Fall furnace checklist for Spruce Grove homeowners (before it hits -30°C)

When the forecast starts dipping below zero in Edmonton, you know what’s coming: that first week of deep cold where every furnace in the city is either working overtime… or not working at all.

A little attention in the fall can mean the difference between a cozy movie night and shivering in a parka waiting for an emergency tech. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense fall furnace checklist tailored for Edmonton and area (Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Parkland County) to get your system ready before it hits -30°C.

1. Change (or upgrade) your furnace filter

If you only do one thing, do this.

• Swap your filter at least every 1–3 months during heating season.

• Check the size and type (e.g., 16x25x1, 20x25x4, etc.) before you buy.

• A dirty filter can:

  • Restrict airflow

  • Make the furnace run hotter

  • Trip the high-limit safety

  • Shorten the life of your equipment

If you’re always forgetting, snap a phone picture of the size and set a reminder in your calendar.

2. Clear the area around your furnace

Your mechanical room is not a storage room (even though it often becomes one).

• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around the furnace.

• Remove cardboard boxes, paint cans, cat litter, and flammables.

• Make sure nothing is blocking the burner door, air intake, or filter access.

This isn’t just about airflow – it’s also a fire and safety issue.

3. Check your vents and exhaust outside

Modern high-efficiency furnaces vent through plastic pipes out the side of the house.

• Find the intake and exhaust pipes outside (usually 2 white plastic pipes).

• Clear away:

  • Grass, leaves, and cobwebs

  • Toys, lawn furniture, or stored items

• Make sure they’re high enough and clear of snow once winter hits – drifting snow can plug them and shut the furnace down.

If you see frost buildup, cracks, or discoloured pipe, that’s a good time to have a tech take a look.

4. Test your thermostat before the cold snap

Don’t wait for a -30°C night to discover something’s off.

• Turn your thermostat to HEAT and raise the set temperature a few degrees.

• Listen: you should hear the furnace start its sequence (inducer, ignition, burners, blower).

• If the furnace doesn’t start, or you’re getting weird cycling (on/off/on/off quickly), get it checked now while service schedules are still reasonable.

If you’re considering a smart thermostat, fall is the perfect time to install one and make sure it’s wired and set up correctly with your current furnace.

5. Make sure all supply and return vents are open

Closed vents don’t “save heat” – they can cause problems.

• Walk through each room and:

  • Open supply registers (the ones that blow warm air).

  • Make sure return grills (the ones that suck air back) aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

• Avoid closing too many vents, especially on a high-efficiency furnace. Restricted airflow can:

  • Increase static pressure

  • Overheat the furnace

  • Lead to premature part failures

Even heat throughout the home starts with proper airflow.

6. Listen and sniff: unusual sounds or smells?

When the furnace runs its first few cycles, do a quick “sensory check”:

• Smells

  • A light dusty/burnt dust smell is normal on first startup – it should clear up quickly.

  • Sharp metallic, electrical, or gas odours are not normal. Turn it off and call a pro.

• Sounds

  • Take note of new rattles, grinding, squealing, or loud booming on startup.

  • These can be early signs of blower issues, ignition problems, or loose ductwork.

Catching small changes now can prevent a full breakdown later.

7. Replace your humidifier pad (if you have one)

Dry winter air is a classic Edmonton problem.

If you have a furnace-mounted humidifier:

• Turn off power & water to the humidifier.

• Open the cover and replace the evaporator pad (often called a water panel).

• Check the drain line for kinks or blockages.

• Set your humidity to a reasonable level (too high can cause condensation on windows and mold issues).

Most pads should be changed once a year, and fall is the perfect time.

8. Check carbon monoxide (CO) detectors

Any gas-burning appliance should be paired with working CO detectors.

• Make sure you have CO detectors on each floor, especially near bedrooms.

• Test them and replace batteries if needed.

• Replace the units if they’re past their expiry date (usually 5–10 years – check the label).

CO is colourless and odourless; your detector is your early warning system.

9. Book a professional furnace tune-up

There’s a lot homeowners can do themselves – but some checks should be done by a licensed tech.

A proper tune-up typically includes things like:

• Inspecting and testing the heat exchanger for cracks or damage

• Checking gas pressure, combustion, and venting

• Measuring temperature rise and blower motor amperage

• Verifying safety switches, flame sensor, ignitor, and controls

• Checking drainage and venting on high-efficiency furnaces

• Confirming the system is running within manufacturer specs

A fall tune-up not only helps prevent no-heat calls at the worst possible time, it can also extend the life of your furnace and keep your warranty conditions satisfied.

10. Know what to do in an emergency

If your furnace quits during a cold snap:

• Check the thermostat (batteries, settings).

• Check the breaker and furnace switch.

• Check the filter and outside vents for obvious blockages.

• If you smell gas or suspect a cracked heat exchanger, shut the system off and call for help.

Having a trusted local company’s number saved in your phone means you’re not frantically Googling while your house gets colder.

Don’t wait for the deep freeze

Edmonton weather has a way of going from “a little chilly” to “why do we live here?” overnight. Doing this fall furnace checklist now means:

• Fewer surprises at -30°C

• Better comfort and air quality all winter

• Less stress about breakdowns and emergency calls