Is Your Heating System Working Overtime? Why Mid-Winter Maintenance is Crucial for London Homeowners

It is late January in Southwestern Ontario. The holidays are behind us, the grey skies have settled in, and your heating system has been running a marathon since November.

For many homeowners in London and St. Thomas, the "mid-winter slump" doesn't just apply to our mood—it applies to our HVAC systems, too. By this time of year, your furnace or fireplace has logged hundreds of hours of runtime. Filters are getting clogged, sensors are getting dirty, and the mechanical components are under their highest stress load of the year.

While many people think of furnace maintenance as a "fall" activity, mid-winter is actually the most critical time to check your system. Why? Because statistically, this is when breakdowns happen—right when the mercury drops to -20°C and your system is working its hardest.

In this guide, we’ll explore the "silent" dangers of a neglected system, how to lower those spiking mid-winter energy bills, and why a quick check-up now can save you a fortune in emergency repairs later.

1. The Safety Priority: Carbon Monoxide and Venting

Safety is the number one reason to think about your heating system right now. As snow piles up and ice forms, the risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) buildup increases.

The "Silent Killer"

Carbon Monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas produced by the burning of fuels like natural gas. When your furnace or gas fireplace is operating correctly, this gas is safely vented outside. However, a cracked heat exchanger (common in older units working overtime) or a blocked vent can force CO back into your living spaces.

According to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), carbon monoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario. They recommend annual inspections by a certified fuel contractor to ensure your equipment is burning safely.

👉 Read more: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips (TSSA)

The Snow Factor

Living in the London area, we are no strangers to heavy snowfall and drifting. A common mid-winter issue occurs when snow drifts block the intake or exhaust pipes of high-efficiency furnaces (usually located on the side of your house).

Action Item: Take a walk around your property after every heavy snowfall. Ensure your white PVC venting pipes are completely clear of snow and ice.

Safety Tip: If you ever suspect a CO leak, or if your CO detector goes off, evacuate immediately and call 911 or the Enbridge Gas emergency line.

👉 Read more: Enbridge Gas CO Safety Information

2. The Efficiency Drop: Why Your Bills Are Getting Higher

Have you noticed your February energy bill is often higher than your December bill, even if the weather was similar? This is often due to "efficiency drift."

As your furnace runs, it sucks in dust, pet dander, and debris. By mid-winter, if you haven’t changed your filter, your blower motor has to work twice as hard to push air through that clogged membrane. This doesn’t just strain the motor; it spikes your electricity usage and causes the furnace to run longer cycles to reach the set temperature.

Natural Resources Canada highlights that simple maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filters every 3 months, is one of the easiest ways to maintain efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

👉Read more: Heating System Maintenance Tips (Government of Canada)

The "Short-Cycling" Problem

If your furnace turns on and off frequently (every 5-10 minutes) but your house never feels warm, you might be experiencing "short-cycling." This is often caused by an overheating heat exchanger due to restricted airflow. Ignoring this now can lead to a cracked heat exchanger—a major repair—by March.

3. The Solution: The Planned Service Maintenance Program

You don’t need to be an HVAC expert to keep your home warm and safe. That is where we come in.

At My Fireplace, we designed our Planned Service Maintenance Program specifically for homeowners who want peace of mind. We know that nobody wants to wake up to a freezing house on a Sunday morning.

What is Included?

When you sign up for our maintenance program, you are not just getting a cleaning; you are getting a comprehensive health check for your system. Our certified technicians perform:

• Carbon Monoxide Testing: We ensure your family is safe from leaks.
• Visual Inspection: We check the heat exchanger, burners, and venting for signs of wear.
• Clean & Adjust: We fine-tune the system to ensure it's running at factory efficiency specs.

Exclusive Member Benefits

Beyond the inspection, members receive perks that are invaluable during the busy winter season:

1. Priority Response: If your system does break down, you skip the line. You get priority scheduling over non-members.
2. 10% Discount on Repairs: If we find a part that needs replacing, you save money instantly.
3. Discounts on Filters: We make it cheaper for you to keep that airflow moving freely.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to call us. Proactive care is always cheaper than emergency repair.

👉 Learn more: Sign Up for Our Planned Service Maintenance Program

4. Don’t Forget the Fireplace!

While the furnace does the heavy lifting, your gas or wood fireplace is likely getting a workout right now, too. Many homeowners treat their fireplace as a "set it and forget it" appliance, but it requires maintenance just like a furnace.

• Gas Fireplaces: A dirty pilot assembly or spider webs in the burner ports can cause soot buildup on the glass and poor ignition. Our team can clean the glass, check the seals, and ensure the remote is communicating correctly.
• Wood Fireplaces: Creosote buildup in the chimney is a serious fire hazard. If you have been burning wood since October, a mid-winter sweep might be necessary depending on your usage.

If you are looking to upgrade an older, drafty masonry fireplace to a high-efficiency insert, now is a great time to visit our showroom. We have over 125 models on display!

👉 Explore Options: Browse Our Fireplace Products‍

👉 Visit Us: See Our Showroom Locations

5. Mid-Winter DIY Checklist for Homeowners

While professional maintenance is key, there are small things you can do this weekend to help your system out:

1. Check Your Humidifier: Winter air in London is dry. Ensure your furnace humidifier is running and the water panel (pad) is clean. Proper humidity makes the air feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat by a degree without losing comfort.
2. Rotate Your Ceiling Fans: Switch your fans to rotate clockwise. This pushes the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the living space.
3. Clear Vents: Walk around your house and ensure no furniture, curtains, or dog beds are blocking your floor vents. Your system needs to breathe!
4. Test Alarms: Press the "Test" button on your smoke and CO detectors.

Resource: HRAI Consumer Tips for Heating

FAQ: Common Winter Heating Questions

Q: How often should I change my furnace filter? A: generally, every 3 months. However, if you have pets or a smoker in the home, you should check it every month during the winter.

Q: Why is my furnace making a banging noise? A: This could be thermal expansion in your ductwork, or it could be a sign of a delayed ignition in the burners. If the noise is new or loud, Contact Us immediately.

Q: Can I finance a new furnace if mine breaks down in winter? A: Yes! We know a mid-winter breakdown is an unexpected expense. My Fireplace offers flexible financing options, including low monthly payments, to help you stay warm without breaking the bank.

👉 Check details: View Financing Options

Conclusion: Stay Warm, Stay Safe

The depths of winter are beautiful, but they are unforgiving on your home’s mechanical systems. A little bit of attention now—checking your vents, changing your filter, and scheduling a professional tune-up—can ensure you enjoy the rest of the season in comfort.

At My Fireplace, we have been keeping families in London, St. Thomas, and the surrounding areas warm for over 25 years. Whether you need a simple tune-up, a fireplace repair, or a complete system replacement, our team is ready to help 24/7.

Is your system ready for the February freeze?

👉 Book Your Service Appointment Today or call us directly at (519) 652-0416.

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