Practical guidance for keeping HVAC systems running through Ottawa winters.
1. Schedule a maintenance check-up before winter
Do not wait for failures. A scheduled tuneup before heating season catches issues early.
2. Clean or replace filters frequently
Cold weather means more runtime, which means filters clog faster. Check monthly.
3. Have fans and coils cleaned before winter
Summer dust accumulates. A pre-winter cleaning lets the system start the season fresh.
4. Keep snow and debris off fresh air and exhaust pipes
Buried intake or exhaust pipes block airflow and can cause the unit to shut down or run inefficiently. Walk the perimeter regularly through the winter.
5. Check vents for blockages
Couches, curtains, and storage boxes against registers strain the system and create uneven heating. Walk through the house and confirm registers have at least a few inches of clear space.
6. Consider duct cleaning
Once the furnace has run for a few weeks, dust and allergens that built up in summer get circulated through the house. Duct cleaning is most useful before the heating season starts in earnest.
7. Use a programmable thermostat
Automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy. Saves on bills without changing your routine.
A safety note
Avoid extended HVAC shutdowns in freezing conditions. Even when you are away, a setpoint near 15°C prevents pipes from freezing and bursting. The savings from a completely-off thermostat are not worth the flooded basement.
