When temperatures start to drop, one system becomes the heart of every Canadian home — the furnace. Whether powered by gas, electricity, or oil, a furnace plays a vital role in keeping indoor spaces warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the winter.

In this post, we’ll break down how furnaces work, the different types available, and why regular maintenance is crucial for efficiency and longevity.

🔥 What Is a Furnace and How Does It Work?

A furnace is a heating system that warms air and distributes it throughout the home via ductwork. The process is simple:

1. The thermostat signals the furnace to turn on.

2. The burners or heating elements generate heat.

3. A blower motor pushes warm air through the ducts to each room.

4. Cooler air is drawn back into the furnace to be reheated — and the cycle continues.

Modern furnaces are designed for maximum efficiency, using advanced controls and components to reduce energy consumption while maintaining consistent comfort.

⚙️ Common Types of Furnaces

There are several types of furnaces, each with its own benefits and ideal applications:

1. Gas Furnaces

• The most common in Canada.

• Fueled by natural gas or propane.

• Offer fast, powerful heating and lower operating costs than electric models.

2. Electric Furnaces

• Use electric resistance coils to produce heat.

• Easy to install, with no combustion gases.

• Ideal for regions with mild winters or where natural gas isn’t available.

3. Oil Furnaces

• Used in areas without access to natural gas lines.

• Require on-site oil storage and regular maintenance.

• Can deliver strong heat output, but less energy-efficient than gas or electric.

🌡️ Furnace Efficiency and AFUE Ratings

Furnace efficiency is measured by its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.

• A 90% AFUE furnace converts 90% of its fuel into heat, losing only 10% through exhaust.

• Modern high-efficiency furnaces typically rate between 95% and 98% AFUE.

Contractors should always consider the AFUE rating when recommending systems — higher efficiency means lower energy bills and better long-term value for customers.

🧰 The Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance

Furnaces work hardest during the coldest months, so regular maintenance is key to reliability and safety.

Recommended maintenance tasks include:

• Replacing or cleaning air filters regularly

• Inspecting the blower motor, belts, and bearings

• Checking gas lines, burners, and flame sensors

• Testing safety controls and thermostats

• Cleaning vents and ensuring proper airflow

🧠 Pro Tip: Routine maintenance helps prevent costly mid-winter breakdowns and extends the furnace’s lifespan — which can easily reach 15–20 years with proper care.

🛒 Need Furnace Parts or Accessories?

HVAC contractors know the value of having the right components on hand. At Airtek Ontario, we carry a full range of furnace parts and accessories, including:

• Motors and capacitors

• Filters and ignition controls

• Thermostats and sensors

• Pressure switches and gas valves

Whether you’re servicing an existing unit or installing a new one, Airtek has the parts and support you need — available for quick pickup or shipment across Ontario.

✅ The Bottom Line

Furnaces remain one of the most reliable and widely used heating solutions in Canada. With proper installation, regular maintenance, and access to quality replacement parts, HVAC professionals can ensure every system runs safely and efficiently all winter long.

🍂 Stay ahead of the cold — stock up on furnace parts, filters, and supplies today at Airtek Ontario.