September in the Chicagoland area brings welcome relief from sweltering summer humidity, crisp evening breezes, and the early signs of autumn foliage. While daytime temperatures might still tempt you to leave the air conditioner on, late September is secretly the most strategic window of the year to test your home's heating system.

Every year when the first true cold snap hits northern Illinois, HVAC phones ring off the hook with emergency service calls. Homeowners switch their thermostats to 'Heat' on a freezing October or November evening, only to find blowers failing, pilot lights out, or cold air circulating.

At Summit Heating & Cooling, we believe a little proactive care keeps your family comfortable and safe. That is why we recommend every local homeowner perform a simple 20-minute furnace test run before September comes to a close.

Why a September Test Run Matters

Your furnace has been sitting dormant since April or May. During months of non-use, electrical components can corrode, dust settles on burners, and safety sensors can seize. Testing your system while the weather is mild gives you three major benefits:

1. Zero Stress: If a component fails or an error code appears, you are not shivering under heavy blankets while waiting for service.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Repair technicians have much greater scheduling flexibility during early autumn than during the winter rush.
3. Safety Assurance: Early testing ensures carbon monoxide risks, venting blocks, and ignition issues are caught before continuous daily use.

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Step-by-Step: How to Perform Your Early Fall Test

Set aside 20 minutes this weekend to walk through this quick checklist:

1. Replace the Air Filter First

Before flicking the switch, inspect your HVAC filter. A summer of continuous AC usage often leaves filters clogged with dust, dander, and Midwest pollen. A clean filter prevents airflow restrictions that cause modern furnaces to overheat and shut off automatically.

2. Clear the Perimeter

Over the summer months, basements and utility closets often accumulate storage bins, paint cans, or outdoor gear. Ensure there is at least three feet of clearance around your furnace and water heater. Combustible materials stored too close present a severe fire hazard.

3. Inspect Outdoor Vents and Flues

Head outside and check the exhaust pipes on the exterior of your home. Birds, wasps, and squirrels frequently build nests inside vent pipes during the summer. Blocked flues can cause deadly exhaust gases like carbon monoxide to back up into living spaces.

4. Switch the Thermostat to Heat

Set your thermostat to 'Heat' mode and raise the temperature setting 3 to 5 degrees above your current indoor temperature. You should hear the system click, the draft inducer fan kick on, followed shortly by the ignition sequence and warm air flowing through your registers.

5. Observe and Listen

Stand near the furnace for its first complete heating cycle (roughly 10–15 minutes). Note any unusual signs:

• Noises: Loud banging, screeching, or persistent clicking indicate motor or ignition difficulties.
• Airflow: Check a few supply registers across different rooms to confirm warm, steady air.
• Cycle Length: If the furnace turns on and rapidly shuts off within two minutes (known as short-cycling), the flame sensor or high-limit switch may require attention.

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What About That Burning Smell?

It is very common to notice a slight burning dust odor during your first test. This is simply accumulated dust burning off the heat exchanger coils and burners after months of inactivity.

However, this smell should dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes. If you smell electrical burning, rotten eggs (mercaptan, indicating a natural gas leak), or persistent smoke, shut the system off immediately at the breaker and contact professionals.

Test Your Detectors Too

Because heating equipment involves combustion, your early fall test run is the prime time to press the 'test' buttons on all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home. The EPA and CDC emphasize having working CO detectors on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas, to protect against invisible, odorless exhaust leaks.

Schedule Your Professional Tune-Up Early

A DIY test run confirms your system turns on, but it cannot measure gas pressure, calibrate the blower, or detect hairline cracks in a heat exchanger. Pair your early test with a professional inspection from the Summit Heating & Cooling family. Getting your tune-up completed in September guarantees peak efficiency, lower utility bills, and complete peace of mind before the first Illinois frost arrives.

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Energy