HVAC Maintenance Guide for London, Ontario Homeowners

A professional HVAC maintenance check includes: filter replacement or cleaning; thermostat calibration; inspection of electrical connections; cleaning and lubricating moving parts; checking condensate drain; inspecting the heat exchanger (furnace) or evaporator coil (AC); measuring refrigerant levels (AC); testing safety controls; and checking overall system efficiency. Our comprehensive tune-up takes 45-60 minutes and covers over 30 inspection points.

Improve HVAC efficiency by: changing air filters every 1-3 months; scheduling annual professional maintenance ($149/year); installing a smart thermostat (saves 10-15%); sealing ductwork leaks; keeping outdoor units clear of debris; using ceiling fans to circulate air; and upgrading to high-efficiency equipment (96% AFUE furnace or 16+ SEER AC) when replacing old systems. Proper maintenance alone improves efficiency by 5-15%.

The size of your HVAC system depends on your home's square footage, insulation, windows, air sealing, orientation, and occupancy. A 1,500-2,000 sq ft home typically needs 60,000-80,000 BTU furnace and 2-3 ton AC. Never guess — we perform a professional load calculation (Manual J) to determine the exact size your home needs. An incorrectly sized system wastes energy, fails prematurely, and won't keep you comfortable.

With proper annual maintenance: furnaces last 15-20 years; air conditioners last 12-15 years; heat pumps last 12-15 years; ductless mini-splits last 15-20 years. Without maintenance, lifespan drops by 30-40%. Regular tune-ups ($149/year) prevent breakdowns, maintain efficiency (preventing 5% loss per year), and protect warranty coverage. Most homeowners replace their system when it reaches 12-15 years old or when repair costs become excessive.

Yes. Energy-efficient options include: 96%+ AFUE gas furnaces (save 15-20% on heating); 16+ SEER air conditioners (save 15-20% on cooling); cold-climate heat pumps (save up to 50% on heating vs electric); and ductless mini-splits (20+ SEER, zoning capability). These systems qualify for Enbridge rebates (up to $650), OHRSP heat pump rebates (up to $7,500), and Canada Greener Homes grants (up to $5,000). We handle all rebate paperwork.

Change your air filter every 1-3 months depending on usage. In homes with pets, smokers, allergy sufferers, or during peak heating/cooling seasons, change monthly. A clean filter improves efficiency by 5-15%, prevents system breakdowns, and improves indoor air quality. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and potentially overheat. We replace filters during our maintenance visits.

Our Basic Maintenance Plan is $149/year and includes a complete furnace tune-up, filter change, and priority service. The Premium Plan is $249/year and adds a second tune-up (spring for AC), 15% discount on repairs, and waived diagnostic fees. A one-time tune-up without a plan is $175. Considering that a single emergency repair can cost $500-$1,000, the tune-up pays for itself. Plus, you save 5-15% on energy bills.

Annual maintenance: prevents 90% of emergency breakdowns; improves efficiency by 5-15% (lower energy bills); extends equipment lifespan by 3-5 years; maintains warranty coverage (most manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance); ensures safety (carbon monoxide inspection); provides priority service; and catches small issues before they become expensive repairs. A $149 tune-up can prevent a $1,000+ emergency repair during a cold snap or heat wave.

Signs your system needs maintenance include: rising energy bills without increased usage; unusual noises (banging, squealing, clicking); uneven heating or cooling; system cycling on and off frequently; weak airflow from vents; strange odors (burning, musty); yellow furnace flames (should be blue); ice on AC lines; or your system is over 10 years old without recent service. Don't wait for a breakdown — schedule maintenance proactively.

You can change air filters, keep outdoor units clear of debris, and ensure vents are unobstructed. However, professional maintenance requires specialized tools and training for: combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, refrigerant measurement, electrical testing, gas pressure adjustment, and safety control verification. DIY maintenance on gas or electrical components is dangerous and can void warranties. Leave the technical work to TSSA-certified professionals.