When the cold hits Niagara, there’s nothing more comforting than walking into a warm home. But your furnace doesn’t just magically keep things cozy—it needs a little care to keep running the way it should. Over the years, we’ve seen how small maintenance habits can prevent major headaches and keep furnaces working well past their expected lifespan.
If you’re wondering what you can actually do to make sure your heating system lasts as long as possible, you’re in the right place. These are the top furnace maintenance tips we recommend to our own customers—simple, practical, and proven to work.
Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
This one’s often skipped, but it’s a big deal. A clogged filter forces your furnace to work harder, burning more energy and wearing itself out faster.
How often should you change it?
- Every 3 months for standard filters
- Every 1–2 months if you have pets or allergies
Clean filters keep air flowing, improve efficiency, and help prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Furniture, rugs, and curtains often block airflow without anyone noticing. When airflow is restricted, your furnace has to work harder than it should. That adds up over time.
Walk through your home and check:
- Are supply and return vents uncovered?
- Are vents clean from dust and pet hair?
- Do you feel strong airflow in every room?
It’s a small check with a big payoff in system performance.
Schedule a Yearly Furnace Inspection
We can’t stress this one enough. Getting a trained technician to look over your system once a year catches minor issues before they turn into major repairs.
Here’s what we do during a typical furnace inspection at Paterson-Lange:
- Inspect burners and flame sensor
- Test airflow and blower motor
- Check for leaks in ducts or flue pipes
- Verify thermostat calibration
- Clean internal components
Most people don’t realize how much dust and wear builds up over the year. A tune-up keeps your system clean, efficient, and safe.
Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clean
It might seem harmless to use that area around your furnace as extra storage, but clutter can be dangerous—and reduce airflow.
Keep a minimum of 3 feet of space around your furnace. That includes removing:
- Cardboard boxes
- Paint cans
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry piles
You want clear space for both safety and performance.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Sometimes the furnace itself isn’t the issue—it’s the thermostat. A misreading or glitchy setting can make the system cycle too often, run longer than needed, or not come on at all.
Try this:
- Replace old batteries
- Set your fan to On
- Make sure the temperature is accurate
- If it’s a smart thermostat, check for updates
A properly set thermostat reduces unnecessary wear on the system.
Watch (and Listen) for Warning Signs
You don’t have to be an expert to know when something’s off. Strange noises, odd smells, or inconsistent temperatures are all red flags.
Common warning signs include:
- Banging, squealing, or grinding sounds
- A burning or musty smell when it starts
- Cold spots around the house
- Furnace turning on and off too often
These can be signs of a loose part, motor issues, or airflow restrictions. Don’t wait for them to get worse—call in a pro before it turns into a costly repair.
Seal Up Air Leaks in Your Home
If your home is drafty, your furnace works harder than it needs to. We’ve seen systems in perfectly good shape struggle just because of poor insulation or leaky windows.
Check for:
- Cracks around doors or windows
- Missing weather stripping
- Cold air leaks in the basement or attic
Sealing up these spots can lower your energy bills and reduce strain on your furnace.
Don’t Close Too Many Vents
There’s a common myth that closing vents in unused rooms saves energy. In reality, this can mess with your system’s pressure balance.
Forced-air systems are designed to work with all vents open. Closing too many can:
- Reduce efficiency
- Cause leaks in the ductwork
- Overheat your furnace
If a room gets too warm, consider using a ceiling fan or vent deflector instead of closing the register entirely.
Keep an Eye on Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Your furnace burns fuel, and any malfunction could cause carbon monoxide to leak. That’s why every home with a furnace needs a working CO detector.
We recommend:
- Testing your detector once a month
- Replacing batteries every 6 months
- Getting a new unit every 5–7 years
If you ever suspect a leak—leave the house immediately and call for help.
Know When It’s Time to Call Us
You don’t need to handle everything yourself. If you notice something off or just want peace of mind, that’s what we’re here for.
Here’s when it makes sense to call a technician:
- Furnace hasn’t been serviced in over a year
- It’s struggling to keep up with the weather
- Energy bills are going up
- You hear loud or unusual noises
- The pilot light or flame looks yellow instead of blue
At Paterson‑Lange, we’re local, we know the equipment, and we always use factory-new parts when possible. Our goal is to make sure your furnace is safe, efficient, and ready for anything our Ontario winters throw at it.
That Being Said
Furnace maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. A few easy habits and an annual check-in from a professional can keep your system running strong for years.
If you’re in the Niagara Region and want trusted, hands-on help with your heating system, give us a call. Whether you need a quick inspection, a filter change, or a full system tune-up, we’re ready to help you get the most from your furnace.