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HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Top 5 Furnace Mistakes Homeowners Make Every Winter

and How to Avoid Them

Every winter, Toronto homeowners rely on their furnaces to stay warm and comfortable — but a few common mistakes can make your system work harder than it should. From skipped maintenance to blocked vents, these habits can lead to higher bills, uneven heating, and unexpected repairs.

Let’s look at the five most common furnace mistakes homeowners make every winter — and how you can easily avoid them.

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Key Takeaways

Regular maintenance keeps your furnace running efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Blocking or closing vents disrupts airflow and can strain your heating system.

Replacing your furnace filter on time prevents costly breakdowns.

Paying attention to early warning signs can save you from expensive repairs.

Upgrading to a high-efficiency system can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

Before the Cold Hits: What Every Toronto Homeowner Should Know About Their Furnace

When the temperature drops across Toronto and the GTA, your furnace becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But even the most reliable heating equipment can run into trouble if it’s not used or maintained properly.

The good news? Most furnace problems are completely preventable. At Econoair, we’ve serviced thousands of homes and noticed that the same mistakes pop up every year — small oversights that can cost homeowners hundreds of dollars in wasted energy, shorten the lifespan of their systems, or lead to a full breakdown in the middle of winter.

By learning what these mistakes are (and how to fix them), you can keep your furnace running efficiently, improve your indoor air quality, and protect your investment for years to come. Here are the top five furnace mistakes Toronto homeowners make — and what you can do differently this winter.

Skipping Annual Furnace Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until their furnace stops working to call for help. While it might seem like a good way to save money, skipping annual maintenance almost always leads to higher costs later on.

Your furnace is a mechanical system — it collects dust, experiences wear, and needs adjustments to stay efficient. Without yearly maintenance, small issues such as loose wiring, dirty burners, or worn belts can escalate into major repairs. Over time, your system can lose 5% of its efficiency each year, which means higher energy bills and uneven heating throughout your home.

During a professional furnace tune-up, Econoair’s licensed technicians perform a full inspection and cleaning. They check safety controls, gas pressure, electrical connections, and airflow, ensuring everything runs at peak performance. Routine maintenance also helps detect carbon monoxide leaks early, keeping your home safe.

Tip: Join Econoair’s Econo Care Plan — it includes annual tune-ups, priority service, and exclusive discounts on parts and repairs, giving you complete peace of mind all winter long.

Blocking or Closing Air Vents

It’s a common misconception that closing vents in unused rooms saves energy. Unfortunately, this often does the opposite. Your furnace is designed to distribute air evenly throughout your duct system. When vents are closed or blocked by furniture, rugs, or drapes, it increases air pressure in the ducts and forces your furnace to work harder.

That extra strain can cause the heat exchanger to overheat, potentially leading to cracks or early system failure. It can also create cold spots in your home and make your thermostat work overtime — driving up energy costs.

The same applies to blocked return vents. When return airflow is restricted, your furnace can’t circulate air properly, reducing efficiency and indoor comfort.

Tip: Keep all vents open and unobstructed, even in rooms you don’t use often. If you’re still experiencing uneven heating, Econoair can inspect your ducts and recommend solutions such as zoning systems or airflow balancing to improve comfort and performance.

Using the Wrong Furnace Filter — or Forgetting to Replace It

A dirty or incorrect filter is one of the most overlooked causes of furnace issues. Your furnace filter’s job is to trap dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles, keeping your air clean and protecting internal components from damage. But when the filter is clogged or the wrong size, it restricts airflow — forcing your system to work much harder than necessary.

Restricted airflow can cause overheating, reduced efficiency, and even system shutdowns. In severe cases, a neglected filter can lead to cracked heat exchangers or blower motor failure. Beyond performance, dirty filters worsen indoor air quality, triggering allergies or respiratory irritation.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing your filter every 1–3 months, depending on your household’s needs. Homes with pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers may need to replace filters more frequently.

Tip: During your next service visit, ask your Econoair technician which filter size and MERV rating best suits your furnace model. Using the correct filter ensures proper airflow, lower energy bills, and cleaner indoor air.

Ignoring Warning Signs Until It’s Too Late

Your furnace often gives small warning signs before a major failure. Unusual noises like banging, rattling, or whistling could signal loose components or airflow issues. Short cycling — when your furnace turns on and off frequently — may indicate a clogged filter, bad thermostat, or overheating. If you notice inconsistent temperatures or cold spots, that could point to duct leaks or weak airflow.

Ignoring these signs can turn a minor fix into a costly emergency. For example, a loose blower belt might cost less than $100 to replace, but if left unattended, it can damage the motor or fan assembly — a repair that runs several hundred dollars.

Econoair’s technicians are trained to identify and repair these issues quickly. We offer same-day furnace repair service in Toronto and the GTA, so you’re never left in the cold.

Tip: If your furnace starts acting up — strange sounds, burning smells, or uneven heating — don’t wait. Early diagnosis saves you time, money, and stress.

