Once winter comes to Canada, your furnace essentially becomes a member of the family. It's what keeps everybody warm, cozy, and sane when the mercury dips below freezing.

Whether you're a dealer helping customers prepare for the season or a homeowner who just wants to make sure the heat stays on, a little furnace maintenance goes a long way. Easy checks can prevent breakdowns, lower energy bills, and keep warm air flowing all winter long. 

The following are some easy furnace maintenance tips to get you through the cold months without any unwelcome surprises.

1. Change Your Filter (Seriously!)

If you do one thing this winter — do this. A clogged filter makes your furnace work way more than it needs to, wasting energy and shortening its lifespan.

Check it every month. If it's gray or dusty, swap it out. Clean air filters make your furnace breathe easy and heat more efficiently.

2. Don't Block the Vents

We’ve all moved furniture around and accidentally covered a vent (oops). But blocked vents make your furnace work overtime and can cause uneven heating.
Make sure air can flow freely throughout your home — your comfort (and energy bill) will thank you.

⚙️ 3. Give the Blower a Quick Check

The blower motor keeps warm air moving. Over time, dust can build up or belts can loosen.
If it's been making strange noises or weak airflow, it might just need a good cleaning or tune-up. It's a small step that will go a long way.

4. Dust Around the Furnace

You don't need to take it apart — just dust the outside and the area around it.
Switch off the power, then vacuum around the burners and blower. A clean area makes the furnace operate more smoothly and safely.

5. Check Your Thermostat

If the house just never seems warm enough, the thermostat may be the problem.
Consider replacing it with a smart thermostat (such as the ECOBEE PRO Lite 3, found at Airtekshop.com) is a game changer. It automatically adjusts temperatures and saves you money on energy bills without you even needing to think about it.

6. Check the Pilot Light

If your furnace has one, take a look — the flame should be blue and steady, not yellow or flickering. That could mean that it needs cleaning or adjustment.
If you're not sure what to do with it, bring in a pro. Safety first!

7. Schedule a Yearly Tune-Up

Even with regular maintenance, it's a good idea to have a professional check your furnace every year. They'll spot small issues before they become big ones — and make sure everything's running safely.

Think of it like an oil change for your car. A little maintenance now saves a lot of headaches later.

8. Give It Space

Avoid stacking boxes, tools, or storage bins around your furnace. It needs space for airflow — and it’s safer that way.
Plus, your HVAC tech will appreciate not having to crawl over stuff during a service visit.

9. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is one of those "just in case" precautions that can be lifesavers. Inspect your CO detectors every fall and change batteries as needed. It's simple, quick, and gives you peace of mind.

Stay Cozy This Winter with Airtek

It may not take a lot of time to maintain your furnace in good shape — but it's a big difference-maker when it's -30°C outside and all you're craving is reliable heat.

At Airtek, we supply HVAC dealers across Canada with furnaces, filters, smart thermostats, and replacement parts that deliver comfort and efficiency.

Visit Airtekshop.com
 to see our full line of HVAC products and get your customers ready for a trouble-free heating season.