How to Keep Warm During Extreme Cold Weather
We receive an increase in calls every time the temperatures drop below normal ranges, as homeowners here in Ohio encounter problems with their home’s heating system and keeping warm.
With the record-low temperatures and extreme conditions most of the country is currently experiencing, our Wm Price Heating Co professionals want to share some insights and tips with you to keep your house cozy while Old Man Winter blusters away outdoors.
Three Heating System Insights
Here are a few insights into your heating system’s operation during freezing weather:
1. Furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps were not designed for temperatures in the -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (and below) range; they were designed for outdoor temperatures dipping to 0 degrees.
When windchills are near the temperatures are near these extremes, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will work much harder than usual. Keep in mind that you cannot expect it to perform normally, and you may run into some problems with it.
2. Even though your heating system is working at full capacity, if your Girard, home is newer, your HVAC system may still struggle to maintain your designated temperature and may not always succeed.
If your home is older, your system will likely not be able to maintain the target temperature, compromising your comfort, mostly due to lack of insulation in certain areas of the home.
3. If you discover your home’s temperature dropping, but your vents are blowing hot air, or your boiler’s radiators are still hot, this is simply due to the extreme outdoor temperatures. Just continue to be sure your heating system is operating.
What Are Some Heating System Tips?
Be sure to stay safe by using common sense in these frigid temperatures. These outdoor conditions may tempt homeowners to take unwise and unsafe steps, which could result in tragic events like fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Here are some of our best heating system tips:
• Increase your home’s temperature by a couple of degrees above your normal setting now, before the worst hits, and then leave your thermostat alone. Do not turn it back down at night. In this extreme cold, your heating system will struggle to return to where you originally had it set.
• Replace your filter if you have a furnace. Ideally, in the winter months, especially during these ultra-cold spells, you should change the filter routinely.
• If your ceiling fans have the reverse setting for colder months, be sure the blades are moving clockwise to keep the warm air moving.
• If necessary, set one room in your home to be the warmest room. Close any blinds or drapes to keep warmth in and put blankets over your windows using your curtain rod to reduce window heat loss.
• Check all registers/air vents and radiators are clear of any obstructions or blockages. Keep furniture away to allow the best airflow.
• Keep your garage doors closed.
• Avoid repeatedly opening/closing exterior doors.
• If you have a high efficiency gas furnace, the intake and exhaust use PVC pipes to the outdoors. It’s extremely common for snow to build up around these pipes with snow accumulation and wind, which could lead to the openings becoming blocked.
Keep the pipes clear for successful venting. Clear snow accumulation and ice buildup around them, however, if your pipes are located on your roof, do not go on your roof to clear them.
• Keep your outdoor heat pump clear of snow and icicles.
• A humidifier can help make the air in your home feel warmer. A humidifier adds extra humidity to your indoor air, making it feel warmer.
• It is extremely dangerous to heat your home with an oven, stove, or grill. Be sure to keep your cupboard doors open where your plumbing is located to allow your heat to keep your pipes warmed. The last thing you want is frozen or burst pipes.
In the event your furnace stops operating, keeping indoor faucets on a constant trickle with room-temperature water may help to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.
• Check on neighbors or anyone elderly in this freezing weather to be sure they are safe and warm.
Contact Us Today for Your Heating Needs
At Wm Price Heating Co, we want to help you keep your Girard, home comfortable in these record-low temperatures and arctic weather. Follow our tips for keeping your heating system in operation. If you encounter any problems, please contact us at 330-545-3722 or request service online. Let’s all help each other during this biting cold weather.