Few things are more stressful during an Orillia winter than turning on the furnace… and feeling cold air coming through your vents. It happens more often than you’d think, especially during the sudden temperature drops Orillia is known for. Here are the most common causes we see: 1. The furnace overheated and shut down When airflow is restricted—usually due to a dirty filter—the furnace can overheat and trigger a safety shutdown. The fan keeps running but the heat stops. 2. Frozen vent pipes Orillia’s deep freezes often cause frost buildup in high-efficiency furnace vent pipes. When this happens, the furnace can’t ignite properly and may run without producing heat. 3. Ignition or flame sensor issues Cold temperatures make ignition components work harder. If your furnace tries to light but the flame sensor doesn’t detect heat, it will shut down for safety. 4. Low gas pressure during extreme cold During provincial cold snaps, natural gas pressure can drop slightly. Furnaces with borderline performance may fail to ignite consistently. What to Do If your furnace is blowing cold air, shut it off, check the filter, and make sure your exterior vent pipes aren’t buried in snow or ice. If everything looks normal, call Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia —we can usually diagnose the issue within minutes.
Orillia winters can be unpredictable—one day mild, the next extremely cold. The best way to avoid emergency furnace calls is to prepare your HVAC system before the season hits its peak. Here’s a homeowner-friendly checklist used by the technicians at Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia : 1. Replace your furnace filter before the temperature drops A fresh filter improves airflow, reduces energy bills, and helps prevent overheating shutdowns. 2. Schedule a fall furnace tune-up Tune-ups catch early signs of ignition issues, blower problems, cracked hoses, and worn components—all of which commonly fail during heavy winter use. 3. Clear snow and ice from exterior vents High-efficiency furnace vent pipes can freeze easily. Keeping them clear ensures your system runs safely. 4. Test your thermostat settings Make sure your thermostat responds properly and is placed away from cold drafts. 5. Seal windows and doors Even the best furnace can’t compensate for major heat loss around windows and doorframes. Weatherstripping and caulking can drastically reduce heating costs. 6. Listen for unusual furnace sounds Banging, rattling, or grinding noises are early indicators of a mechanical failure. Why It Matters Preventative work saves Orillia homeowners hundreds of dollars in avoided breakdowns and keeps your home consistently warm through the coldest storms. If you want peace of mind this winter, Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia can perform a complete winter-readiness check to make sure your system is prepared for whatever the season brings. Contact us today for fast HVAC services !
Winter is our busiest season at Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , and year after year, we see the same types of furnace failures once temperatures drop below freezing. If you’re a homeowner in Orillia, here are the issues most likely to affect you: 1. Faulty Flame Sensors Flame sensors get coated in carbon from heavy winter use, causing the furnace to shut down repeatedly. A quick cleaning usually solves the issue. 2. Blower Motor Problems When the blower motor wears out, homeowners hear grinding, humming, or squealing noises. In winter, motors work harder and failures become common. 3. Pressure Switch Failures This small but crucial part detects airflow inside your furnace. When it fails—or when vent pipes get blocked—the furnace won’t start. 4. Limit Switch Trips If your furnace overheats (often from a clogged filter), the limit switch triggers a safety shutdown. These repeated trips can eventually wear it out. 5. Thermostat Malfunctions Old thermostats often misread temperatures in cold weather, causing short cycling or heat loss. Why Winter Repairs Are More Urgent Cold temperatures make minor issues escalate quickly. A furnace working at 50% capacity in November can fail completely during January’s cold snaps. At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we prioritize fast winter response, same-day repairs, and honest pricing—because no homeowner should be left without heat.
Energy-Saving Furnace Tips for Simcoe County Homes
November 14, 2025
Keeping your home warm in an Orillia winter can be costly, but small changes make a big difference. With rising energy prices, homeowners are increasingly searching for ways to reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort. The good news is that most savings start with furnace efficiency.
Simple Ways to Reduce Heating Bills
- Change your furnace filter regularly. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder.
- Keep vents clear. Open and unobstructed registers allow even heat distribution throughout your home.
- Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable or smart thermostats automatically lower temperatures when you are away or asleep, saving up to 10% annually.
- Seal air leaks. Use weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
- Have your furnace inspected annually. A tuned furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
Energy-Efficiency and Furnace Replacement
Older furnaces (15–20 years) often operate at only 60–70% efficiency. Modern high-efficiency furnaces achieve up to 98% AFUE, converting almost all fuel into heat. If your system is aging, upgrading may lower your monthly bills and qualify for Ontario energy rebates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thermostat temperature is most efficient?
Set your thermostat between 20–21°C when home and lower it 3–4°C while sleeping or away.
Will upgrading my filter help efficiency?
Yes, but ensure proper airflow. Overly dense filters can strain the system if replaced incorrectly.
Is furnace replacement worth it?
If your unit is older than 15 years or requires frequent repairs, upgrading to a high-efficiency model can reduce long-term costs.
Save Energy, Stay Comfortable
At
Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia, our licensed technicians can help you lower your heating costs through maintenance, efficiency upgrades, and expert advice.
Call 705-413-2057 to schedule your furnace tune-up or efficiency assessment today.
