One in three (36%) homeowners say Labour Day's arrival is the most important sign that Fall is here, while 41% say it's when the leaves begin to turn colour.

Three quarters (74%) usually wait until at least October before firing up their furnace and thirteen percent (13%) won't even think about doing this until November.

Approximately two-thirds of homeowners do not have annual maintenance checks performed, leading to a higher risk of equipment failure during the cold, winter months.

A new poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Enercare Home Services, found that despite the fact that homeowners have a basic knowledge of how to maintain their furnace, many are not taking proactive steps to ensure their furnace is running properly before the cold weather hits. 

A survey of more than 1,000 homeowners conducted in September 2019 by Ipsos found that one in four (25%) of homeowners admit to never having their furnace serviced, and while only 37% actually do this, Enercare recommends that every homeowner have a furnace maintenance before temperatures drop.

With Canada being known for its long and cold winters, it's especially important that homeowners have their furnaces regularly maintained, to avoid breakdowns during cold snaps.

"Similar to getting your car tuned up and oil changed, your furnace requires the same level of maintenance to get ahead of minor issues before they become costly breakdowns. By testing your furnace before the cold weather hits, you are able to address any concerns ahead of time and ensure your family is comfortable all season long," says Dave Gosling, Vice President of Field Operations for Enercare.

One simple way to test your furnace is to turn the thermostat up and turn your furnace on for at least 15 minutes. If your vents are blowing warm air and you don't hear any strange noises, your furnace is likely in good shape!

A regular maintenance tune-up performed by a licensed technician will ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. If you notice any irregularities once your furnace is running, turn off the unit immediately, and contact a licensed professional.

Fun Facts

When do you turn on your furnace for the first time?
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of homeowners wait until at least October before firing up their furnace.  Thirteen percent (13%) of Ontario homeowners won't even think about doing this until at least November. A small portion of Ontario homeowners, four percent (4%), turn their furnaces on before October.

What's your furnace set at?
Once their furnace is up and running for the season, a majority (59%) of homeowners keep their thermostat between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, on average, during the winter months. Men typically like it cooler, as they prefer a thermostat setting of 17 degrees Celsius, or less.

Has Autumn un-officially started?
One in three (36%) homeowners say Labour Day's arrival is the most important sign that Fall is here. However, 41% of homeowners think the most important sign is the moment the leaves begin to turn colour.

Original Article:  Cision: winter-is-coming

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The TLJ Team