YOUR HOME YOUR WAY n THE BRANDON SUN n APRIL 2026
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Alexy Hernandez, a sheet metal worker with Brandon Heating and Plumbing, pulls together pieces of a new Lennox furnace being installed as part of a giveaway program to a family on Stickney Avenue last October. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun files)
One area where Hydro’s role is clear is safety. In emergencies, such as suspected gas leaks or carbon monoxide concerns, “our services are free as we aim to ensure safe- ty,” Chura said. Chura said every visit includes checks for carbon monoxide and gas leaks as part of the standard procedure. If a home- owner suspects it before help arrives, the advice is immediate and non-negotiable: leave the house. For non-emergency situations — like a furnace that simply isn’t producing heat — Hydro’s re- sponse is typically same-day, within 19 hours. During the visit, technicians
no-heat calls within 30 to 120 minutes — significantly faster than utility response times for non-emergency issues. That quicker turnaround can make a critical difference during extreme cold, es- pecially for families with young children, seniors or vulnerable individuals. Homeowners sometimes assume Hy- dro provides full furnace inspections or maintenance, but “that’s not the case.” The utility does not conduct general furnace inspections unless tied to per- mitting for a newly installed unit. In In emergencies, such as suspected gas leaks or carbon monoxide concerns, our services are free as we aim to ensure safety. ~ Peter Chura Media Relations Officer, Manitoba Hydro
those cases, the only cost involved is the permit itself. For most routine or repair-related issues, Hydro directs customers to pri- vate contractors. “In most situations, customers should contact a technician,” Chura said. When temperatures plunge across the Westman region, response time becomes critical. That window can feel long during a deep freeze, making it all the more im- portant for homeowners to understand who to call and when. In practical terms, Hydro’s
role is to ensure gas flows safe- ly and reliably — not to fix the furnace itself. If your home is cold, Hydro can confirm whether the issue lies with the gas supply. If it doesn’t, the next call should be to a qualified HVAC professional. It’s a distinction that can save time — and stress — when the heat suddenly stops. Hydro’s job, Chura said, is to “help find the root cause” and guide homeowners toward the right solution.
will confirm whether natural gas is reaching the home and wheth- er there are any immediate safety concerns. If the issue lies within the furnace itself, homeowners will be advised to contact a pri- vate contractor. That’s when HVAC compa- nies step in. Hope said his team can usu- ally respond to local emergency
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