How Often Should You Service Your Furnace in Calgary?
Once a year, ideally before the cold hits, and what a proper service actually checks.
Short answer: Once a year, ideally in the fall before heating season. In Calgary a furnace runs for months straight, and an annual service catches most of what would otherwise become a no-heat call in January. Between services, check the filter monthly through the winter and keep the outside vent pipes clear of snow.
A Calgary winter is not the time to find out the furnace has a problem. A service done on your schedule is a routine visit. The same problem found in a cold snap is an emergency.
What does a proper furnace service check?
| Part | What gets checked | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exchanger | Cracks and corrosion | A crack is a safety issue, not just a repair |
| Burners and ignition | Clean, even, reliable lighting | Dirty burners and weak igniters cause lockouts |
| Flame sensor | Cleaned and tested | A dirty sensor is a classic cause of a furnace that starts, then shuts off |
| Blower and filter | Airflow, motor and belt condition | Poor airflow overheats the furnace and leaves rooms cold |
| Safety controls | Limit and pressure switches tested | These shut the furnace down when something is wrong |
| Gas connection and pressure | Leak check and correct pressure | Safe, efficient burning |
| Venting and condensate drain | Clear, sealed, draining properly | Blocked vents and drains are common winter shutdowns |
Why book it in the fall?
Booking before the cold snap means any part that needs replacing gets handled while it is still a scheduled job rather than an emergency. It also keeps the furnace running efficiently, which matters when it runs for months straight.
What you can do between services
- Check the filter monthly through the winter, and replace it when it looks grey and caked.
- Keep the two white vent pipes outside clear of drifting snow and ice on a high-efficiency furnace.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear. No storage boxes against it, nothing flammable nearby.
- Test your carbon monoxide alarms and replace them by the date on the back.
- Watch the condensate line. Water pooling around the base of the furnace means it is not draining.
Signs it needs a look before the next service
- It starts, runs briefly, then shuts off, over and over
- New noises: banging on start-up, squealing or rattling
- Some rooms much colder than they used to be
- A yellow or flickering flame where you can see it, or soot around the furnace
- Heating bills climbing with no change in use
If the furnace will not come on at all, start with our seven quick checks.
Safe to do yourself, and when to call
Safe to do yourself: filters, clearing vent pipes, keeping the area clear, and testing CO alarms.
Call a certified gasfitter: for anything inside the furnace, burner or gas work, repeated shutdowns, or a CO alarm. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and ATCO's gas emergency line at 1-800-511-3447 from outside.
Common questions
Does a new furnace need yearly service?
Yes. Annual service keeps it efficient and is usually a condition of the manufacturer's warranty. Check your warranty terms.
How often should I change my furnace filter in Calgary?
Check it monthly in winter. Many basic filters need changing every one to three months while the furnace is running hard.
Can a plumber service my furnace?
In Alberta, a plumber who also holds gasfitter certification can. Here is how that credential works.
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