You can never be sure when and where a big snowstorm is going to hit, but you can make sure the furnace is prepared for all unpredictable winter weather. Homeowners should take a few necessary steps to make sure their furnace is ready, both before and after the snow falls.

Before a Snowstorm

The first step is to schedule a furnace tune-up or service call. Making sure the furnace is running at peak proficiency is a surefire way of keeping your home warm before the weather takes a turn. Depending on how large the snowstorm is, calling for service afterwards could be quite difficult as there could be a high number of emergency no-heat requests.

Unpredictable weather could also lead to power failure, leaving you without heat until hydro is restored. A great way to avoid this issue is with a generator. Generators can keep your home-comfort systems running when the power grid can’t. This is a great investment if you like to be as prepared as possible, and a generator can be the difference between having heat or no heat during a powerful storm.

After a Snowstorm

The first things you should check if your heat isn’t working after a heavy snowfall are the intake and exhaust pipes for your furnace. These could be partially obstructed or entirely covered with snow, which will could cause furnace failure until the blockage is removed. A thick snowfall doesn’t always mean your pipes will be blocked, but is likely the answer if your heat has failed.

While checking for obstructions outside, it’s important to remember to check your furnace filter as well. A big snowstorm generally means more time spent inside, so the importance of clean indoor air becomes amplified. If your filter is discoloured, has signs of dust or dirt, or is simply past its recommended use date, it is time to make a switch.

Canadian winters are unpredictable, but we want to make sure you are prepared!