5 HVAC Tips Every Saskatoon Homeowner Should Know

Living in Saskatoon means dealing with one of the most extreme climates in Canada. Our HVAC systems work overtime—battling -40°C winters and +35°C summer heat waves. Here are the tips we wish every homeowner knew.

1. Don’t Ignore Strange Sounds

Your furnace and AC shouldn’t make unusual noises. If you hear any of these, call a technician:

• Banging or popping: Could indicate delayed ignition or expanding/contracting ductwork
• Squealing or screeching: Often a belt or motor bearing issue
• Rattling: Loose components or debris in the system
• Clicking (continuous): Potential electrical or control issue

Many homeowners ignore unusual sounds, hoping they’ll go away. They rarely do—and what starts as a minor repair often becomes a major expense if left unaddressed.

2. Seal Your Home Before Upgrading Your System

Before investing in a new furnace or AC, make sure your home is properly sealed. Air leaks can waste up to 30% of your heating and cooling energy. Check for:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Unsealed electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Leaky ductwork in unheated spaces
• Insufficient attic insulation

A well-sealed, well-insulated home can often be comfortable with a smaller, less expensive HVAC system.

3. Understand Your Thermostat Settings

Simple thermostat strategies can save you money:

Winter settings:

• 20-21°C when you’re home and awake
• 17-18°C when sleeping or away
• Don’t turn it down more than 3-4 degrees at a time

Summer settings:

• 24-25°C when you’re home
• 26-28°C when you’re away
• Use the “auto” fan setting, not “on”

Pro tip: Every degree you lower your thermostat in winter saves about 3% on heating costs.

4. Don’t Close Vents in Unused Rooms

It seems logical: close vents in unused rooms to save energy. But this common practice can actually:

• Increase pressure in your ductwork
• Cause leaks at duct joints
• Make your system work harder
• Lead to uneven temperatures throughout your home

Your HVAC system is designed to heat and cool your entire home. Closing vents throws off the balance.

5. Schedule Maintenance Before You Need It

The best time to service your furnace is fall. The best time to service your AC is spring. Why?

• Technicians aren’t rushed and can take their time
• You’ll avoid peak-season pricing
• Any issues get fixed before you actually need the system
• You won’t be stuck waiting during a -35°C cold snap or a July heat wave

We see the same pattern every year: emergency calls spike during the first cold snap and the first heat wave. Those customers who scheduled maintenance in advance? They’re comfortable at home while others are waiting for service.

Bonus: Know When It’s Time to Replace

No one wants to hear their HVAC system needs replacing, but sometimes it’s the smart financial decision. Consider replacement if:

• Your furnace is 15-20+ years old
• Your AC is 10-15+ years old
• Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost
• Your energy bills keep climbing despite maintenance
• Your system uses R-22 refrigerant (being phased out)

Modern high-efficiency systems can cut your energy bills significantly. In Saskatchewan’s climate, that adds up fast.

Questions About Your System?

Whether you’re wondering about a strange noise, thinking about upgrades, or just want peace of mind before winter, we’re happy to help. At Fire & Frost Mechanical, we believe in honest advice—we tell you what you need, not what we think we can sell you.

Get expert advice: Contact Us or call 306-914-8194.

Serving Saskatoon and area.