The Ultimate Seasonal Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Calgary Homeowners

Bow Valley Climate Management • May 26, 2025

Think cranking the thermostat is enough to survive a Calgary winter? Not quite. If you want your furnace to stay safe, efficient, and ready for anything the season throws your way, there’s one thing you can’t skip.


Here’s what you need to know to get your furnace fall-ready, keep your home safe through Calgary’s coldest snaps, and make sure your system’s in top shape when spring finally comes ‘round again.

Fall: Prep Your Furnace Before Winter Hits

Don’t wait until the first snowstorm hits. In the fall, you want to make sure everything’s in top shape before your furnace runs full-tilt.


Book a BVCM technician to perform a professional inspection, including checking the heat exchanger, gas pressure, safety switches, and combustion efficiency. This will help catch issues before they turn into mid-winter breakdowns. We’ll also:


  • Clean the burners and flame sensor: Carbon buildup affects ignition and heat output
  • Replace your furnace filter: A fresh filter improves airflow
  • Test your thermostat: Check over your winter schedule and verify the settings are correct
  • Check your vents and registers: Make sure nothing is blocking supply or return airflow


Winter: Keep Things Running Smoothly in Peak Season

When temperatures drop, your furnace works harder, and so should your maintenance routine. A few monthly habits can help you avoid surprises:


  • Change your filter monthly: It’s easy to forget, but a dirty filter can cause your system to overheat
  • Test your carbon monoxide alarms: Replace batteries and confirm sensors are working
  • Listen to your system: If you hear rattling, whining, or short cycling, it could indicate blower motor wear or airflow issues


Spring: Power Down the Right Way

Once the deep freeze lets up, it’s tempting to forget about your furnace altogether. But spring is your opportunity to shut down and properly prepare for the warmer months.


  • Flush the condensate drain to avoid blockages and possible water damage as you transition to the cooling season
  • Clean vent covers and registers to improve air quality
  • Test the thermostat to ensure it switches cleanly between heating and cooling modes


Summer: Yes, Your Furnace Still Matters

If you have central air, your furnace isn’t taking the summer off; it’s still pushing cool air through your home. A little attention during the hot months keeps everything flowing the way it should. Alberta is also known to have unexpected cool summer evenings, so it's important to stay vigilant.


  • Keep changing the filter monthly
  • Close the lower-level supply registers to redirect more cool air upstairs, since cold air naturally sinks
  • Keep grass, weeds, and shrubs trimmed back from your outdoor condensing unit, and rinse away poplar and dandelion fluff with a garden hose

Don’t Wait for a Breakdown — Book Your Seasonal Furnace Checkup Today

A bit of seasonal furnace maintenance goes a long way — it keeps your home safe, your heat consistent, and your system running like new for years.


Not sure where to start or overdue for a tune-up? BVCM will handle the hard stuff and get your furnace ready for whatever wild weather Calgary has in store.

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