Maintaining your furnace is essential for keeping your Calgary home warm and cozy during the long, cold winter months. Neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and higher energy bills. Fortunately, with some simple but effective maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your furnace, improve its efficiency, and avoid emergencies when you need heat the most.
Here are the top five furnace maintenance tips every Calgary homeowner should know:
1. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
One of the easiest and most important furnace maintenance tasks is replacing your furnace filter. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and less efficiently. During Calgary’s heating season, check your filter every month and replace it every 60 to 90 days—or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. Clean filters also improve indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens.
2. Schedule Annual Professional Furnace Tune-Ups
While some maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, a professional furnace tune-up once a year is vital. HVAC technicians perform thorough inspections, clean burners and blower motors, test safety systems, calibrate thermostats, and check for any hidden problems like cracked heat exchangers or gas leaks. Scheduling this service every fall ensures your furnace is ready for Calgary’s demanding winter and can prevent breakdowns.
3. Keep Your Furnace Area Clean and Clear
Your furnace needs proper airflow to function safely and efficiently. Keep the area around your furnace free of dust, debris, and stored items. Make sure vents and registers throughout your home are unobstructed by furniture or curtains. Also, keep exterior furnace vents clear of snow, ice, and leaves, especially during Calgary’s snowy winters, to prevent dangerous blockages.
4. Monitor Your Thermostat and Heating Performance
An improperly calibrated or malfunctioning thermostat can cause uneven heating, increase energy bills, and stress your furnace. Test your thermostat regularly to ensure it’s accurately reading your home’s temperature. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat that adjusts heating based on your schedule, saving energy when you’re away or asleep without sacrificing comfort.
5. Listen and Look for Warning Signs
Being attentive to early warning signs can help you catch furnace problems before they escalate. Strange noises such as banging, rattling, or squealing, inconsistent heating, frequent cycling on and off, or unusual smells like burning or gas odors should never be ignored. If you notice any of these issues, call a professional technician promptly to diagnose and fix the problem safely.
The Bottom Line
Regular furnace maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns—it’s about peace of mind, safety, comfort, and saving money on energy bills. Calgary’s long and cold winters demand a reliable heating system. Following these simple tips and partnering with experienced professionals at Shift Heating & Cooling ensures your furnace delivers efficient and safe heat season after season.
Schedule your annual furnace maintenance with Shift Heating & Cooling today and stay warm all winter long!