Forgetting About Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Even with perfect maintenance, no furnace lasts forever. Older systems (typically 15 years or more) can lose significant efficiency compared to newer, high-performance models. Modern heat pumps and high-efficiency gas furnaces are designed to use less energy while providing the same, if not better, comfort.

Upgrading your furnace is not just about replacing old equipment — it’s about improving your home’s overall efficiency and reducing monthly bills. With Toronto’s rising energy costs, an upgrade could save you hundreds every year. Plus, today’s systems are quieter, more reliable, and better for the environment.

At Econoair, we help homeowners choose the right system for their home size, insulation, and budget. We provide honest advice, professional installation, and full transparency on available rebates. Right now, you can save up to $1,500 off a new installation when you upgrade through Econoair — making it easier than ever to invest in long-term comfort.

Tip: Schedule a free in-home consultation with Econoair to explore your upgrade options. Our experts will assess your current system, review potential rebates, and recommend the best high-efficiency solution for your home.

Stay Warm and Efficient All Winter with Econoair

Avoiding these common furnace mistakes can help you stay comfortable, lower your energy bills, and prevent unexpected breakdowns during Toronto’s coldest months.

Whether you need a furnace tune-up, emergency repair, or are ready to upgrade to a high-efficiency system, Econoair’s trusted technicians are here to help. We’re proud to serve Toronto and the GTA with reliable, affordable, and transparent HVAC services.

Areas We Serve

24/7 Home Comfort Solutions in the Greater Toronto Area

24/7 Emergency Service

✔ Toronto

✔ Richmond Hill

✔ Markham

✔ Etobicoke

✔ Vaughan

✔ Mississauga

✔ Barrie

✔ Bradford

✔ Scarborough

✔ Burlington

We service all HVAC Systems

Cooling

Repair & Service

Heating

Repair & Service

Ductless

Repair & Service

Maintenance

Repair & Service

Air Quality

Repair & Service

Choose a New Furnace!

Explore Econoair’s most popular high-efficiency furnaces trusted by homeowners across Toronto, Richmond Hill, and the GTA. Each model is selected for its reliability, performance, and energy savings — keeping your home warm and efficient all winter long.

Not sure which furnace to choose? Our certified HVAC experts will help you find the perfect system for your home and budget.

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FAQ

Homeowners in Toronto should schedule professional furnace maintenance at least once a year, ideally in the fall before temperatures drop. Annual service ensures your furnace runs safely, efficiently, and reliably throughout the long winter months. During a tune-up, Econoair’s licensed technicians inspect every component — from burners and motors to safety controls — to detect wear before it leads to costly repairs. Regular maintenance also improves indoor air quality and lowers monthly heating costs.

At Econoair, we provide 24/7 emergency service across Toronto and the GTA, so even if your system fails unexpectedly, we’re there when you need us most. With over 20,000 satisfied customers, Econoair is proud to be Toronto’s most trusted HVAC contractor, keeping homes comfortable year-round.

Uneven heating is a common problem in Toronto homes, usually caused by blocked vents, leaky ducts, or dirty air filters. When airflow is restricted, your furnace has to work harder to push warm air through your home, leading to cold spots and inconsistent comfort. Closed vents, furniture blocking registers, or improper duct balancing can also create uneven temperatures.

Our Econoair technicians perform full airflow diagnostics to pinpoint the issue — from duct leaks to uneven distribution — and provide tailored solutions to restore even heating throughout your home. If your furnace ever stops heating completely, our 24/7 emergency team is only a call away. We’ve earned the trust of over 20,000 Toronto homeowners by delivering fast, honest, and professional HVAC service every time.

Failing to replace your furnace filter is one of the easiest ways to shorten your system’s lifespan. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to overwork — which increases your energy bills, reduces heating efficiency, and can even cause system shutdowns. Dirty filters also circulate dust and allergens, worsening your home’s air quality.

At Econoair, we recommend checking your furnace filter every 1–3 months and replacing it whenever it looks dirty. Our expert technicians can show you how to choose the right filter size and MERV rating for your system to maintain peak performance.

If your furnace stops working due to a blocked filter or any other issue, you can rely on our 24/7 emergency repair services anywhere in the GTA. With over 20,000 happy customers, we’re proud to be Toronto’s most trusted HVAC specialists for maintenance, repair, and installation.

The easiest way to know if it’s time for a furnace replacement is to look at age, performance, and repair frequency. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or can’t maintain consistent heat, upgrading may save you more in the long run. Signs like strange noises, short cycling, or rising energy bills often mean your system is wearing out.

Econoair’s trusted HVAC professionals offer honest assessments — we’ll never push a replacement if a repair will do the job. But when it’s time for an upgrade, we provide high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps designed to save you money while keeping your home cozy.

We’re available 24/7 for emergency furnace repair and replacement across Toronto and the GTA. With 20,000+ customers served, Econoair continues to be recognized as Toronto’s most trusted HVAC contractor for reliable advice and long-term comfort solutions.

