Picture this: it’s the first snow day in London, Ontario. You wake up to a frosted window, put on the coffee, and flip the thermostat — but nothing happens. No warm air, no reassuring hum from the furnace. Within an hour, your house feels like an icebox.
For many homeowners, this stressful scenario is their wake-up call that their furnace needed attention weeks ago. To help homeowners avoid that situation, we sat down with John Finan, founder of Finan Home Service, a leading HVAC company London, Ontario residents have trusted for more than 30 years.
John shared why indoor air quality matters, how proper heating and cooling maintenance keeps your home healthy, and why calling experienced HVAC technicians early can save you time, money, and stress when winter arrives.
Meet John Finan
“When I started Finan Electric back in 1994, it was just me and the back of my family car,” John says. “I wanted to create a company focused on residential service and safety. Over the years, with my wife Martha’s support — she runs Finan Swim School here in London — we’ve grown into a company with 18 team members, a 6,000-square-foot facility, and some of the most fully stocked service vehicles in the city.
“Our goal has never changed: to treat every home we work in with the same care and respect we’d give our own.”
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Homeowners
“Your furnace does more than just heat your house,” John explains. “It’s the heart of your home’s air system. If it isn’t clean and well-maintained, it circulates dust, allergens, and even mold spores through every room.
“When clients or guests visit your home, they notice how the air feels — even if they don’t say anything. Fresh, clean air sets the tone for comfort and professionalism. And for families, good air quality means fewer allergy flare-ups, fewer headaches, and a healthier environment overall.”
This is why many homeowners schedule seasonal maintenance with an HVAC company in London, Ontario. Clean air doesn’t just protect your health — it makes your home a more welcoming space for everyone who enters.
Signs Your Furnace or HVAC System Needs Attention
We asked John how a homeowner can tell if it’s time to call in the pros.
John’s Top Warning Signs:
- Uneven heating — some rooms are too warm while others stay chilly
- A sudden spike in energy bills with no change in usage
- Strange noises, rattling, or unusual smells when the system runs
- Dust building up faster than usual on furniture
- The furnace cycling on and off more often than normal
“If you notice any of these,” John says, “it’s time to schedule a tune-up or, if necessary, a furnace repair service. Our HVAC technicians are trained to catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies.”
What a Furnace Tune-Up Really Includes
Many homeowners think a furnace checkup is just turning it on to see if it runs — but John says it’s far more comprehensive.
“During a tune-up, we inspect and clean the blower, replace or upgrade filters, check for carbon monoxide leaks, lubricate moving parts, and test airflow to make sure every room is getting heat evenly,” he says. “Think of it as a complete health check for your heating and cooling system.”
A tune-up doesn’t just protect your furnace — it helps your entire HVAC system run efficiently, which can lower monthly energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Advanced HVAC Services for Healthier Air
John says more homeowners are looking for ways to go beyond basic maintenance.
- HEPA Filtration: Captures up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, and allergens.
- UV Light Air Purification: Neutralizes bacteria, mold spores, and viruses.
- Duct Cleaning: Removes years of dust buildup, improving airflow and air freshness.
- Humidity Control: Balances dry winter air, reducing static shocks and dry skin.
“These upgrades can be game-changers,” John says. “They’re especially helpful for families with allergies or anyone working from home who needs clean, fresh air to stay productive.”
Homeowner Winter Checklist
To help readers prepare for the season, John shared a simple pre-winter checklist:
Replace furnace filters (monthly during peak use)
Schedule a furnace tune-up with an HVAC company London, Ontario trusts
- Test your carbon monoxide detector
- Clear vents and registers of furniture or obstructions
- Reverse ceiling fan direction to push warm air down
- Check that your thermostat is working correctly
“Doing these few things early,” John says, “can prevent emergency calls in the middle of a snowstorm.”
Why Timing Matters
London’s first deep freeze is often when HVAC London, Ontario service providers get overwhelmed with calls. “Booking your tune-up in October or early November gives you peace of mind,” John explains. “Taking action early also gives you time to make informed decisions if a larger furnace repair service in London, Ontario, or even a full replacement, is needed — instead of being forced to choose under pressure during a snowstorm.”
The ROI of Clean Air and Maintenance
When asked why furnace care should be a priority, John didn’t hesitate:
“Your health is your most valuable asset. A well-maintained furnace helps protect that. Clean air means fewer sick days, fewer headaches, and more productivity if you work from home. And from a financial standpoint, tune-ups are cheaper than major repairs — plus they help lower energy bills.”
Well-trained HVAC technicians also spot potential problems with your cooling system, so when summer comes, your air conditioning is ready to go.
Creating a Client-Ready Home
For entrepreneurs who host clients — therapists, consultants, or coaches — a quiet, efficient HVAC system is essential.
“People relax more easily in a well-balanced space,” John adds. “They might not notice why — they just know they feel comfortable. And that helps them focus on the reason they came to see you.”
TheHomeTrotters Takeaway
At TheHomeTrotters, we love a good DIY project, but some things are better left to the pros — and furnace care is at the top of that list. Partnering with a trusted HVAC company London, Ontario homeowners rely on is one of the best ways to ensure safe, efficient heating and cooling.
As John puts it:
“When your furnace is running smoothly and your air is clean, you can focus on what really matters — enjoying your home and making memories with the people in it.”
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t scheduled your maintenance yet, now is the time. Whether you’re changing filters, booking a tune-up, or exploring advanced HVAC services in London Ontario, the earlier you act, the better prepared you’ll be for winter.
Clean air, reliable heat, and peace of mind aren’t luxuries — they’re what make a house feel like home.