Question 1

How do I find and seal duct leaks?

Accepted Answer

Duct leaks are a common source of energy waste in Ottawa homes — a leaky duct system can reduce your heating and cooling efficiency by 20-30%, meaning you're paying to heat or cool your attic or crawlspace instead of your living areas.

Finding Duct Leaks

The easiest way to spot leaks yourself is to run your furnace or air handler and feel along accessible ductwork with your hand. You're looking for air blowing out at joints, seams, and connections — especially where sections of duct meet or wh

Question 2

How do I read my furnace error codes?

Accepted Answer

Most modern furnaces communicate problems through a blinking LED light on the control board, typically visible through a small sight glass or panel on the furnace cabinet. The number of blinks in a sequence corresponds to a specific error code listed on a diagnostic chart — usually found on a sticker inside the furnace door.

How to read the blink pattern: The LED will flash a series of blinks, pause, then repeat. For example, 3 blinks, a pause, then 3 blinks again means "Error Code 3." Some fur

Question 3

How do I check my refrigerant level?

Accepted Answer

Checking refrigerant levels requires specialized equipment and should only be done by a licensed HVAC technician. Refrigerant systems are sealed and pressurized, making this a job for professionals with proper gauges and certification.

Signs your system may be low on refrigerant include reduced cooling performance, ice buildup on the evaporator coil, hissing sounds near the outdoor unit, or higher than normal energy bills. However, these symptoms can also indicate other issues like dirty filter

Question 4

How do I check my furnace ignitor?

Accepted Answer

A faulty ignitor is one of the most common reasons furnaces won't start, but checking it requires caution since you'll be working near gas components. Always turn off power to your furnace at the electrical panel before beginning any inspection.

Visual inspection is the safest approach for homeowners. Remove the furnace access panel (usually held by screws or clips) and locate the ignitor - it looks like a small ceramic or silicon carbide element, similar to a glowing coil. Look for obvious cra

Question 5

How do I change my furnace filter?

Accepted Answer

Changing your furnace filter is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do yourself, and it should be done every 1-3 months depending on the filter type and your home's conditions.

Start by turning off your furnace at the thermostat or the power switch near the unit - this prevents the system from running while you're working on it. Locate your filter, which is typically found in one of three places: in a slot along the return air duct near the furnace, inside the furnace cabinet it

Question 6

How do I set my thermostat for maximum efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Set your thermostat to 20°C (68°F) during the day when home, and lower it by 3-4 degrees when sleeping or away for maximum efficiency. This simple adjustment can reduce your heating costs by 10-15% annually.

Programming your thermostat properly is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs without sacrificing comfort. During Ottawa's heating season (October through April), aim for 20°C when you're home and awake, then drop to 16-17°C overnight or when away for more than 4 hours. Your furnace o

Question 7

How do I reset my furnace?

Accepted Answer

Most furnaces can be reset using the reset button on the unit itself, but it's important to identify why it shut down before restarting it. A furnace that repeatedly needs resetting indicates an underlying problem that requires professional attention.

First, ensure it's safe to reset your furnace. Check for any gas odors around the unit - if you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call Enbridge at 1-866-763-5427. Also verify that your carbon monoxide detectors are working and haven't bee

Question 8

How do I balance the airflow in my house?

Accepted Answer

Balancing airflow in your home involves adjusting dampers in your ductwork and ensuring proper return air circulation. This process helps eliminate hot and cold spots while improving overall comfort and energy efficiency.

Start with the basics by checking that all supply vents are fully open and unobstructed by furniture, curtains, or debris. Walk through your home and note which rooms feel too warm or too cool compared to your thermostat setting. Replace your furnace filter if it's dirty, as a

Question 9

How do I clean my heat pump coils?

Accepted Answer

Heat pump coils should be cleaned carefully, with outdoor coils being a manageable DIY task while indoor coils typically require professional service. The outdoor condenser coils collect dirt, leaves, and debris that can significantly reduce your heat pump's efficiency, while the indoor evaporator coils are more delicate and harder to access.

For outdoor coil cleaning, start by turning off power to the unit at both the thermostat and electrical disconnect. Remove any debris like leaves, grass,

Question 10

How do I program my thermostat?

Accepted Answer

Programming your thermostat depends on the specific model you have, but most modern thermostats follow similar basic steps. Start by locating the "Program" or "Schedule" button on your thermostat, then set your desired temperatures for different times of day.

For most programmable thermostats, you'll need to set four time periods: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep. A typical energy-efficient schedule might be 68°F when you're home and awake, 65°F when you're away or sleeping. During summer, revers

Question 11

How do I maintain my humidifier?

Accepted Answer

Regular humidifier maintenance is essential for healthy indoor air quality and preventing mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup that can damage your HVAC system and harm your family's health.

The maintenance routine depends on your humidifier type, but all require consistent attention during Ottawa's dry heating season. Bypass and fan-powered humidifiers need their water panels replaced every 1-2 months during active use, while steam humidifiers require monthly cleaning of the steam cylinder and

Question 12

How do I bleed air from my radiators?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding air from radiators is a straightforward maintenance task that can improve your heating system's efficiency. You'll need a radiator key (available at hardware stores), a cloth or towel, and a small container to catch water.

Start with your heating system turned off and radiators cool to the touch. Locate the bleed valve at the top of each radiator - it's typically a small square or hexagonal fitting. Begin with the radiators on the lowest floor of your home and work your way up, as air

Question 13

How do I light my furnace pilot light?

Accepted Answer

Most modern furnaces don't have pilot lights - they use electronic ignition systems instead. If your furnace is more than 15-20 years old and does have a pilot light, this involves working with gas connections and should only be done by a licensed HVAC technician for safety reasons.

For older furnaces with pilot lights, the process typically involves turning off the gas supply, waiting for any residual gas to clear, then following a specific sequence of turning valves and using the igniter butt

Question 14

How do I clean my furnace flame sensor?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning your furnace flame sensor is a simple maintenance task that can solve ignition problems, but safety precautions are essential when working around gas appliances.

The flame sensor is a small metal rod (usually about 4-6 inches long) located near the burner assembly that detects whether the gas is actually burning. When it gets dirty or corroded, it can't properly sense the flame, causing your furnace to shut down for safety. Before starting any work, turn off power to your furnace at th

Question 15

How do I test if my thermostat is working?

Accepted Answer

A faulty thermostat is one of the most common causes of HVAC problems, but fortunately it's also one of the easiest to test. Start by checking if your system responds when you adjust the temperature setting up or down by 5 degrees from the current room temperature.

Begin with the basics - ensure your thermostat display is on and showing the correct time and temperature. If the display is blank, check if it needs new batteries or if a circuit breaker has tripped. Set your thermostat to "heat" mo

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