How to Prevent Furnace Failure During Nova Scotia Winters
Nova Scotia winters are tough, they carry cold winds, continuous snow and temperatures that can drop far below freezing. At this time of year, your furnace is more than a convenience, it’s a necessity. Waking up on a -20° day, to find that your furnace is no longer functioning, is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.
As an experienced professional HVAC services provider, we’ve heard it all. Most homeowners will call a HVAC service provider only when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, nearly all furnace failures can be prevented with care, attention and professional service.
In the blog below, we explore:
- The leading causes of furnace breakdown
- How HVAC services can help you prevent problems before they occur
- Why prevention is always cheaper and safer than emergency service
Let’s get started.
Common Reasons for Furnace Failure
Recognizing what can go wrong with your furnace is the first step in preventing it from happening. Here are the most common issues we see in Halifax, Bedford and surrounding areas:
Not getting regularly serviced
This is the number one cause of failures. A furnace is like a vehicle, it needs to be serviced periodically. Dust, dirt and general wear-and-tear will build up over time leading to a reduction in efficiency and ultimate breakdown.
Clogged filters
Clogged air filters means that the furnace has to work harder to force air. This extra work can just shorten its lifespan, cause higher energy costs or can make it vulnerable to shut-downs because it may overheat.
Thermostat problems
If the thermostat is not working properly, your furnace could be cycling on and off too much or not cycling at all. This is commonly what we work on repairing too, especially in older homes or older systems.
Ignition or pilot light problems
Whether your system has a regular pilot light or electronic ignition, problems with the ignition system are the most common cause of furnaces not working, especially if there is water or corrosion involved.
Mechanical problems
Belts, bearings and motors wear out over time. Small concerns can become big breakdowns when you want heat the most.
Clogged or Leaking Ductwork
If your ducts are leaking and obstructed, heat cannot be transported properly. In older Nova Scotia homes, deteriorating duct work is a silent killer of furnace efficiency.
Harsh Weather
Ironically, the very harsh cold temperatures your furnace is designed to protect you from may cause it to break down. Cold snaps are historically prone to pushing systems to failure and locating weaknesses that are not shown at milder temperatures.
HVAC Services That Keep You Warm All Winter
Now that you know what can go wrong, let’s discuss what you can do about it and how a qualified HVAC technician in Nova Scotia can help.
Schedule Your Maintenance (Before Winter)
First up, schedule your tune-up before the cold snap.
Annual furnace check-ups will cover:
- Cleaning and replacing filters
- Testing the thermostat
- Checking and lubricating moving parts
- Checking the ignition and burner system
- Ensuring safety controls and gas fittings
This not only ensures your system is winter-ready, but it identifies small problems before they become big (and expensive) issues.
Pro Tip: Get your tune-up done early in the fall — before the best contractors get busy in winter!
Use 24/7 Emergency Furnace Repair Services
Even the best-maintained furnaces can run into trouble especially on an extreme blizzard during a Nova Scotia winter. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency service to ensure your family will never be left freezing.
If your furnace breaks at 2:00 a.m., you can rely on us to:
- React to your call quickly (no waiting until morning)
- Diagnose the problem effectively
- Make expert repairs using OEM-approved parts
Replace Old or Inefficient Furnaces Before They Fail
If your furnace is 15 years old or more, your family should pay serious consideration into getting a replacement furnace, not only for reliability, but energy-efficiency saving potential as well.
We offer:
- Free consultations to assess your existing system
- High efficiency furnace installations
- Complete removal and disposal of your existing unit
A new furnace may save your heating bill up to 30% and reduce your chances of a winter breakdown considerably.
Upgrade to Smart Thermostats for Better Control
Nowadays’ smart thermostats are able to conserve energy and warn you about problems before the situation becomes critical. We install and recommend models that are very compatible with your heating system.
Benefits of smart thermostats:
- Ability to control the temperature from any location (yes, including your smartphone)
- Real-time diagnostics of your own system
- Seasonal reminders of upkeep & maintenance
Have Your Ductwork Inspected and Sealed
We can do duct sealing and inspections which better identifies hidden airflow issues that create a big strain on your furnace. We do this with advanced technology including:
- Locate leaks or obstructions
- Remove allergens and dust (contaminants)
- Maximize airflow and efficiency of your system
Having quality ductwork now can improve heat efficiency as much as 20% or more and take load off your furnace.
Final Thoughts
As a resident of Nova Scotia, you know that the winter months tend to sneak up on you quickly and it will soon be time to prepare your home to endure the chilly months. As the temperature drops, the first thing you need to do is make sure your furnace system is efficient, reliable and well-maintained! don’t lose sight of your home comfort and leave it until -15°C (frozen) weather is upon you to check your furnace system. A quick tune-up, emergency service call or complete system replacement, let us ensure you’re safe and warm at home this winter with Clim A.G.
Book your furnace check-up today! Call us or book online.
Let’s get your furnace through winter and maybe roaring a little. Is it cold?? contact us We are your local neighbourhood furnace experts.