Name: Fire & Frost Mechanical
Address: Saskatoon, SK, CA
Telephone: 306-914-8194
Price range: $$

Saskatchewan winters are no joke. With temperatures regularly dropping below -30°C and cold snaps reaching -40°C or colder, your furnace isn’t just a comfort feature—it’s essential for your family’s safety. Here’s how to make sure your heating system is ready for whatever winter throws at it.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

The single most important thing you can do is have your furnace professionally serviced before the heating season begins. A certified HVAC technician will:

Clean and inspect the heat exchanger for cracks (a cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide)
Check and adjust the burner assembly
Test safety controls and limit switches
Inspect the flue pipe for proper venting
Measure gas pressure and combustion efficiency
Lubricate moving parts
Check electrical connections

Ideally, schedule your furnace tune-up in September or early October, before the rush of emergency calls begins.

Replace Your Furnace Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and less efficiently. In Saskatchewan’s dry winter air, dust accumulates quickly. We recommend:

Standard 1-inch filters: Replace monthly during heating season
Pleated filters: Replace every 2-3 months
High-efficiency filters: Follow manufacturer recommendations, typically 3-6 months

Pro tip: Stock up on filters before winter so you always have replacements on hand.

Test Your Thermostat

Before the cold hits, make sure your thermostat is working properly:

Set the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature
Listen for the furnace to kick on within a minute or two
Feel warm air coming from your vents within 5 minutes
Make sure the system cycles off when the set temperature is reached

If you have an older mechanical thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. You can save up to 10% on heating costs by lowering the temperature while you’re asleep or away.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every home with a gas furnace should have carbon monoxide detectors on each level. Before winter:

Test each detector using the test button
Replace batteries (even if they seem fine)
Replace detectors that are more than 5-7 years old
Make sure there’s a detector near sleeping areas

Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless. Working detectors are your family’s first line of defence.

Clear the Area Around Your Furnace

Your furnace needs proper airflow to operate safely and efficiently:

Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around the unit
Don’t store chemicals, paints, or flammable materials nearby
Make sure the furnace room isn’t being used for storage
Clear any debris from around the outdoor vent

Know the Warning Signs

Learn to recognize signs that your furnace needs attention:

Yellow or flickering flame (should be blue and steady)
Unusual sounds like banging, squealing, or rattling
Frequent cycling on and off
Cold spots in your home
Higher than normal energy bills
Visible rust or cracks on the unit

If you notice any of these issues, call a professional before they become emergencies.

Have an Emergency Plan

Even with proper maintenance, breakdowns can happen. Be prepared:

Keep the number of a reliable HVAC service company handy
Know how to shut off your furnace in an emergency
Have a backup heat source like a portable electric heater for short-term use
Know where to go if you need to leave your home during a heating emergency

When to Consider Replacement

If your furnace is 15-20 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than repair it. Modern high-efficiency furnaces (96%+ AFUE) can significantly reduce your heating bills compared to older 80% efficient models. In Saskatchewan’s climate, that efficiency difference adds up quickly.

Preparing Your Furnace for a Saskatchewan Winter