As the crisp air of September and October settles over the Illinois Valley, it’s the perfect moment to prepare your home for winter’s chill. At Summit Heating & Air Conditioning, we know that installing a new furnace in the fall can save you time, money, and stress when temperatures drop. With milder weather, lower demand, and our energy-efficient furnace models, fall is the ideal season for a furnace replacement. Pre-season furnace maintenance and replacements not only mean energy savings at the start of the season but also save you now on replacement costs before the demand and equipment prices rise in the cold of winter. In this post, we’ll explore why September and October are the best months for furnace installation, the Rheem and WeatherKing furnaces Summit offers, how you can save on costs, and a real customer story from right here in the Illinois Valley. Ready to stay warm and save big? Let’s dive in! Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Furnace Installation Timing matters when it comes to furnace replacement. Here’s why September and October stand out as the best months to upgrade your heating system in the Illinois Valley: Lower Demand Means Faster Service: Unlike the peak winter rush, fall is a quieter time for HVAC contractors. Scheduling your installation in September or October means quicker appointments and more flexible timing with Summit’s expert technicians. Milder Weather Simplifies Installation: Fall’s moderate temperatures make it easier for our team to work efficiently, avoiding the challenges of freezing conditions. This ensures a seamless installation process for your home. Avoid Costly Winter Breakdowns: Replacing your furnace now saves you from skyrocketing utility bills due to an inefficient system or the nightmare of a failure on the coldest days of the year, leaving you caught off guard with emergency repair costs and discomfort. Save on Utilities and Equipment Costs: Pre-season furnace replacements and maintenance mean energy savings from day one of the heating season. Plus, installing now locks in lower equipment prices before winter demand drives up costs. Year-Round Maintenance Expertise: At Summit, we provide professional furnace maintenance year-round, not just seasonally, ensuring your system runs efficiently no matter the time of year. By acting in the fall, you’re setting your home up for reliable warmth, lower utility bills, and peace of mind all winter long. Rheem & WeatherKing Furnaces Summit Offers At Summit Heating & Air Conditioning, we proudly offer Rheem and WeatherKing furnaces, known for their reliability, efficiency, and innovative features. Below is a comparison of our top furnace models, tailored to meet the needs of Illinois Valley homes: Furnace Model Prestige Series R98MV Efficiency (AFUE)Up to 98% Key FeaturesModulating gas valve, EcoNet-enabled smart controls, ultra-quiet operation with variable-speed blower Best For Homeowners seeking premium comfort and maximum energy savings Furnace Model Classic Plus Series R962V Efficiency (AFUE)Up to 96% Key FeaturesTwo-stage heating, EcoNet-enabled, constant CFM motor for consistent airflow Best For Families wanting a balance of efficiency and quiet performance Furnace Model Classic Series R951T Efficiency (AFUE)Up to 95% Key FeaturesSingle-stage heating, constant torque motor, reliable performance with easy maintenance Best For Budget-conscious households needing dependable heating Furnace Model W921T Efficiency (AFUE)Up to 92% Key FeaturesSingle-stage heating, constant torque ECM motor, ENERGY STAR® certified for the U.S. South Best For Cost-conscious homeowners in milder Illinois Valley winters Note: AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. Higher AFUE ratings mean lower energy bills. All our furnaces are rigorously tested for durability and come with strong warranties, such as Rheem’s 10-year parts and lifetime heat exchanger coverage or WeatherKing’s 5-year parts and 15-year heat exchanger warranties. Summit’s experts will assess your home’s size, insulation, and heating needs during a free consultation to recommend the best model for you. Cost and Energy Savings with a New Furnace Upgrading to a high-efficiency Rheem or WeatherKing furnace in the fall delivers significant savings: Lower Energy Bills : Modern furnaces with AFUE ratings of 95% or higher can reduce heating costs by up to 20% compared to older units (often 80% AFUE or less). For an average Illinois Valley home, this could mean savings of $200-$300 annually on heating costs. Rebates and Incentives : Summit partners with local utilities like Nicor Gas and ComEd to offer rebates on ENERGY STAR®-certified furnaces, such as the WeatherKing W921T. We’ll guide you through available programs to maximize savings. Financing Options : Our flexible financing plans make upgrading affordable, with low monthly payments and competitive rates. Ask about our 0% interest options during your consultation. Reduced Repair Costs : New furnaces, like Rheem’s Prestige Series with PlusOne™ Diagnostics, are less prone to breakdowns, saving you from costly emergency repairs during winter storms. For example, replacing a 20-year-old furnace with a Rheem Prestige Series R98MV could save a Spring Valley, IL, household approximately $350 per year on heating costs, based on average natural gas prices and winter usage patterns. Customer Success Story: The Johnson Family in LaSalle, IL Last September, the Johnson family in LaSalle noticed their 15-year-old furnace struggling to keep up, with uneven heating and rising gas bills. Worried about a breakdown during a cold snap, they contacted Summit Heating & Air Conditioning for a free consultation. Our team recommended a Rheem Classic Plus Series R962V furnace, which offered two-stage heating for consistent warmth and a 96% AFUE rating for efficiency. Thanks to our fall promotion, the Johnsons saved $200 on the installation and received a free cleaning in the next year. “ We couldn’t be happier, ” says Sarah Johnson. “ The house feels cozier than ever, and our energy bills dropped noticeably this winter. Summit made the process so easy, and we’re set for next year with the free cleaning! ” This fall, let Summit create your own success story with a hassle-free furnace installation. Why Choose Summit Heating & Air Conditioning? Based in the heart of the Illinois Valley, Summit Heating & Air Conditioning has served communities like Peru, Ottawa, and Spring Valley for over 20 years. Our certified technicians are trained to deliver top-quality installations, backed by: Expertise : NATE-certified professionals with extensive experience in Rheem and WeatherKing furnace installations. Customer-First Approach : Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Local Knowledge : We understand the Illinois Valley’s unique climate challenges, from early frosts to subzero winters. Comprehensive Services : From installation to year-round maintenance, Summit is your one-stop shop for home comfort. Schedule Your Free Furnace Installation Quote Today! Don’t wait for the winter rush or a furnace breakdown to take action. September and October are the best times to install a new Rheem or WeatherKing furnace, and Summit Heating & Air Conditioning is here to make it affordable and stress-free. Take advantage of our Fall Into Winter Special: get $200 off a new furnace, a free cleaning in the next year, and additional perks like a free clean and inspection next year. 📞 Call us at (815) 664-2535 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation today. 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