If you've lived in Ontario for a while, you know how winter likes to surprise us. One week you're wearing a light jacket, and the next you're scraping ice off the windshield and turning the thermostat up without a second thought.
That first real cold snap is a bad time to find out your furnace has a problem. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later. Here's what's worth doing before the heating season kicks in.
Book a Professional Check-Up
Your furnace may have run fine last winter, but that doesn't guarantee it's ready for this one. Wear and small issues can build up quietly, and you won't always notice them in day-to-day use.
A licensed technician can look at the parts you can't easily check yourself, such as electrical connections, airflow, burner operation, gas connections, and the heat exchanger. Natural Resources Canada recommends seasonal HVAC check-ups with a licensed and insured contractor, and Ontario advises professional inspection of fuel-burning equipment before cold weather.
The goal isn't just to see if the furnace turns on. It's to make sure it's running safely and the way it should. Book early, too, since technicians get busy once the temperature drops.
Take a Quick Look at Your Filter
This is one of the easiest jobs on the list. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, which makes your system work harder and may increase energy use.
There's no single schedule that works for every home. It depends on your filter type, your furnace, and your household. Check the manufacturer's guidance, and keep an eye on the filter through the season. If you can't remember the last time you looked at it, now is a good time.
Give Your Vents and Furnace Some Space
Walk around your home and make sure supply vents and return-air grilles aren't blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Blocked vents can affect airflow and leave some rooms colder than others.
Then head to the furnace itself. Basements and utility rooms tend to collect boxes, cleaning supplies, and seasonal storage. Clear the area so your technician has easy access and nothing sits too close to the equipment.
Also check the outdoor intake and exhaust openings. Once winter arrives, keep them free of leaves, debris, and snow. Never cover or modify them. If you notice damaged venting or unusual smells, call a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Test Your Thermostat
Before you're relying on your heat every day, make sure the thermostat is set to **HEAT** and working properly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, review the schedule so it fits your routine now that the seasons have changed.
If the furnace doesn't respond, or the house doesn't match the temperature you've set, it's better to find out now than during the first freezing night.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Alarms
This one is about safety. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless, and it can come from fuel-burning appliances like gas furnaces. Test your alarms, make sure they're installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions and Ontario requirements, and replace them when needed.
If an alarm sounds, get everyone outside right away and call 9-1-1 from outside the home. Never assume it's a false alarm.
Notice What Your Home Is Telling You
A furnace doesn't need to stop completely for something to be wrong. Pay attention if you notice:
- Your home takes longer than usual to warm up
- Some rooms feel much colder than others
- The furnace turns on and off more often than normal
- New banging, grinding, or other unusual noises
- Energy use changes for no obvious reason
These don't always mean you need a new furnace, but they're good clues that something should be checked. Try not to keep adjusting the thermostat to compensate. Let a qualified HVAC professional find the cause.
Think About Comfort, Too
Heating your home can dry out the air, which may cause dry skin, static shocks, or a scratchy throat. If that's a regular annoyance, ask an HVAC professional whether a central humidifier or another option could suit your home.
Don't Wait for the Coldest Night
Getting ready for winter doesn't need to be complicated. Check your filter, clear your vents and furnace area, test your thermostat and CO alarms, and arrange a professional check-up before the busy season starts.
If your furnace is making odd noises, heating unevenly, or simply hasn't been looked at in a while, now is the time to get it checked.
Need help getting your home ready for winter?
GLORS Heating & Air Conditioning provides heating services in Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, and the GTA.
📞 647-883-4051
