Furnace Maintenance in Calgary: Get Ready Before Winter Hits
Furnace Maintenance in Calgary: Get Ready Before Winter Hits
As Calgary’s long winter looms, homeowners know what is coming: heavy furnace use, higher energy bills, and the risk of mid-season breakdowns. A pre-winter furnace inspection is not just a maintenance task. It is your safeguard against costly, untimely failures.
Knight Plumbing & Heating has been serving Calgary for decades. Each year, our technicians see the same pattern. Homeowners who schedule fall tune-ups enjoy steadier performance, lower bills, and fewer repairs than those who wait until something goes wrong.
Best Time to Schedule and Why
Late fall is the best time to prepare your heating system before Calgary’s first major cold snap. Temperatures can drop below -20°C as early as October, and booking ahead helps you avoid emergency wait times.
A professional inspection allows a licensed technician to:
- Check ignition systems, burners, and safety controls
- Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
- Verify proper airflow and filter condition
- Test carbon monoxide levels
- Calibrate the thermostat and inspect duct connections
Completing these steps before the deep freeze helps your furnace operate safely, efficiently, and reliably all winter long.
Typical Costs and Potential Savings
A professional furnace tune-up in Calgary can cost between $150 and $220, depending on your service plan and any additional parts. Natural Resources Canada recommends regular, professional maintenance to keep heating systems operating efficiently and safely. Over a long heating season, that proactive care can add up.
Regular maintenance also supports a furnace lifespan of 15 to 20 years (as per manufacturer guidance). Minor issues, such as dirty filters or weak flame sensors, are inexpensive to fix early and help prevent dangerous or costly failures later.
Inside a Professional Furnace Inspection: Step-by-Step Overview
When you schedule a furnace tune-up with Knight Plumbing & Heating, our certified technicians perform a complete system check, including:
- Safety Checks: gas pressure, ignition, and flame stability
- Air Quality Checks: ventilation, filter condition, and carbon monoxide testing
- Performance Checks: temperature rise, blower calibration, and cycling efficiency
- Mechanical Checks: bearings, belts, and lubrication points
Technicians may also recommend duct sealing, upgraded filters, or airflow adjustments for better comfort.
Common Signs You Need a Tune-Up Sooner
Even if your furnace seems fine, watch for these early warnings:
- Uneven heating across rooms
- Loud rattling or humming noises
- A burnt or dusty smell when running
- Higher-than-normal utility bills
- Short or frequent heating cycles
Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent mid-winter breakdowns, when emergency service is in highest demand.
Considering an Upgrade
Annual maintenance keeps your system efficient, but older furnaces eventually lose performance. A high-efficiency furnace replacement in Calgary can cost between about $4,000 and $6,500, depending on brand, size, efficiency rating, and installation complexity. If your unit is 15 years or older, or if repairs are frequent, upgrading may lower long-term heating costs.
Calgary Energy Context
Calgary’s heating demand is high, with about 5,000 heating degree days (HDD, base 18°C) per year, according to recent historical averages. As of January 1, 2025, Alberta’s default electricity option transitioned to the Rate of Last Resort (RoLR). In Calgary, ENMAX lists the RoLR at 12.06¢/kWh, fixed until December 31, 2026. Regulated natural-gas commodity rates vary by month and retailer; in 2025, they generally can cost about $1–$2/GJ (see the UCA ‘Year at a Glance’).
Running an efficient furnace keeps bills manageable and reduces stress on Alberta’s power and gas grids during cold-weather peaks.
Stay Ahead This Winter with Knight Plumbing & Heating
Do not wait until the first deep freeze to find out your furnace is not ready. A fall tune-up helps your system run safely, quietly, and efficiently all winter.
Whether you are due for your annual inspection or have noticed warning signs, Knight Plumbing & Heating’s expert technicians can help keep your home warm and worry-free.
Book your furnace tune-up today and enjoy dependable comfort all winter.