Furnace Safety Checklist Before the Illinois Heating Season

Your furnace should ignite cleanly, run quietly, and keep carbon monoxide vented safely to the outdoors. Before you rely on it every day, a short checklist can catch obvious issues—while annual professional service addresses combustion, heat exchanger condition, and electrical components.

Homeowner checks you can do

• Confirm the area around the furnace is clear of storage and flammable items.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries if needed.
• Make sure supply and return vents are open and unblocked.
• Listen for unusual booming, rattling, or squealing on startup.

When to call a professional

Yellow or flickering burner flames, soot, frequent cycling, or a persistent headache or nausea when the heat runs are red flags—turn the system off and call for service. Smith Heating, Air & Sheet Metal performs heating tune-ups for homes across Steeleville, IL and nearby communities.

Schedule your preseason visit at (618) 965-2665 so you are not stuck in the cold waiting for a repair slot.