Preventative Furnace Maintenance Checklist Before Winter Hits

As temperatures in Edmonton begin to drop, your furnace becomes one of the most important systems in your home. A little preparation before the cold weather arrives can make all the difference in preventing costly breakdowns, saving energy, and ensuring steady heat all winter long.

At Jurassic Mechanical, we help Edmonton homeowners keep their furnaces in top condition with complete tune-ups and seasonal inspections. Use this simple checklist to make sure your system is ready before winter hits.

Why Furnace Maintenance Matters Before Winter

Furnaces work harder in Edmonton’s extreme cold, running for longer hours to maintain comfortable temperatures. Without proper maintenance, small issues like dirty filters or weak ignitors can turn into complete system failures right when you need heat most.

A pre-season furnace check:

• Extends equipment lifespan

• Improves heating efficiency

• Lowers energy bills

• Prevents carbon monoxide leaks

• Reduces emergency repair costs

Tackling maintenance early gives you peace of mind before the deep freeze sets in.

Step 1: Replace or Clean the Furnace Filter

Your furnace filter captures dust, hair, and debris to keep indoor air clean. Over time, it can clog and restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder.

Remove your filter and check it under a light. If it looks dark or dusty, replace it. Disposable filters should be changed every one to two months during winter. If you use a reusable model, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Inspect Vents and Air Ducts

Walk around your home and make sure supply and return vents are clear of furniture, rugs, or blockages. Restricted airflow makes it harder for warm air to circulate evenly.

If you notice dust buildup or weak airflow, consider professional duct cleaning. Our Heating Services team can clean and inspect ducts to improve efficiency and air quality before winter begins.

Step 3: Test and Calibrate Your Thermostat

Turn on your heat setting and ensure the thermostat communicates correctly with your furnace. If the display does not turn on, check the batteries or breaker. Compare the room’s actual temperature to your thermostat’s reading to see if it needs recalibration.

Smart thermostats should also be checked for Wi-Fi connection and software updates to ensure consistent performance through the season.

Step 4: Check the Blower, Belts, and Motors

When your furnace starts up, listen for any grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds. These noises can indicate worn belts or motor bearings that may fail under heavy use.

If you notice poor airflow or the blower running constantly, schedule a professional inspection. A technician can lubricate parts, check motor amperage, and prevent costly damage before it occurs.

Step 5: Inspect the Pilot Light and Flame Sensor

A steady blue flame means your furnace is burning fuel efficiently. If the flame is yellow or flickers, turn off the system and call a professional.

Dust or residue can also build up on the flame sensor, causing ignition problems. Cleaning this sensor and checking gas connections should always be part of a professional tune-up.

Step 6: Clear the Furnace Area

Keep at least three feet of clear space around your furnace. Remove storage boxes, cleaning products, or flammable materials. Good clearance ensures proper ventilation and safety during operation.

Also check that nearby floor drains or vents are unobstructed, as these are often needed for proper furnace drainage and airflow.

Step 7: Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

Some furnace components need a certified technician’s attention. A fall tune-up ensures your system runs safely and efficiently before the first major cold snap.

During a professional inspection, a technician will:

• Clean burners and ignition components

• Test the heat exchanger for cracks

• Verify safety controls

• Lubricate moving parts

• Check electrical connections and voltage

Book your tune-up through Jurassic Mechanical’s Heating Services to prevent winter breakdowns and ensure consistent performance.

Furnace Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Purpose
Replace air filter	Every 1–2 months	Prevents airflow restriction and overheating
Inspect vents and ducts	Every 3 months	Ensures even heating and air quality
Thermostat calibration	Annually	Improves temperature accuracy
Professional tune-up	Once per year (fall)	Ensures safety and performance
Check carbon monoxide detector	Every 6 months	Protects against unsafe gas buildup

Bonus Tip: Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can leak from malfunctioning furnaces. Check your detector’s batteries, and test it before winter begins. Replace units every five to seven years for safety.

If you ever notice headaches, dizziness, or fatigue during furnace operation, turn off the system and call an HVAC professional immediately.

Trust Jurassic Mechanical for Furnace Maintenance in Edmonton

Preventative maintenance is the best way to stay warm, safe, and comfortable through Edmonton’s long winters. Jurassic Mechanical provides complete furnace inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups for homeowners across the region.

Visit our Contact Page to schedule your pre-winter furnace maintenance today and keep your home running smoothly all season long.