Before Vancouver Island's heating season, homeowners should replace furnace and heat pump filters, test the thermostat in heat mode, clear leaves from outdoor heat pump units, check boiler pressure, test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, test the sump pump, disconnect garden hoses and insulate exposed pipes, and book annual heating maintenance before the first cold snap.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Vancouver Island winters are usually more wet than cold, which makes it easy to forget about heating until the first frosty night. That is exactly when heating calls spike. Work through this list in September or October.
Heating equipment
- [ ] Replace or clean filters in the furnace, air handler or ductless heads
- [ ] Switch the thermostat to heat and confirm warm air within a few minutes
- [ ] Replace thermostat batteries if it uses them
- [ ] Clear leaves and debris from around outdoor heat pump units — keep 60 cm of clearance
- [ ] Check boiler pressure on the gauge; typical residential systems run in a narrow range when cold — note anything unusual
- [ ] Look for water under the furnace, boiler or indoor heat pump coil
- [ ] Listen for new noises on first start-up: banging, squealing or rattling
- [ ] Relight or test gas fireplaces before you rely on them
Safety
- [ ] Test carbon monoxide alarms on every level and near bedrooms
- [ ] Test smoke alarms
- [ ] Keep the furnace area clear of storage, paint and cleaning supplies
- [ ] Check outdoor vents for gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters are not blocked
If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911. If you smell gas, leave and call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside.
Water and rain
- [ ] Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit
- [ ] Clear gutters and downspouts before the atmospheric rivers arrive
- [ ] Check the sump discharge outlet is clear
- [ ] Know where your main water shut-off is — and make sure it turns
Frozen pipe prevention
- [ ] Disconnect garden hoses
- [ ] Shut off and drain outdoor taps from the inside valve
- [ ] Insulate pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls
- [ ] Plan for trips — keep the heat on and have someone check the house during cold snaps
Older homes with pipes in uninsulated crawlspaces are most at risk. If your home has Poly-B piping, a freeze-thaw cycle is an extra reason to plan replacement.
Book annual maintenance
A yearly service by a qualified technician checks burners, heat exchangers, safety controls, refrigerant operation and defrost — the things a homeowner checklist cannot. It also keeps manufacturer warranties valid.
WayWest HomeCare puts your boiler, furnace, heat pump or AC on a regular schedule with 5% off. Or request a one-time tune-up — we reply within the hour during business hours, and new customers save 5% with a coupon.
Thinking about a heat pump instead?
If your furnace or baseboard heat is near the end of its life, fall is a good time to compare options. Homes on electric heat have a rebate bonus deadline on October 31, 2026 — see heat pump rebates in 2026.
Common questions
When should I service my furnace or heat pump on Vancouver Island?
Early fall, before the heating season starts in earnest. Booking in September or early October avoids the rush that comes with the first cold week, when service calls spike.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Check it monthly during the heating season. Standard 1-inch filters often need replacing every one to three months; deeper media filters last longer. A dirty filter reduces airflow and can cause a furnace to overheat and shut down.
How do I prevent frozen pipes on the Island?
Disconnect garden hoses, shut off and drain outdoor taps from inside, insulate pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls, and keep heat on in the home when away during cold snaps.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.