Nanaimo Home Heating & Cooling Calendar

January

Heating season

0 of 3 done

Check the furnace or heat pump filter.
Why it matters
Winter is when the system runs most.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Why it matters
CO alarms matter most in heating season.
When to call a pro: Replace alarms past the date on the back.
Keep the heat pump outdoor unit clear of snow and leaves.
Why it matters
It needs open air to work. See <a href="/guides/heat-pump-defrost-and-cold-weather">heat pumps in cold weather</a>.

February

Late winter

0 of 3 done

Watch that heat pump frost clears during defrost.
Why it matters
Thick ice that stays is a problem.
When to call a pro: Get a technician to check.
Make sure vents and returns are not blocked by furniture.
Why it matters
Blocked vents upset airflow.
Note any cold rooms to mention at your next service.
Why it matters
See <a href="/services/ductwork-air-quality">ductwork and airflow</a>.

March

Spring

0 of 3 done

Change the filter.
Book a spring heat pump check if yours also cools.
Why it matters
Technicians are easier to book before summer.
Look into heat pump options if your furnace is getting older.
Why it matters
See <a href="/guides/heat-pump-vs-furnace">heat pump vs furnace</a>.

April

Spring

0 of 3 done

Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
Why it matters
Spring growth and storms leave debris.
Run the cooling on a warm day to make sure it works.
Why it matters
Better to find problems before summer.
Check that bathroom and kitchen fans vent outside.
Why it matters
They help control damp.

May

Getting warm

0 of 3 done

Check or change the filter.
Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise (looking up).
Why it matters
You feel cooler without lowering the thermostat as much.
Trim plants to keep about two feet clear around the outdoor unit.

June

Summer

0 of 3 done

Plan for hot spells: know the coolest room in the house.
Why it matters
Hot spells happen in dry summers.
Close blinds on sun-facing windows in the afternoon.
Why it matters
Less heat in, less cooling needed.
Check the condensate drain on AC or heat pump units.
Why it matters
Clogged drains cause indoor leaks.

July

Dry season

0 of 3 done

Keep a spare, higher-rated filter for smoke days, if your system can use one.
Why it matters
Wildfire smoke can drift in during summer.
When to call a pro: Ask a technician which filter suits your system.
Hose off light dust from the outside of the outdoor coil.
Why it matters
Clean coils work better.
When to call a pro: No pressure washers.
Watch for ice on lines or water leaks indoors.
Why it matters
When to call a pro: Turn it off and get help if it ices up.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Change the filter, especially after smoke days.
Book a fall furnace or heat pump check.
Why it matters
Beat the fall rush. See <a href="/services/hvac-maintenance">maintenance</a>.
Note any cooling problems to fix before next summer.

September

Fall

0 of 3 done

Have gas furnaces and boilers serviced.
Why it matters
Safety checks before heating season.
When to call a pro: Gas work needs a certified gas fitter.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Change the filter before the heat comes on.

October

Heating starts

0 of 3 done

Expect a light dust smell the first time the heat runs.
Why it matters
It should fade quickly; a strong smell needs a technician.
Switch ceiling fans to clockwise on low.
Why it matters
Pushes warm air down.
Bleed radiators if you have hot water heating.
Why it matters
Trapped air causes cold radiators.

November

Wet season

0 of 3 done

Clear leaves from around the outdoor unit.
Why it matters
Fall leaves block airflow.
Check the filter.
Keep space heaters 1 metre from anything that can burn.
Why it matters
Space heaters are a common cause of winter fires.
When to call a pro: Plug them straight into the wall.

December

Cold snaps

0 of 3 done

During cold snaps, keep the heat on even when away.
Why it matters
Protects pipes and the house.
Keep the outdoor heat pump unit clear of snow.
Check carbon monoxide alarms.

Nanaimo Home Heating & Cooling Calendar

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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