Purcell Heating & Air is a trusted HVAC and water heating company serving Calgary and surrounding Southern Alberta communities with reliable heating, cooling, and hot water solutions. Our experienced technicians provide professional furnace repair, furnace installation, furnace maintenance, air conditioning repair, AC installation, AC replacement, heat pump services, hot water tank installation and repair, tankless water heater installation and service, and indoor air quality solutions for homes and businesses. We understand Calgary’s extreme climate and the importance of dependable year-round comfort. That’s why we focus on honest recommendations, upfront pricing, quality workmanship, and responsive service. Whether you need a furnace repair on a cold winter day, a new air conditioner for summer, a hot water tank replacement or an energy-efficient tankless water heater our team is here to help. At Purcell Heating & Air, our goal is simple:keep Calgary homes and businesses comfortable, efficient, and supplied with reliable hot water all year long.
Calgary homeowners booking an annual furnace tune-up often have no idea what the technician should actually be doing during the visit — which makes it impossible to evaluate whether they are getting genuine professional service or a filter change and a cursory visual inspection at professional service prices.
This is the complete checklist of what a proper Calgary furnace tune-up should cover. Every item. Use it as a reference before booking, and use it to evaluate the service you receive.
The Safety Components — These Come First, Every Time
Heat exchanger inspection. The heat exchanger separates combustion gases — including carbon monoxide — from the air circulated through your home. A certified technician inspects the heat exchanger using a mirror, a proper light source, and where appropriate, combustion analysis. A crack anywhere in the heat exchanger is a non-negotiable replacement indicator. This is not a component that can be assessed with a quick visual glance — it requires deliberate, thorough inspection technique.
Carbon monoxide detector check. Your CO detectors should be tested at the start of every heating season. A furnace tune-up visit is the right moment for this check.
Combustion analysis. A flue gas analyser measures the composition of exhaust gases from the furnace — confirming that combustion is complete, that CO levels are within acceptable limits, and that the air-to-gas ratio is correct. Without this tool, there is no way to objectively confirm safe combustion quality.
Flue pipe inspection. The flue pipe carries combustion gases to the exterior of the home. Any obstruction, disconnection, or deterioration means gases are not being properly vented. Technicians inspect the accessible flue and exterior termination during every tune-up.
The Mechanical Components
Igniter testing. Electronic igniters degrade over thousands of heating cycles. Resistance measurement during the tune-up identifies igniters approaching end of life — allowing proactive replacement at scheduled cost rather than emergency replacement when the furnace fails to start.
Flame sensor cleaning and verification. The flame sensor accumulates oxidation and combustion residue that causes the furnace to light and immediately shut off. Cleaning during the tune-up prevents this symptom from developing during the heating season.
Gas pressure verification. Correct gas pressure at the manifold is verified against manufacturer specifications using a manometer. Incorrect pressure affects combustion efficiency, heat output, and burner component longevity.
Inducer motor assessment (high-efficiency furnaces). The inducer motor draws combustion gases through the heat exchanger and out the flue. On high-efficiency models, inducer motor condition is checked as part of the pressure switch verification sequence.
Blower motor performance check. The blower motor distributes heated air throughout your home — and the same motor circulates air through the AC in summer. Amperage draw is measured against rated specifications. Bearing condition is assessed through sound and vibration.
Capacitor testing. The run capacitor for the blower motor is tested against rated capacitance. A capacitor testing below 80% of rated value is approaching failure — identifiable proactively during a tune-up.
The Efficiency and Comfort Components
Condensate drain clearing (high-efficiency models). High-efficiency condensing furnaces produce condensate that drains through a drain line. Biological growth and mineral deposits from Calgary’s moderately hard water accumulate in this line and can cause water backup issues and pressure switch shutdowns.
Thermostat calibration. The thermostat is verified for accurate temperature sensing and correct response to heating calls. A thermostat reading 1°C high causes the furnace to shut off before reaching the actual set temperature.
Filter assessment. The technician assesses filter condition and type, confirms the MERV rating is appropriate for the system’s airflow capacity, and provides guidance on the correct replacement schedule.
Supply and return air temperature measurement. Measuring the temperature of air entering the furnace and air leaving the supply registers confirms the system is producing its rated heat rise — the difference between return and supply air temperature at designed output.
Airflow verification. Airflow at supply registers throughout the home is checked to confirm the duct system is delivering conditioned air where it is needed.
The Documentation
Written findings report. Every component checked. Every condition observed. Every issue identified. Every recommendation with urgency assessment. This report is what you receive before the technician leaves — not a verbal summary you may misremember in February when the igniter finally fails.
What a Calgary Furnace Tune-Up Costs
A comprehensive professional furnace tune-up in Calgary covering everything on this checklist costs $120 to $200. Any quote significantly below this range for a claimed comprehensive service should prompt questions about what is actually being skipped.
Purcell Heating & Air provides comprehensive furnace tune-up service across Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, Chestermere, Strathmore, Canmore, and Bragg Creek. Written findings report on every visit. Book your Calgary furnace tune-up here.
