Every no-heat emergency season starts the same way: the first real cold snap hits, thousands of furnaces get asked to work after six months off, and the weak ones fail together. October maintenance is how you stay out of that queue.
Homeowner jobs: replace the filter (then every 1–3 months all winter), clear storage away from the furnace, test the thermostat by calling for heat once before you need it, check that exterior intake/exhaust pipes are clear, and vacuum accessible vents and returns.
Professional jobs: combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, gas pressure verification, safety-control testing, blower and ignition service, and documented readings that show how your system is trending year over year. That's a tune-up — and it's what keeps most manufacturer warranties valid.
Book it before the rush. Fall tune-up slots go the same way snow tires do.
Your October list
- New filter in, spares bought
- Test-run the heat once
- Clear the exterior pipes
- Clear 1 metre around the furnace
- Book the professional tune-up
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