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Preparing Your Furnace for a Lethbridge Winter
The first cold snap will put any furnace in Southern Alberta to the test. The question is whether yours has had a proper once-over and if you can spot the warning signs of a system about to fail in the depths of January.
If such matters are on your mind, then you are in the right place. For 80 years, Charlton & Hill Home Services has made sure that homeowners here in Lethbridge and across the province have stayed warm. We would be pleased to draw on our experience and offer a few pointers. And should you wish to speak with us, we can be reached at (587)-800-0255.
In an Alberta winter, there is no time to wait as the mercury plummets. You cannot have your furnace let you down when it is least convenient. A little forethought will see you through.
Start with a New Filter
This is a simple matter but one of importance. A filter in bad shape means your heating system is labouring and running hard, something that will show up on your energy bill and wear on the equipment. Get in the habit of checking it every month during the heating season. If you find it clogged and grey, or if you are not sure when the last new one was installed, replace it.
Make Room for the Furnace
Your unit requires space to do its job. In the warmer months, it is easy for things like boxes and cleaning supplies to build up around it. Before you put the furnace to work for the winter, clear out the area.
We would advise keeping the following at arm’s length from the unit:
- Cardboard and paper
- Paints and chemicals
- Anything flammable within a couple of feet of the unit
- Rugs, fabrics, or furniture that get in the way of airflow
You might even discover a leak or rust that you otherwise would have missed.
Test the Thermostat
There is no need to wait for the chill to arrive to see if your thermostat is working properly. Set it to heat mode and raise the temperature above the current room temperature. The furnace ought to kick in after a minute or two.
If you get no response or an odd pattern of cycling, there could be an issue. It may be time to upgrade to a programmable model to save money throughout the winter.
Vents and Registers Need Checking
Walk through the house and see that no register is being blocked by a curtain or a bit of furniture. The system has to work harder to provide even heating when vents are obstructed. Open them in the rooms you use most so the air can circulate.
Trust Your Senses
Listen to the furnace while it is in operation. A squeal or rattle is typically a loose part that needs attention. As for smell, some burning dust on startup is normal. But a whiff of gas or a persistent burning odour is cause to shut it down and call in a professional.
Let a Pro Have a Look
An annual tune-up is well worth it. A technician can go over the burner, the heat exchanger, and the safety controls to stave off the small problems that become expensive ones. We see too many homeowners put this off and end up with an emergency during the coldest week of the year.
Charlton & Hill for Your Peace of Mind
Our neighbours in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta know we do things right, as evidenced by our 4.8-star rating across more than 900 Google reviews. Our licensed and insured team is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 8 pm and will give you a free estimate so there are no surprises. Do not leave it to the first cold night to act. Give us a ring at (587) 800-0255 and we will have your furnace in order.
