Keeping your home comfortably warm through Canada’s winters requires a functioning heating system, and for most Canadians, it’s a furnace.
Does Home Insurance Cover Furnace Repairs?
While home insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost of furnace repairs due to wear and tear, maintaining your furnace and being aware of potential savings through various rebates and incentives ensures a warm home and can lead to savings on your energy bills and insurance premiums.
Note: See the detailed list of advanced furnace maintenance tips further in the article.
Understanding Heating Systems in Canada
Diagnosing an Issue with Your Furnace (Infographic)
Pay attention to the aspects outlined in the below infographic when diagnosing an issue in your furnace.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Furnaces
Preventing a problem is always better than dealing with it. Below are a few common problems with heating and furnaces in particular and what you can do about them.
| Problem | Prevention/Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|
| Dirty Filters | Either clean or replace furnace filters every three months or as they become loaded to ensure efficient operation and prevent overworking the system. |
| Blocked Air Vents and Grilles | Keep return-air grilles and warm-air vents clean and free from obstructions to maintain proper airflow throughout the system. |
| Dust Buildup in Electric or Hydronic Baseboard Systems | Vacuum radiators each autumn to prevent dust buildup that can impede efficiency. If the heating fins are bent, gently straighten them with a plastic comb. |
| Air Bubbles in Hydronic Systems | Regularly bleed radiators to remove air bubbles unless the system has an automatic bleeding capability. |
| Inefficient Temperature Control | Install a programmable setback thermostat to save energy by automatically adjusting temperatures according to your schedule. |
| Oversized Equipment | If your home has undergone energy retrofits, the heating and cooling system might be oversized, leading to inefficient short cycling and larger temperature fluctuations. Consider resizing the system. |
| Distribution System Imbalance | If you are experiencing occupant discomfort or higher heating bills, have the heat distribution system balanced. Adjusting the dampers in ducted systems or valves in hot water systems may help. A professional contractor may be needed for upgrades or rebalancing. |
When to Upgrade Your Furnace (Infographic)
The below infographic showcases the signs you need to pay attention to in order to determine if it’s time to replace your furnace.
Rebates and Incentives for Energy-Efficient Furnaces
Canada’s government is interested in people going green, not just with their cars but their homes. Here are some rebate programs and incentives designed to encourage people to give eco-friendly and energy-efficient heating equipment a try.
Key Advice from MyChoice
At MyChoice we know how proper maintenance and strategic upgrades can enhance your home’s safety and potentially lower insurance premiums. Here are our top recommendations for keeping your home warm and your furnace in excellent condition: