Every fall, we get a rush of calls in November from homeowners whose furnace stopped working right when the temperature dropped.
And almost every time, we find the same thing: the problem started months earlier. A part that was wearing out. A filter that hadn’t been changed. A heat exchanger showing early signs of cracking. Things that a maintenance visit in September would have caught for $100-$150. Instead, they’re now looking at an emergency repair bill, sometimes on a weekend, sometimes in -20°C.
Winnipeg winters are not forgiving. A furnace that was struggling in October will fail in January.
What we check during a furnace maintenance visit
A PMS HVAC furnace tune-up isn’t a quick look-around. Here’s what actually gets done:
- Burner inspection — we check ignition, burner flames, and combustion quality. Uneven or yellow flames can indicate problems you don’t want to ignore.
- Heat exchanger inspection — this is the most important safety check. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. This is not something to skip.
- Filter replacement — we replace or clean the filter and check airflow through the system.
- Electrical connections — loose connections cause failures. We check and tighten everything.
- Flue and venting — we check for blockages and confirm exhaust is venting properly.
- Thermostat calibration — we confirm your thermostat is reading accurately.
The whole visit usually takes 60-90 minutes. You get a written summary of what was found and the condition of your system.
When is the best time to book
September or early October. Before the cold comes, before our schedule fills up, and before you’re competing with emergency calls for next-day appointments.
If you’re reading this in June or July — book now for a fall visit. We hold slots for customers who book ahead.
Our basic maintenance is $129
Tune-up and basic cleaning. We also offer a $50 service credit coupon for first-time customers — check the coupons page on pmshvac.ca.
Book online at pmshvac.ca or call (204) 583-1254. Mon-Sat 7am to 5pm, with 24-hour emergency service available year-round.
