Ottawa winter is on our doorstep and the farmers almanac is calling for lots of snow and record temperatures below zero. The last thing you want is for your furnace to break down mid-winter. Here are a few tips from our expert technicians to make sure you’ve prepared your furnace for the long winter ahead!

1. Change your filters.

Not only does your furnace filter provide air filtration for superior air quality, it also affects the efficiency of your furnace and helps you keep your energy costs down. Changing your filter at least twice a year is very important and will extend the life of your HVAC system. If you have an oil furnace, changing the filters is a messy job. It’s important that a certified technician does this for you.

2. Make sure your burners are all clear.

Dust and debris can accumulate in your furnace, especially if it hasn’t been in use all summer. Even though we had a reasonably dry summer in Ottawa this year, when checking your burners, be sure to look for rust in and around the furnace.

3. Oil the furnace blower.

Your furnace blower has the important function of drawing the heat and dispatching it throughout your house. An aging furnace that hasn’t been cared for can rattle or make unusual noises. It’s very important to oil your furnace once a year to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible.

4. Check the heating vents.

This may sound obvious but it’s very important to check all your heating vents before you turn on your furnace. You may have forgotten about the bed you moved over the vent in your space room last July but now is the perfect time to make sure they unobstructed. The better the air circulation in your house, the less your energy bills will be!

5. Check your thermostat is working.

Your thermostat is responsible for detecting that the temperature in the room has reached but doesn’t exceed your desired level. If the thermostat isn’t working, your furnace will not work efficiently and you’ll pay more in energy bills. Be sure to switch your thermostat from heating to cooling and if you have an older, manual thermostat, consider purchasing a newer model. This will no doubt offer you more efficiency.

6. Schedule a cleaning.

Having your furnace cleaned by a professional is the best way to make sure your system will last for many years to come. If you’re a Signature Home Heat and Air Furnace Protection Plan member, not only do we cover parts and labour on issues with your furnace, we give you an annual cleaning free of charge as part of the plan! Give our home comfort team a call if you’d like more information at 613-224-4822.