When winter hits in St. Albert, your furnace is doing a lot of heavy lifting. A furnace tune-up is not just a quick look at your system. It is a detailed inspection designed to keep your furnace running safely, efficiently, and reliably through Alberta’s coldest months.
At A1 Heating and Cooling, we follow a structured, checklist-based approach so nothing gets missed. Here is what a typical furnace tune-up includes and why each step matters.
Many homeowners can go a year or two without a tune-up and not notice a problem right away. The issue is that small maintenance items quietly get skipped, and over time they turn into the most common causes of breakdowns.
Regular tune-ups help:
• Prevent mid-winter furnace failures
• Catch wear and tear before parts fail
• Keep your furnace operating efficiently
• Support manufacturer warranty requirements
• Ensure your system is running safely
Just as important, staying on a regular maintenance schedule makes you a priority if service is ever needed during peak winter demand.
Every tune-up at A1 Heating and Cooling follows a detailed checklist that tracks system condition using a green, yellow, and red approach. This helps homeowners clearly understand what is working well and what may need attention.
During your visit, we:
• Record model and serial numbers
• Take reference photos for future visits
• Review the overall condition of the system
This creates a baseline so changes or issues can be tracked over time.
Airflow issues are one of the most common causes of furnace trouble, especially in high-efficiency systems, we:
• Inspect and replace the furnace filter if needed
• Check for air gaps around the filter frame
• Confirm proper airflow through the system
Reliable ignition is critical for safe operation. As part of the tune-up, we:
• Inspect and test the flame sensor and igniter
• Clean the flame sensor if required
• Check burner operation and ignition sequence
A dirty flame sensor is one of the most frequent issues found during inspections and one of the easiest problems to prevent.
We also inspect the moving and electrical parts of the system by:
• Testing the inducer motor and blower motor
• Checking the blower capacitor
• Listening for unusual noises or early signs of wear
Catching these issues early can help prevent breakdowns during extreme cold.
High-efficiency furnaces rely on proper condensate drainage. During a tune-up, we:
• Clean and inspect the condensate trap
• Check the condensate pump
• Confirm proper drainage
Blocked condensate systems are a common cause of furnace shutdowns in winter.
Safety checks are a key part of every visit. We:
• Test high-fire and low-fire gas pressure
• Measure temperature rise across the furnace
• Inspect pressure switches and tubing
• Check for gas leaks
These steps ensure the furnace is operating within manufacturer specifications.
We confirm that supporting components are working properly, including:
• Thermostat operation and accuracy
• Humidifier function and humidifier pad condition
• System response and heating cycles
The heat exchanger is inspected for visible issues, as this component plays a critical role in both performance and safety.
A typical furnace tune-up takes less than an hour. The goal is to be thorough without disrupting your day.
Yes. High-efficiency furnaces have more safeties, sensors, and components to inspect. These systems benefit even more from regular maintenance because there are more areas where small issues can develop.
Fall tune-ups help establish a habit of maintenance and ensure key components like flame sensors and condensate traps are cleaned before heavy winter use. Scheduling early also allows time to address warranty-related repairs before a breakdown occurs.
From a service standpoint, maintained systems are prioritized during peak demand. When your furnace is maintained, the responsibility shifts to the service team to keep it running when conditions are toughest.
A furnace tune-up is one of the simplest ways to protect your comfort and your home this winter.
Our technicians follow a clear, transparent process so you know exactly how your system is performing.
Call us today or book online to schedule your furnace tune-up and head into winter with confidence.
