Furnace Repair in Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines sits across the Des Plaines River from Park Ridge, IL, and the river is part of the heating story here. Park Ridge Furnace Repair is a free quote service, not a contractor. Describe the problem once and independent heating companies that work in Des Plaines can reply with quotes.
Get a Free Quote Call (877) 265-2390
Basements, the river and your furnace
The National Weather Service lists the Des Plaines River's record crest at Des Plaines as 20.92 feet, on April 19, 2013. On July 14, 2017, the river crested at a preliminary 19.88 feet. The city's McDonald's replica museum was torn down in 2018 after repeated flooding.
Most furnaces, boilers and water heaters in town sit in basements. If water ever reached yours, say so when you ask for quotes and leave the restart to the company. Don't relight a pilot or reset anything that has been wet.
After a flood or a gas smell. If you smell gas, leave right away and don't use phones, switches or anything that could spark. Once you're outside and a safe distance away, call Nicor Gas at 888-642-6748 or 911. Don't try to find or stop the leak yourself.
A postwar city near O'Hare
The railroad platted the town as "Rand." It was renamed Des Plaines in 1869. The population went from 14,994 in 1950 to 34,886 in 1960, after World War II and the opening of O'Hare. Today the city has about 59,156 residents (ACS 2020–2024).
That growth shows in the housing. The median year built is 1966, about 36% of homes predate 1960, and about 9% predate 1940. Some neighborhoods are older still: the Methodist Camp Ground dates to 1860 and is on the National Register.
Gas heat is the norm. About 84.8% of Des Plaines homes heat with utility gas, nearly the same as Park Ridge, and Nicor Gas's territory filing lists the city. About 78% of homes are owner-occupied, and many of the rest are apartments where the landlord handles heating repairs.
When the heat goes out in January
O'Hare, just south of Des Plaines, averages about 6,000 heating degree days a year and a January low near 19°F (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). On January 30, 2019, O'Hare hit −23°F, the coldest in Chicago in 34 years (National Weather Service).
Check the simple things
Thermostat setting and batteries, the furnace breaker, and the switch near the furnace that looks like a light switch.
Look at the filter and vents
A clogged filter can shut a furnace down. After heavy snow, check that outdoor vent pipes aren't blocked.
Protect the pipes
If the house is getting cold, open cabinet doors on outside walls and let a faucet drip.
Get help
Request quotes, and in a no-heat emergency also call a company directly.
More detail is on the no heat and emergency repair page.
Rebates and help with costs
Nicor Gas's 2026 program lists rebates of $150 for a 95% AFUE furnace and $225 for 97% AFUE, $350 for a high-efficiency boiler, and $25 for a smart thermostat. Programs change; check nicorgas.com/homerebates. From December 1 to March 31, Illinois limits utility shutoffs for customers who heat with gas or electric.
See furnace replacement for AFUE choices, furnace repair for common failures, and the cost guide for published price ranges.
Nearby towns
Rosemont and Schiller Park are listed on the service areas page.
Des Plaines heating questions
My Des Plaines basement flooded. Can I turn the furnace back on?
If water reached the furnace, boiler or water heater, leave restarting it to a heating company and tell them about the water when you ask for quotes. Turn nothing on until someone has looked. If you smell gas, leave and call Nicor Gas at 888-642-6748 or 911 from outside.
Does Des Plaines require a permit for a new furnace?
Check with the city's building department, or have the contractor you choose confirm and apply. Don't rely on anyone who tells you a furnace swap never needs a permit.
Can I get help paying for a furnace repair in Des Plaines?
Cook County households can apply for LIHEAP through CEDA (800-571-2332). CEDA also offers furnace repair or replacement vouchers to eligible homeowners whose heat is out or red-tagged. Eligibility rules apply, so check with CEDA directly.
Get heating quotes in Des Plaines, IL
Mention whether the basement has ever flooded, what the furnace or boiler is doing and about how old it is. Independent companies that work in Des Plaines can reply.
Park Ridge Furnace Repair is a free quote-referral service, not a heating company. The independent companies that reply may pay to receive requests or calls. Companies reply on their own schedules; in a no-heat emergency, also call a company directly. You can also call (877) 265-2390 to be connected with a local heating company.
No heat or a furnace acting up? Get free quotes.
Describe it once and independent heating companies serving Park Ridge and nearby suburbs can reply with no-obligation quotes.