Every year, it’s the same story. The first truly frigid autumn night arrives in Ottawa—and with the current date, that time is right around the corner!—thermostats are switched to “Heat,” and across the city, furnaces fail to start. A sudden heating failure is more than an inconvenience; during a harsh Canadian winter, it’s an emergency that leaves you scrambling for a solution.
Getting ahead of the problem with preventative maintenance is the single best way to ensure your family stays warm, safe, and comfortable all season long.
This guide will walk you through what you can do yourself and when it’s time to call in a trusted local professional for an annual furnace tune-up in the Ottawa, Nepean, or Kanata area.
The Homeowner’s DIY Checklist (3 Simple Steps)
Before the heating season kicks into high gear, here are a few simple checks every homeowner should perform:
- Change Your Furnace Filter: This is the easiest and most critical task. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder, which drives up energy bills and can lead to mechanical failure. Check your filter monthly and replace it at least every three months.
- Clear the Vents and Surrounding Area: Ensure all heating vents in your home are open and unobstructed by furniture or rugs to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, make sure the area immediately around your furnace is clear of boxes, storage items, or flammable materials.
- Test Your Thermostat: Turn your thermostat to “Heat” and set the temperature a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. You should hear the furnace click on and feel warm air from the vents within a minute or two. If it doesn’t, you may have a problem.
Warning Signs: When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician
While the DIY checks are important, they can’t replace a full professional inspection. Your furnace is a complex appliance, and your safety is paramount. Call a certified technician if you notice any of these signs:
- Strange Noises: Banging, rattling, or high-pitched squealing are not normal. These sounds often indicate a mechanical problem with the blower motor or other internal components.
- A Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light: The pilot light on a gas furnace should be a steady, bright blue. A yellow or flickering flame can be a sign of a ventilation problem and may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide. This is a serious safety hazard.
- Increased Energy Bills: If your heating bills are climbing without a change in your usage, your furnace is likely losing efficiency and struggling to heat your home.
- Constant Cycling: Does your furnace turn on and off frequently? This “short cycling” can signal a faulty thermostat, a blocked filter, or an oversized unit.
Upgrade Your Maintenance: Compare Our Protection Plans
A one-time annual service is a fantastic investment in your furnace’s health. However, for complete, year-round peace of mind and exclusive savings, our HVAC Maintenance & Protection Packages offer unbeatable value. These plans are designed to protect both your heating and cooling systems while providing significant discounts.
See how the options compare below:
| Feature & Benefits | One-Time Annual Service | Family Plan($16.99/mo) | Family+ Plan($29.99/mo) |
| Annual Maintenance Visits | ✔️ | ✔️ (Included) | ✔️ (Included) |
| Priority Service Status | Standard | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Discount on Scheduled Service | 0% | 15% | 15% |
| Discount on Filters | 0% | 15% | 15% |
| Discount on Emergency Service | 0% | 0% | 15% |
| Parts & Labour Coverage | — | — | ✔️ |
| Exclusive Discounts on New Equipment | — | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Ready to get started? Sign up for our FAMILY PLANS online today!
The Family Plan is the perfect worry-free way for Ottawa homeowners to maintain their HVAC equipment. For the ultimate protection, the Family+ Plan includes everything in the Family Plan plus comprehensive parts and labour coverage and a discount on emergency service.
Your Trusted Local Heating Experts
Whether you need a pre-season furnace tune-up in Barrhaven, an emergency heating repair in Orleans, or are considering a new high-efficiency furnace in Stittsville, AirZone is ready to help. We are your local, trusted experts for all things heating and cooling.
Don’t wait for the first snowflake to think about your furnace. Contact AirZone HVAC Services today to book your fall maintenance appointment or to sign up for a Protection Plan!
