Fall Furnace Tune-Up Checklist (GTA Home & Commercial)

When the nights start cooling off in the Greater Toronto Area, your furnace will be back on duty. A quick tune-up now prevents mid-winter breakdowns, keeps gas equipment safe, and lowers energy bills. Here’s a practical checklist for homeowners, property managers, and facility teams in Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Caledon, Oakville, and The Greater Toronto Area.

Why a fall tune-up matters in the GTA

Safety: Gas appliances must vent properly and burn cleanly. A tune-up checks for gas leaks, cracked heat exchangers, and carbon monoxide risks.
Reliability: Catching weak ignitors, worn belts, or restricted airflow now avoids “no-heat” calls during a cold snap.
Efficiency: Clean burners, correct gas pressure, and good airflow help your furnace reach its rated efficiency—translating to lower utility bills.
Warranty & lifespan: Many manufacturers recommend annual service. Maintenance helps protect warranties and extend equipment life.

Quick homeowner checks you can do (5–10 minutes)

If you smell gas, hear persistent sparking, or your CO alarm sounds—shut the system off and call our 24/7 Emergency HVAC team.

1. Filter – Replace or clean. A dirty filter is the #1 cause of poor airflow, short cycling, and frozen coils (if you share ductwork with AC).

2. Thermostat – Switch to Heat, set a realistic schedule, and verify the furnace responds. Consider fresh batteries.

3. Supply/return vents – Open and clear furniture/rugs. Blocked vents increase static pressure, driving up energy use and wear.

4. CO alarm – Test it and confirm it’s within its service life (usually 5–7 years).

5. Room checks – Walk the space after a short heat cycle. Note any cold rooms, unusual noises, or smells to tell your tech.

If you’re unsure about anything above, we’re happy to help on a service call. AC Repair, Furnace Installation & Service, Emergency HVAC

What a professional tune-up includes (what we check)

Every site is different, but this is the core fall inspection we perform for forced-air furnaces:

Combustion & safety

• Visual burner inspection; clean burners as needed

• Ignition system test (hot surface ignitor/spark ignition)

• Flame signal strength and flame sensor cleaning

• Gas line leak check and manifold pressure verification

• Heat exchanger inspection for cracks or hotspots

• Venting: slope, blockage, and termination check

• Carbon monoxide test at the register (as applicable)

Airflow & duct system

• Filter fit and size; advise on filter boot/bigger media if needed

• Blower wheel and motor condition; amp draw vs nameplate

• Belt inspection/tension (where applicable)

• Static pressure and temperature rise check

Controls & safeties

• Limit switches, rollout, pressure switch operation

• Control board fault history (if present)

• Thermostat calibration/communication

Housekeeping

• Condensate trap/line inspection on high-efficiency units

• Cabinet sealing, wire management, and general cleanliness

• Recommendations list (clear, prioritized, with pricing)

This structured process ensures your equipment is safe, efficient, and ready for winter—and it gives you a clear repair/upgrade plan if we spot anything.

Commercial add-on: Rooftop units (RTUs) & ventilation

For property managers and commercial owners, your heating lives on the roof. We include:

• Heat section: burners, heat exchangers, gas train, ignition safeties

• Economizers & ventilation: damper operation, actuator linkages, minimum position, and sensor calibration (helps indoor air quality and code compliance)

• Belts & bearings: tension, wear, lubrication (where applicable)

• Controls: freeze stats, discharge air sensors, staging, and BMS setpoints

• Filters & coils: cleanliness and airflow to protect heat sections

If you don’t have a preventive maintenance plan, fall is the ideal time to start. Rooftop HVAC (RTU) Repair & Maintenance.

Repair vs. replace: how to decide

A tune-up may uncover a part that’s near failure or an older furnace that’s losing efficiency. Here’s a quick framework:

• Repair if the unit is under ~12 years, parts are available, and the heat exchanger is sound.

• Replace if the heat exchanger is compromised, repair cost is ~30–50% of replacement, or the unit is old and inefficient.

• Consider upgrades like a high-efficiency furnace, better filtration (larger filter boot), or humidifier to improve comfort and lower energy costs.

If we recommend replacement, we’ll price options and explain the ROI clearly. Furnace Installation & Service.

What to expect during a Motion Mechanical tune-up

• Upfront diagnostics and transparent pricing

• Photos or notes of what we found and fixed

• Safety prioritized—gas and venting checks are never optional

• Clear next steps if we spot wear items (ignitors, sensors, belts, bearings)

Ready for your fall tune-up?
Book Furnace Installation & Service or call 647-531-6151 for same-day appointments. For after-hours issues, our 24/7 Emergency HVAC team has you covered.

FAQs

How often should I service my furnace?
Once a year—ideally in early fall—keeps the system safe and efficient and helps catch issues before peak season.

What’s included in a professional furnace tune-up?
Combustion and gas checks, heat exchanger inspection, blower and airflow testing, controls/safety verification, and a full report with recommendations.

Do you service both residential and commercial equipment?
Yes. We handle home furnaces and commercial RTUs across the GTA.

Can you come after hours if the heat fails?
Yes—our 24/7 Emergency HVAC service covers Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Caledon, Oakville, and Bolton.