Days like today, when Toronto is battling wild snowstorm on -12 degrees, as an HVAC contractor, you need to be prepared. Pipes collecting ice, wild blowing the snow over roofheads, it almost seems like a scene from a hollywood film. On days like these, furnaces start malfunctioning, heat pumps need repair, and there's all kinds of unexpected service requirements.

In HVAC business, we don't call them ‘just’ problems – but a way to add genuine value, gain trust and differentiate and prepare with superior knowledge and skill. Below are concrete ways HVAC techs can better support customers in extreme winter weather while still keeping themselves on top of operations and process efficiency.

Prioritize No-Heat Calls and System Failures  

With snowstorms, no-heat calls should take precedence at all times. Furnaces and constant operating heat pumps are more likely to:  

• Dirty or frozen filters.  
• Flame sensor or ignition issues.  
• Faulty thermostats or control boards.  
• Blocked intake/exhaust vents due to snow buildup.  

Having common replacement parts available — filters, motors, capacitors, igniters, thermostats — can minimize downtime and reduce repeat visits markedly.

Educate Customers in-the-field

The winter service call is great teaching time about:  

• Leaving vents and exhaust pipes clear of snow and ice.  
• The value of frequent filter changes when running very smoothly.  
• The impact of extreme cold on system efficiency and airflow.  
  

A little explanation and a good faith explanation can provide confidence and you begin to look like a professional that you can trust, not just a repair representative.

Check for Load & Airflow Problems 

Heavy snow can bring to light some of the underlying issues:  

• Oversized or undersized furnaces.  
• Inadequate airflow from dirty filters or iced-up intakes.  
• Poor duct design exposed during peak heating demand.  

Technicians who spot these issues up front can suggest upgrades, tweaks and replacements or future replacements — translating emergency calls into solutions for the long term.

Get Your Own Operations Ready for Winter Demand.  

Contractors are typically best suited for snowstorms when they’ve packed well ahead of time:  

• Keep the core heating parts stocked.  
• Make sure vehicles are winter-ready.  
• Keep in good touch and communicate with suppliers about same day and next day pickups.  

A trusted HVAC wholesaler in winter means that you are not losing work due to lost parts or delayed machinery.

Rely on Trusted Supply Partners

Winter weather doesn’t stop — and your supply chain shouldn’t either. If customer orders heat restoration services, contractors need quick access to furnaces, controls, filters, motors, and emergency repair elements.  

Airtek supports HVAC contractors throughout Ontario with:  

• In-stock heating equipment and essential parts.  
• Contractor-focused wholesale inventory.  
• Support from a team that understands winter service realities.  

When storms hit, having the right equipment and parts readily available really makes all the difference.

Snowstorms similar to those in Toronto today serve as a testament to the importance of reliable heating — and how important skilled HVAC professionals are to keeping homes safe and comfortable. Contractors who remain prepared, clear on what’s expected, and build with reliable suppliers aren’t just surviving the winter weather — they’re improving their reputation and expanding their business as a result. When it matters most, Airtek helps people prepare for winter service calls or re-stock essential heating parts.