12/05/2025
5 furnace tips for dealing with extreme cold weather
1.Change your filter at least once a month. Your furnace works as hard as it can during extreme cold weather, so it’s important to do everything you can to give it a helping hand. One of the best ways you can do that is to make sure that you have a clean filter installed. If your filter is dirty, your furnace will have to work harder to compensate for the loss of airflow. A dirty filter is an issue at any time of the year, but it’s especially problematic in extremely low temperatures when your furnace is already working its hardest.
2.Don’t don't turn down your thermostat. Although this is a great idea, you should hold off on doing it when the temperatures are extremely low. That’s because your furnace might have a hard time bringing your home back up to your desired temperature, and it will consume a whole lot more energy while it’s trying to do so.
3.Check high efficiency furnace vents outside. If you have a high efficiency furnace, you likely have intake and exhaust vents that lead outside (those PVC pipes that stick out of your home near the ground). Check to make sure that nothing is blocking those vents and that snow or ice has not built up inside them. This will help keep your furnace working properly and safely.
4.Dress warm. Furnaces are powerful, but they can only handle a specific difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. When it’s bitterly cold out, your home might be colder than usual. Be sure to dress warm and use blankets to stay comfortable until the weather warms up a bit.
If you suspect any problems, or in doubt, give Gordon a call! 315-263-1995. It’s best to take care of furnace problems as soon as you encounter them, because nothing would be worse than your furnace going out on one of the days that you need it the most, like today..