Seasonal Furnace and Hot Water Checks

Alberta's dramatic seasonal swings — from summer heat to deep winter cold — put real stress on your home's heating and hot water systems. A few simple checks at the start of each season can catch small problems before they turn into emergency calls at the worst possible time.

Fall Furnace Checks (Before Heating Season)

The best time to check your furnace is before you need it. Do not wait for the first cold snap to find out something is wrong.

**Replace the air filter.** A clean filter is the foundation of efficient furnace operation. If you have not changed it since spring, do it now. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causes the furnace to overheat, and can trigger safety shutoffs.

**Test your thermostat.** Switch your thermostat to heat mode and set it a few degrees above room temperature. Your furnace should start within a minute or two. If it does not, check the circuit breaker and filter before calling a technician.

**Listen for unusual sounds.** When your furnace first fires up for the season, a brief burning smell is normal — it is just dust burning off the heat exchanger. But banging, rattling, or squealing sounds are not normal and should be investigated.

**Check your vents and registers.** Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or stored items. Blocked vents reduce efficiency and can cause uneven heating throughout your home.

**Book a professional tune-up.** An annual furnace inspection by a licensed technician includes cleaning the burners, checking the heat exchanger for cracks, testing safety controls, and verifying that your system is operating safely and efficiently. This is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of your furnace and avoid mid-winter breakdowns.

Fall Hot Water Heater Checks

Your water heater works harder in winter as incoming cold water temperatures drop. A quick check in the fall can prevent an unpleasant surprise.

**Check for leaks or moisture.** Look around the base of your water heater for any signs of moisture, rust staining, or pooling water. Even a small drip can indicate a failing tank that is close to letting go entirely.

**Listen during a heating cycle.** Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds during heating indicate sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank. Sediment reduces efficiency and accelerates corrosion. Flushing the tank annually removes sediment and extends the life of the unit.

**Check the temperature setting.** Your water heater should be set to 49°C (120°F) — hot enough to prevent bacterial growth, but not so hot that it poses a scalding risk. Many units ship set higher than necessary.

**Inspect the pressure relief valve.** The T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve is a critical safety device. If it has not been tested recently, a licensed plumber can check that it is functioning correctly.

Spring Checks (After Heating Season)

When heating season ends, take a few minutes to prepare your systems for the warmer months.

**Change the furnace filter again.** Even if you changed it in the fall, a full heating season warrants a fresh filter before you shut the system down for summer.

**Schedule any repairs identified over winter.** If your furnace or water heater showed any warning signs during the heating season — unusual noises, inconsistent performance, higher-than-normal energy bills — spring is the right time to address them before the next heating season arrives.

Monty's Plumbing & Heating offers seasonal tune-up services for furnaces and water heaters across Airdrie, Calgary, Cochrane, Crossfield, Carstairs, and surrounding communities. Call us to book your fall inspection before the cold arrives.