Our Saskatchewan winters are around the corner, and it’s time to ensure that your home is ready to combat the chilly Saskatoon days and frosty nights. One of the most crucial steps in winter preparation is getting your furnace in tip-top shape. A well-maintained furnace not only keeps you warm but also saves you money on energy bills. In this blog, we’ll provide you with 10 tips to prepare your furnace for winter.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Start by scheduling a furnace inspection with a JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. qualified HVAC technician. They will check for any potential issues, clean essential components, and ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely.
2. Replace or Clean Air Filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce your furnace’s efficiency and worsen indoor air quality. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones before the heating season begins, and check them monthly throughout winter.
3. Clean Vents and Ducts: Dust, debris, and even pests can accumulate in your vents and ducts, blocking airflow and reducing efficiency. Consider hiring a professional to clean them, improving air quality and furnace performance.
4. Check for Leaks and Insulate: Inspect your home for drafts and seal any gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Proper insulation reduces heat loss and helps your furnace work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
5. Test the Thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is functioning correctly. Replace the batteries if needed and program it to a comfortable and energy-efficient temperature schedule for winter.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly lubricate your furnace’s moving parts, such as bearings and motors, to reduce friction and extend their lifespan. Refer to your furnace’s manual for guidance.
7. Check for Gas Leaks: If you have a gas furnace, it’s crucial to check for gas leaks. If you detect a gas odor or suspect a leak, immediately turn off the gas supply and contact a professional.
8. Inspect the Flue and Venting: Check the flue and venting system for any blockages or damage. Proper venting is essential to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
9. Replace Old or Faulty Thermostats: Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if your current one is outdated. These devices offer greater control and energy-saving features.
10. Stock Up on Supplies: Lastly, stock up on essential furnace supplies like air filters, spare parts, and a carbon monoxide detector. Having these items on hand can help you stay comfortable and safe throughout the winter.

As the Saskatchewan summer heat waves intensify, we rely on our air conditioners to provide us with cool and comfortable indoor environments. However, there may be instances where your air conditioner fails to perform optimally and starts to freeze up, leaving you perplexed and uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons behind this frustrating issue and explore some preventive measures to ensure your cooling system runs smoothly throughout the summer.

Insufficient Airflow:

Temperatures are getting warmer in Saskatchewan. The last thing you want is to have to replace your air conditioner in the middle of summer. Before those warmer days arrive, ensure your HVAC unit is ready for the new season by following these maintenance tips.

1. Remove the Cover and Clean The HVAC Unit

First on the list is the outside unit. Ensure it is turned off, then remove the cover from the unit. Next, you will want to remove leaves and debris that have accumulated around the unit throughout the winter months. Last, do a visual inspection of the unit. If the unit appears damaged, do not turn on the unit until you have had it checked by a professional.

2. Check The Refrigerant Line

3. Change The Furnace Filter

To distribute cool air throughout your home, your HVAC system uses your furnace’s air filter. If the filter is dirty, your system will have to work harder to supply cold air throughout your home. Since an air filter traps dust, pollen, and other allergens, a dirty filter will result in these allergens being spread throughout your ducts. Changing your furnace filter improves air quality and will ensure your HVAC system is functioning effectively.

4. Ensure The Thermostat Is Working

Not only do you need to check your HVAC unit, but you also need to check your thermostat. Set your thermostat to cool and test your system. Program the thermostat 4-5 degrees lower than room temperature. It may take a few minutes, but you should be able to feel the cool air blowing in. If not, it is time to call in the professionals.

5. Book Your Spring HVAC Maintenance Appointment

Following these tips will help ensure your HVAC system is ready so you can spring into the summer months with ease. However, booking a tune-up is recommended as there may be problems that only a trained technician can recognize. Book your spring maintenance appointment to ensure your HVAC system is fully prepared before the Saskatchewan summer arrives!

Contact JOB Heating and Air Conditioning to have an HVAC professional conduct a thorough maintenance inspection of your HVAC unit and address any problems it may be having. With regular maintenance from experts, your HVAC unit will produce lower energy costs, increase its efficiencies and leave you never having to worry about the maintenance yourself.

This may be a sign that your furnace requires attention. Read on to discover reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air.

Your Furnace Has Not Warmed Up

Whenever it is the beginning of a heating cycle, you will get a blast of cold air when you turn on your furnace. Much like when you first turn on a faucet, cold water is going to flow out at first rather than hot. As your furnace warms up, it must first push out the cold air before warm air will blow out of your vents. If your furnace blows cold air briefly, this is likely the explanation. However, if warm air does not follow the cold air after a few minutes, it is time to call in an expert. 

The Thermostat Setting Is Incorrect  

The Flame Sensor Is Dirty

The flame sensor detects whether or not your furnace’s gas burners are lit. A dirty flame sensor will keep the gas burner from staying lit, and cause the burners to shut off. This results in cold air blowing from the vents, as the furnace does not have a heat source. Unless you are familiar with furnaces, a dirty flame sensor should always be cleaned by a professional to restore heat. 

Your Furnace's Pilot Light Is Out

Especially if your furnace is older, cold air is a sign that the pilot light is out. If you are comfortable doing so, follow your furnace’s instructions on how to relight it. If the flame goes out again after a few minutes, contact a professional as technical work is likely necessary. 

Your Furnace's Air Filter Is Clogged

When the air filter is clogged, airflow is restricted. Restricted airflow can cause your furnace to overheat. When your furnace overheats, this shuts down the burner resulting in cold air. Always replace a dirty air filter to ensure your furnace is functioning properly. 

These are a few possible reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air. Be sure to schedule your routine furnace maintenance to ensure your furnace is safe to operate this winter. If you need any assistance with your furnace or home heating equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.