Furnace Maintenance Checklist to Get Ready for an Edmonton Winter

When the temperature drops to minus thirty, your furnace isn’t a comfort, it’s a necessity. Early fall is the best time to make sure it’s ready, before heating companies get busy and before a breakdown turns into an emergency call.

Do I need a furnace tune-up every year?

An annual furnace inspection is the single most useful thing you can do. A licensed technician will typically:

• Check the burners, ignition and flame
• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, which can leak carbon monoxide
• Test safety controls and the thermostat
• Check the venting and the blower

Booking in September or early October usually means shorter waits than in the first cold week of the year.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder and can cause it to overheat and shut off. Check it now, and plan to check it every month or two through the heating season. Many homes need a new filter every one to three months, depending on the filter type, pets and household dust.

Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm with a gas furnace?

Any home with a gas furnace, gas water heater, fireplace or attached garage should have working carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button on every alarm, and replace any that are past the expiry date printed on the back.

How do I keep my furnace vents clear in winter?

• Make sure indoor supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs
• Find where your furnace vents outside (often plastic pipes on a side wall) and keep them clear of snow and ice all winter. A blocked intake or exhaust can shut the furnace down, or push exhaust back into the house

When should I call a professional about my furnace?

Call a heating company rather than troubleshooting yourself if you notice:

• A carbon monoxide alarm going off (leave the house first, then call 911 or your gas provider)
• A smell of gas
• A yellow or flickering flame instead of a steady blue one
• Banging, screeching or rattling noises
• The furnace starting and stopping much more often than usual
• Rooms that won’t warm up

What should I do if my furnace stops working?

Before you call, check the simple things: the thermostat setting and batteries, the furnace power switch (it often looks like a light switch near the unit), your breaker panel, and the filter. If none of those fix it, call a professional. If the house stays cold for more than a few hours, protect your plumbing too: here’s how to keep your pipes from freezing.

Where can I find furnace repair in Edmonton?

Browse furnace and heating companies in Edmonton on our directory, compare services, and check their Google ratings.