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.
Why Is My Furnace Making Strange Noises or Smells?
October 30, 2025
Strange noises or unfamiliar odours coming from your furnace are never pleasant — and they are often a sign that something needs attention. Understanding what these signals mean can help you act quickly and avoid bigger repairs down the road.
Common Furnace Noises and What They Mean
- Squealing or screeching: Often caused by a worn-out blower belt or motor bearing.
- Banging or booming: Could be delayed ignition or expanding ductwork. Have this inspected immediately, as it can indicate a combustion issue.
- Rattling or vibrating: Loose panels, screws, or parts inside the blower housing.
- Clicking: Normal when the furnace starts up, but repeated clicking could mean an ignition problem.
Furnace Smells Explained
- Dusty or burning smell: Normal the first time you turn the furnace on each season; it should fade quickly.
- Rotten egg or sulphur smell: This indicates a possible gas leak — evacuate the home and call your gas company or Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia immediately.
- Musty or damp odour: May indicate mould growth in ductwork or a clogged air filter.
- Electrical or metallic smell: Can signal overheating or wiring problems.
When to Call a Professional
If noises grow louder or smells persist beyond the first few minutes of operation, it is best to have a certified technician investigate. Delaying service can lead to further damage or safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my furnace make noise when starting up?
Some noise is normal, but if it is new, loud, or constant, call for service.
Is a burning smell dangerous?
If it disappears after the first few minutes, it is likely harmless. If it lingers, turn off your system and have it checked.
Can I run my furnace if it smells odd?
No. If you suspect gas or electrical issues, shut off power to the furnace and call a professional immediately.
Local Service You Can Trust
Furnace noises and smells are common in older Orillia homes and can worsen as temperatures fluctuate.
Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia provides fast, dependable diagnostics and repairs throughout Simcoe County to keep your system safe and efficient.
Call 705-413-2057 or book your furnace inspection online.
