Why Your Furnace Blows Cold Air During Orillia’s Deep Freezes

December 16, 2025
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.

How to Prepare Your Orillia Home for a Harsh Winter (Expert HVAC Checklist)

December 11, 2025
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 !

The Most Common Furnace Repairs We See in Orillia Every Winter

December 8, 2025
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.
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Pre-Winter Furnace Checklist for Orillia Homes

October 30, 2025
furnace repair orillia

As the crisp air settles over Orillia and Simcoe County, the coming winter means one thing for homeowners — it is time to ensure your furnace is ready. The last thing anyone wants is to discover a malfunctioning heating system on the first freezing night of the season. Preparing your furnace before the cold hits can prevent costly repairs, save energy, and keep your home safely warm all winter long.


Why a Furnace Tune-Up Matters

Winters in Orillia can be harsh and unpredictable. Regular furnace maintenance ensures that every component is working efficiently and safely. Annual tune-ups reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns, improve heating performance, and help your system last longer. Neglecting your furnace until temperatures plummet often leads to emergency repairs, higher energy bills, and potential safety risks like carbon monoxide leaks.


Your Pre-Winter Furnace Checklist

  1. Replace or clean the air filter. This is one of the simplest and most effective steps to keep airflow strong and energy use low.
  2. Inspect your thermostat. Confirm that it reads accurately and responds quickly to temperature adjustments.
  3. Clear supply and return vents. Keep them free from furniture, rugs, or drapes that may restrict circulation.
  4. Check your carbon monoxide detector. Replace batteries and test functionality — this is vital for safety.
  5. Inspect the outdoor intake and exhaust pipes. Remove snow, debris, or insect nests that may block ventilation.
  6. Schedule a professional inspection. A certified technician from Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia can clean burners, check gas pressure, test the heat exchanger, and verify safe operation.


Frequently Asked Questions


How often should I service my furnace?
Once a year — ideally in the fall before consistent cold weather sets in.


Can I perform maintenance myself?
You can replace filters and clear vents, but internal cleaning and combustion testing should be left to professionals.


What if I smell gas or see an orange flame?
Turn off the system immediately and call a qualified HVAC technician. These are potential signs of unsafe combustion.


Stay Warm and Worry-Free

Beat the rush and schedule your furnace tune-up before the first frost. Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia provides trusted, local heating services that keep homes across Orillia, Severn, and Oro-Medonte warm all winter long.


Call 705-413-2057 to book your seasonal maintenance today.