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.
How to Prepare Your AC Unit for Winter in Orillia
September 19, 2025
Before winter, have Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia inspect both your AC and furnace.
While your furnace takes over during winter, your AC still needs attention before the cold sets in. Proper winterization protects your investment and helps ensure your system is ready for next summer.
Turn Off the Power
Locate the electrical breaker or shut-off switch near your outdoor AC unit and turn it off. This prevents accidental operation during freezing weather.
Clean the Unit
Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from around the unit. A quick rinse with a garden hose helps keep it clean.
Cover the AC
Invest in a breathable, waterproof AC cover. This protects against snow, ice, and falling debris without trapping moisture inside.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe covers to insulate exposed refrigerant lines, preventing them from cracking in cold temperatures.
Schedule a Final Checkup
Before winter, have Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia inspect both your AC and furnace. That way, you’re confident both systems are in top shape.
