1. Replace Your Furnace Filter

A clean furnace filter helps maintain proper airflow through your heating system, supporting reliable performance throughout the winter. During the heating season, regular checks are particularly important because your furnace may run more frequently as temperatures drop.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Locate and inspect the filter. Check your furnace filter for visible dust and debris.
• Replace it when needed. If the filter is dirty or due for replacement, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Choose the correct replacement. Confirm that the new filter matches your furnace's required size and type.
• Check it regularly. Follow the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule and inspect the filter more frequently during periods of heavy use, if appropriate.

Reduced airflow from your vents or a filter that becomes dirty unusually quickly may indicate an underlying issue.

When to Call a Professional

Never dismantle your furnace to access internal components or attempt to clean internal heating equipment. If airflow remains poor after replacing the filter, or filters become dirty unusually quickly, an HVAC technician can investigate the cause.

Need help preparing your heating system for winter? A professional furnace tune-up can help identify airflow problems that changing the filter alone may not resolve.

2. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

While basic homeowner checks are helpful, professional maintenance allows a qualified HVAC technician to assess your furnace's condition and operation before winter arrives.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Look for visible concerns.
• Check for obvious damage around your furnace and listen for unusual noises during operation.
• Arrange maintenance early.
• Book your appointment before the heating season gets busy to help ensure your system is ready for colder weather.

What a Professional Tune-Up May Include

Depending on your furnace model and the manufacturer's requirements, a technician may inspect components for wear, check ignition and burner operation, examine venting and combustion-related components, test safety controls, and assess airflow and overall performance.

3. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Before colder weather arrives, make sure your thermostat is configured correctly for the heating season. Proper settings help keep your home comfortable and ensure your furnace receives the right signals when heat is needed.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Switch to heating mode. Set your thermostat to “Heat” rather than “Cool” or “Off.”
• Choose a comfortable temperature. Set the temperature to a level that suits your household's needs.
• Check the batteries. Replace them if your thermostat requires batteries and the power is low.
• Review your schedule. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, confirm that your heating schedule reflects your fall and winter routine.
• Test the response. Temporarily raise the temperature setting above the current room temperature and check whether the furnace responds.

When to Call a Professional

A blank or erratic thermostat display, a furnace that does not respond to a heating call, or indoor temperatures that consistently differ from the set temperature may indicate a problem.

If basic settings and batteries are not the issue, a qualified HVAC technician can investigate the cause. Never attempt electrical repairs or modify furnace wiring yourself.

4. Inspect Your Vents and Accessible Ductwork

Blocked supply vents and return-air grilles can restrict airflow and affect how evenly your home heats. Before winter arrives, take a few minutes to check your vents and any exposed ductwork.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Clear obstructions. Move furniture, rugs, curtains, and other objects away from vents and return-air grilles.
• Remove visible dust. Wipe dust from vent covers to keep them clear of debris.
• Check accessible ductwork. Look for obvious damage or disconnected sections in exposed ductwork that you can safely reach.
• Notice cold spots. Pay attention to rooms that consistently feel colder than the rest of your home.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Uneven room temperatures, weak airflow from certain vents, visible duct damage, or unusual whistling and rattling sounds may indicate an airflow or ductwork problem.

When to Call a Professional

Persistent cold spots can result from restricted airflow, damaged ductwork, inadequate insulation, or heat loss. Cleaning your vents may help, but it will not resolve every underlying cause.

Never enter confined spaces or dismantle ductwork to investigate a suspected problem. A qualified HVAC technician can assess airflow, inspect accessible system components, and recommend any necessary repairs or further investigation.

5. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be dangerous or fatal. A functioning carbon monoxide alarm is essential for protecting your household throughout the heating season.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Test your alarms. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to check that each alarm is working correctly.
• Check batteries and expiry dates. Replace batteries where applicable, and replace expired or malfunctioning alarms as directed by the manufacturer.
• Check alarm placement. Confirm that alarms are installed in the locations required by applicable Ontario requirements and the manufacturer's instructions.

When to Call a Professional

If you have concerns about your furnace's combustion, venting, or operation, arrange an inspection by a qualified HVAC technician. Never attempt to diagnose a suspected carbon monoxide leak by inspecting or repairing the furnace yourself.

Important safety reminder: If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or anyone experiences symptoms that could indicate exposure, leave the building immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not re-enter until emergency responders confirm it is safe to do so. Never ignore an alarm or simply silence it and arrange a furnace inspection.