It’s been a strange, mild fall in Ottawa. After a warmer-than-average October, we’re now into November enjoying temperatures as high as 9°C. It’s easy to feel like winter is still a long way off.
This misleading warmth causes homeowners to do one thing: procrastinate.
As a local HVAC company, we know that this “wait-and-see” approach is a gamble. Weather forecasters have been warning about this exact pattern all season—a mild fall followed by an “abrupt transition into early winter.”
That transition is no longer a forecast. It’s here.
The “Furnace Failure Weekend” Is Upon Us
Let’s look at the real forecast for Ottawa. As of this Friday (November 7th), we’re seeing a high of 9°C.
Now, look at what’s coming:
- Sunday, Nov 9: The high plummets to 2°C, with SNOW expected.
- Monday, Nov 10: The daytime high is -1°C, with an overnight low of -7°C.
That’s a 10-degree drop in 72 hours.
When this first deep cold hits, thousands of furnaces across the National Capital Region will be forced to turn on and run hard for the first time in over six months.
This is, without fail, the busiest weekend of the year for heating repair calls. It’s when you discover that a component has seized, an ignitor has cracked, or a sensor has failed.
Two Types of Homeowners This Weekend
When that -7°C low hits on Monday night, there will be two types of homeowners in Ottawa.
1. The Homeowner Without a Plan This person hears the “snow” forecast, goes to their thermostat, and cranks the heat… only to be met with cold air. They are now in a panic, calling for an emergency diagnostic ($149/hr or more) and competing with hundreds of other callers for a spot. They’re facing a long, cold wait.
2. The AirZone Family Plan Member This homeowner isn’t worried. Why? Because their annual furnace maintenance was already scheduled and completed by one of our professional technicians.
They are already part of our FAMILY Plan ($16.99/mo) and their furnace has already been cleaned, tested, and certified safe for the winter. They know it will work.
The Proactive Solution to a Reactive Problem
This “Big Rush” for repairs is precisely why we created our membership plans.
Our proactive customers on the FAMILY Plan don’t just get their annual maintenance included; they also get:
- Priority Service: Even if the unexpected happens, they jump to the front of the line.
- 15% Discount on Repairs: They save money on any service call.
- 15% Discount on Filters: Keeping their system clean and efficient all year.
Our FAMILY+ Plan members ($29.99/mo) get all of that, plus full parts and labor coverage for most repairs. When their system does fail, it’s a simple, no-cost service call.
What If a Major Problem is Found? The “Red Tag”
The worst-case scenario during any maintenance call is discovering a serious safety hazard, such as a cracked heat exchanger or a carbon monoxide leak. When this happens, our technicians are legally required by the TSSA to place a Red Tag on the furnace, which deactivates the unit until it’s repaired or replaced. We know this is the most stressful news a homeowner can get, especially with a -7°C low in the forecast. It’s important to know that a technician doesn’t have a choice; if a unit is unsafe to operate, they must tag it to protect your family.
Unfortunately, we know that not all companies operate with the same ethical standards. Some may use a red tag to aggressively force a new furnace sale, while others may lack the expertise to find a proper repair. This is why, if your furnace has been red-tagged by any company in Ottawa, AirZone will provide a FREE second opinion. We will send a senior technician to verify the diagnosis, show you the problem, and provide an honest, transparent quote on the right solution—whether that’s a new system or a safe, effective repair that another company might have missed.
Don’t Wait for Double Digits Below Zero!
This beautiful, warm fall has been a gift, but it’s also been a warning. The cold is coming, and it’s coming fast.
Don’t be one of the hundreds left in the cold on Monday. Be proactive. The smartest, most cost-effective way to care for your system is to join our Family Plan. You’ll get your maintenance included and, more importantly, you’ll get peace of mind.
