How to Prep Your Furnace for Canadian Winters

Now is the time to think about what this winter has in store. As temperatures begin to dip and snow is soon to follow, making sure your furnace is ready for winter is crucial. Below are some important steps to help you prepare for a Canadian winter. The Great White North has its nickname for a reason, so don’t let yourself be unprepared for the snow and cold that is sure to come.

What You Can Do to Prep for Winter

The best way to start is by contacting a professional HVAC technician to perform a thorough inspection of your furnace. In addition, there are a few other things you can do yourself to prep your furnace for winter in Canada.

Things To Do at the Furnace

To start, inspect your furnace for issues that might require a service call from an HVAC professional.

• Replace your filter.
  Replacing your furnace filter is a critical part of protecting your furnace and your home from harmful particles, dust, and allergens.
   
• Check the flame.
  Your furnace flames should burn a steady light-blue colour. If you notice the flames in your furnace are flickering, discoloured, or weak, there may be a problem with your fuel flow. Turn your furnace off and call an HVAC professional.
   
• Check for the smell of gas.
  If you smell gas, immediately turn your furnace off and call an HVAC professional. They’ll let you know what your next steps should be.
   
• Listen for unusual sounds.
  Furnaces aren’t supposed to make odd clicking or clunking sounds. If you hear anything that doesn’t sound normal, get your furnaced serviced immediately.

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Things To Do Throughout Your Home

Next, go through your home and check issues that might affect your furnace.

• Adjust the thermostat.
  Change your thermostat settings to make sure it’s working properly. Adjust it to a comfortable winter setting to ensure it maintains a consistent temperature throughout the day and evening.
   
• Check the vent pipes and registers.
  Make sure your vent pipes and registers aren’t blocked or clogged.
   
• Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
  Make sure you have enough carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to cover your house and that they’re installed and working properly.

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What a Professional Must Do

Checking off each item on the list above is a great first step in prepping for winter. Now, give the pros a call and let them do the rest.

At the Furnace

• Inspect the fan switch.
  A furnace fan can be sped up or slowed down, according to how much airflow is needed. A technician will make sure it’s to the perfect flow rate for winter.
   
• Check and adjust the pilot light.
  If your furnace flames need more or less fuel flow, a technician will adjust it accordingly.
   
• Examine the fan belt.
  The fan belt in your furnace is like a fan belt in a car. Making sure these belts are properly tightened could keep your furnace from giving out in the middle of a snowstorm.
   
• Lubricate bearings.
  Smooth and lubricated bearings will make for a quieter and smoother furnace operation.
   
• Vacuum the furnace.
  The older your furnace, the more likely dust and debris have found their way inside. A service tech will remove the furnace doors and clean out the inside.
   
• Clean the burners.
  This will ensure your furnace ignites every time without fail.

Throughout the Home

• Inspect fuel lines.
  An HVAC pro will check the fuel lines attached to your furnace, as well as the rest of the fuel lines in your home. A leak anywhere could be dangerous if left undetected and unfixed.
   
• Examine air ducts.
  A professional can perform a more comprehensive examination of your entire heating system. This includes checking the air ducts for dirt and blockages, as well as the vent pipes and registers.

Schedule an Annual Tune-Up

When the weather turns cold and the snow starts piling up, your furnace is the difference between a warm cozy home and an uncomfortable winter. The best way to make sure your furnace is ready for everything winter has in store is to schedule an annual tune-up with Aire Serv. Scheduling a furnace inspection and tune-up will help ensure your furnace is in top condition and ready to keep you and your family warm throughout the winter. Give us a call today!