Updated July 4, 2025

Our appliances need routine checkups, just like us. Regular servicing not only extends your appliances’ lifespan, but also lowers the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Maintenance matters — here’s why

• It can keep your home safe.
  Regular maintenance can help prevent rare but hazardous gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposures and fire risks.
• It can improve efficiency.
  Clean and well-maintained equipment works more efficiently, which can lead to lower energy use.¹
• It can help appliances last longer.
  Routine care reduces wear and tear, helping your appliances last longer.
• It can lower repair costs.
  Catching small issues early can prevent expensive repairs or emergency breakdowns.

Five key steps to help maintain your appliances 

Step 1: Find out when your appliances need servicing 

Annual maintenance is generally recommended, but make sure to check your owner’s manual. It can tell you how often your equipment needs to be serviced and what the service should include.

Watch for changes

Be on the lookout for changes in your appliances that may require you to call a contractor right away. Some warning signs may include:

• soot or corrosion (white, brown or black streaks) on your appliances
• pilot light outages
• delayed ignition or start-up
• strange sounds during operation
• the smell of burnt dust or rotten eggs
• a yellow or wavering flame
• too much or too little heat

Step 2: Book your service with a licensed contractor

Use our online directory to find a Technical Safety BC-licensed contractor to service your appliances. Learn about the requirements for contractors to be listed in our directory, and get tips for hiring a contractor.

Check your furnace filter at least every three months and replace or clean it if it’s dirty

Step 3: Have your appliance maintenance checklist ready

Once your appointment is booked, be sure to visit Technical Safety BC for a detailed maintenance checklist for your furnace, boiler, fireplace and/or heat pump. Having a checklist will help ensure your contractor does a complete service of your appliance.

To help you get started, here are some general items your contractor should take care of:

• Secure all electrical connections and check the power going to the motors. Loose wires can be unsafe and might make your system wear out faster.

• Lubricate all moving parts. If parts aren’t oiled, they cause friction in motors and use more electricity.
• Check the drain line in the air conditioner, furnace or heat pump (when it’s cooling). If the drain is blocked, it can cause water damage and affect indoor humidity levels.
• Test the system controls to make sure everything turns on, runs and shuts off safely and correctly.
• Inspect the burner, gas valve, ignition system, door gaskets, venting and air openings of your fireplace.

Step 4: Apply for rebates

Don’t forget to apply for rebates after you get your appliances in shape! You could get up to $150 when you service your gas furnace or boiler, tankless water heater and/or fireplace(s). Or, you could get a $50 rebate for having your heat pump serviced. Terms and conditions apply.

Explore our appliance maintenance rebates

Step 5: Mark your calendar

Set a reminder for your next service so you don’t miss it. Remember, regular maintenance keeps your appliances running safely and efficiently year after year–and can help you save on repair costs over time.

¹Natural Resources Canada, Guide to maintaining your home heating and cooling system.