Yes — closing vents can cause air pressure buildup in your duct system, forcing your furnace to work harder and run hotter than intended. Over time, this added strain can crack your heat exchanger, damage the blower motor, and lead to costly repairs. Many homeowners close vents to save energy, but it often does the opposite by increasing wear and reducing efficiency.

To prevent this, make sure all supply and return vents stay open and unobstructed by furniture or rugs. If you still experience uneven heating, Econoair can balance your airflow or recommend a zoning system to improve efficiency.

And remember — if your furnace ever overheats or shuts down unexpectedly, our 24/7 emergency service is available throughout Toronto. With over 20,000 satisfied customers, Econoair is Toronto’s most trusted HVAC company, committed to keeping your home warm, safe, and efficient.

 

Improving furnace efficiency starts with regular upkeep. Replace filters frequently, keep vents clear, seal duct leaks, and schedule an annual maintenance visit with a certified technician. For older systems, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump can reduce your heating bills by up to 30% while improving comfort.

Econoair’s experts specialize in energy-saving HVAC solutions and can help you select a system that fits your home, budget, and available rebates. We also provide 24/7 emergency support, so you never have to worry about being left in the cold. Trusted by over 20,000 homeowners in Toronto, Econoair continues to deliver reliable, affordable, and transparent HVAC services that make a difference.

Our Econo Care Plan is designed to give homeowners peace of mind year-round. The plan includes annual furnace and AC maintenance, priority scheduling, exclusive discounts on repairs, and flexible options — with or without maintenance included. Members enjoy faster service, reduced repair costs, and improved system efficiency.

It’s the easiest way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and avoid surprise breakdowns. And if something ever goes wrong, you’re automatically covered by our 24/7 emergency response team — one of the fastest in the Toronto area. With 20,000+ customers relying on us, Econoair remains Toronto’s most trusted HVAC contractor for dependable comfort plans and exceptional service.

Furnace maintenance in Toronto typically costs between $100 and $200, depending on your furnace type and service requirements. While that might seem like an added expense, annual maintenance helps prevent expensive breakdowns and keeps your heating system efficient all winter.

Econoair offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, plus affordable maintenance packages through our Econo Care Plan. You’ll also gain access to 24/7 emergency service — because comfort shouldn’t wait until morning. With over 20,000 customers served, Econoair is proud to be Toronto’s most trusted HVAC company, known for honest service and lasting results.

Your Trusted Heating Experts Serving Toronto and the GTA

Choosing the right heating system for your home can feel overwhelming — from deciding between a furnace, heat pump, or hybrid system to understanding energy efficiency, sizing, and rebates. That’s where Econoair comes in. As one of Toronto and the GTA’s most trusted heating experts, we help homeowners make informed decisions before investing in a new system, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.

Our licensed technicians guide you through every step — from selecting the right system and size for your home, to explaining efficiency ratings, government rebates, and maintenance requirements. We make the process simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs.

We proudly serve Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, and surrounding GTA areas, helping homeowners reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and enjoy reliable heating throughout the winter.

Whether you’re replacing an old furnace, installing a modern heat pump, or upgrading to a hybrid system, Econoair ensures the experience is easy and worry-free — with professional installation, 24/7 support, competitive pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction.

Heating & Cooling Services Near You: In Need of a Repair, Installation or Maintenance?

Heating & Cooling Services

At Econoair Heating & Cooling, we are proud to provide reliable and affordable HVAC services in and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re dealing with a broken furnace in the winter, an inefficient air conditioner in the summer, or you need a new water heater installed, our team of licensed HVAC technicians is here to keep your home comfortable year-round.

With decades of hands-on experience, we understand the unique HVAC needs of homeowners. From historic homes to newly built properties, we deliver customized, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions that help reduce energy bills and extend the life of your equipment. Our experts work with all major HVAC brands and models, ensuring every installation, repair, and maintenance service meets the highest industry standards.

We offer a full range of HVAC services, including:

  • Furnace installation, repair, and maintenance

  • Air conditioning installation and repair

  • Heat pump solutions (high-efficiency and eco-friendly)

  • Water heater services (tank and tankless)

  • Indoor air quality solutions (humidifiers, air purifiers, and more)

  • 24/7 emergency HVAC repair services

At Econoair, we know HVAC problems can happen when you least expect them. That’s why we provide 24/7 emergency HVAC service in Richmond Hill & Toronto, so you never have to worry about being stuck without heating or cooling when you need it most.

When you choose Econoair, you’re not just getting another HVAC contractor—you’re choosing a trusted local company that puts customer satisfaction first. We take pride in offering dependable workmanship, competitive prices, and solutions that make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

If you’re searching for the best HVAC company in Richmond Hill, look no further than Econoair Heating & Cooling. Call us today to book your service or request a free estimate on installation!

Have a question?

Unsure what you require or what system you have? Call us!

Call our Experts! (905) 763-2400

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