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5 Ways to Help Your Furnace Deal With Extremely Cold Weather

When it gets extremely cold out, your furnace needs your help to deal with the extra strain of heating your home. Here are five ways to manage an extreme weather event.

1. Clean or Change Your Filter

A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder than it needs to. Your furnace needs all the help it can get when it’s bitterly cold out, so make sure the filter is clean. This will help keep your furnace from working overtime to heat your home.

2. Lower Your Thermostat Setting

You should set the temperature 3–5 degrees lower than you normally do, and keep it there. With a lower temperature setting, the furnace won’t have to work as hard to heat your home. If you’re accustomed to turning down the temperature when you are away or asleep, stop this practice temporarily. Getting your home’s temperature back up again in these circumstances will be very difficult for your furnace.

3. Prepare Your Home Ahead of Time

Before winter arrives, make sure your home’s doors and windows are sealed. Repair any cracks so that warm air stays in your home instead of leaking outside.

4. Keep the Vents Clear

High-efficiency furnaces have exterior vents that are low to the ground. Make sure these stay free of snow and ice. Otherwise, your furnace’s performance will be negatively impacted, and safety issues could arise. A vent that is frozen over can even shut your furnace off.

5. Have Your Furnace Properly Maintained

You should have an HVAC professional check your furnace once a year before winter arrives. A well-maintained furnace is better able to handle low temperatures than one that hasn’t been checked out in a while.

Your Local HVAC Specialist

Based in Burbank, Certified Service has been in business since 1972. We offer a full range of AC and furnace installation, repair and maintenance. We also service heat pumps, perform light commercial work and act as a property management firm. Please call us today to find out how we can help you.