Winter’s coming, is your furnace ready?
We’ve been through a few Ontario winters. Trust us, now’s the time to prep.
Winter in Ontario doesn’t mess around, and your furnace shouldn’t either. At McDougall Energy, we’ve been helping families across Ontario get ready for winter since 1949. As a third-generation, family-run business, we know that keeping your home warm isn’t just about comfort, it’s about peace of mind and knowing your heating system is ready to go when the snow starts flying.
Whether you heat with propane, natural gas, or oil, a little prep in the fall makes a big difference when the cold sets in.
Here are 5 must-do fall furnace tips from the McDougall family to yours:
1. Check your filter
Dirty filters restrict airflow, can overwork your furnace motor and reduce your overall heating efficiency. Be sure to check filters monthly and replace every one to three months (or sooner if you have pets). A clean filter helps your air feel fresher too.
2. Clear vents and exhaust pipes
You’ve seen the reminders during a snowstorm – get out and clear your outdoor vents to prevent blocked exhaust from your furnace and reduce the risk of gases like carbon monoxide backing up into your home. It’s also a great idea to make sure all your fresh air intakes and exhaust vents are clear for all appliances in your home. Not only can they get blocked by snow but leaves and grass clippings have also been known to cause emergency service calls. Also, don’t forget to look around the inside of your home to make sure vents aren’t covered by furniture or rugs too.
3. Test CO detectors
Make sure carbon monoxide detectors (and smoke alarms) are in place and installed on every floor, especially near your bedrooms and the furnace. Remember to test detectors monthly and replace batteries.
4. Book an annual maintenance visit
Don’t forget to schedule your maintenance every fall. A licensed HVAC technician can provide a check-up that can include a full inspection, flagging any concerns and schedule necessary repairs. At McDougall Energy, we offer HVAC service plans and annual maintenance to ensure your heating system is fully operational. Regular furnace maintenance helps your system run more efficiently, last longer, and break down less often – especially when you need it most.
5. Top up your tank
You never know when a cold snap (or a snowstorm) will hit. Don’t get caught low on fuel. Be sure to check your tank levels, or better yet, leave it up to the expert (McDougall Energy) to keep your tank topped up with our automatic delivery service that’s available to all our neighbours.
We’re not just in the business of heating homes – we’re part of the communities we serve. So, whether it’s your annual furnace check-up, a fuel delivery, or a full system upgrade, you can count on McDougall Energy to be there.
Let’s get your home winter-ready. Contact us today.