tune-up before the heating season, with notice to residents, is far easier than an emergency shutdown in a cold snap. Rooftop units and unit heaters are covered by our commercial heating service.
Members get scheduled maintenance through Golden Mind Membership.
Where we do this work
We work from 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016 and cover Cook and DuPage county communities plus Chicago. Every community is listed on our service areas page, or start with one of these:
Questions we are asked about this service
How often should a boiler or furnace be tuned up?
Once a year, ideally in early fall before daily operation begins. Older equipment and steam boilers benefit most from a yearly check.
What is included in a boiler tune-up?
Burner and ignition checks, venting and draft, safety and operating controls, and system-specific items such as the low-water cutoff on steam or pressure and expansion-tank checks on hot-water boilers.
Will a tune-up lower my heating bill?
A clean, properly adjusted system may run more efficiently, but results vary by equipment and how it was running before. The main value is catching failing parts before they cause a no-heat call.
Can you tune up a Navien boiler or furnace?
Yes. Right Away is a certified Navien installer for tankless water heaters, combi boilers, boilers and furnaces, and we service them along with other major brands.
Do you schedule tune-ups for condo buildings?
Yes. We coordinate with associations and managers so residents get notice and the work happens before the heating season starts.
Related services
Guides worth reading
Every article is on our plumbing and HVAC guides page.
Schedule this service
Call 847-550-3322 for Des Plaines and the suburbs, or 773-250-6060 in Chicago. You can also request service online.