Keeping Warm in a Cold Snap
You’ve probably heard we have some frigid temperatures making way to us this Friday & Saturday (02/03-02/04/2023). Some reports are saying to expect temperatures well below freezing, with high winds! Your heating system is not designed for these temperatures. Let us explain…
With a professionally installed heating system, a load calculation is completed which reports on the “coldest day of the year” how many BTU’s are required to keep your home warm. Industry professionals utilize Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J calculations to complete this. ACCA tells us to use an outdoor design temperature of 7ºF for our region. At GSMS, we use 0ºF as a “play it safe” measure.
What this means is that with temperatures well below 0ºF these next couple of days, your heating system will not be able to keep up. It’s not designed for this weather.
If you have a newer home that is well insulated and sealed, it will struggle to maintain temperature.
If you have an older home with air leaks, the temperature will drop as it tries to heat your home.
Here are a few things you can do:
Raise the temperature in your home 3-5 degrees above your normal setting.
Shut off your programming or smart set-back “eco mode” features on your thermostat. Ensure you have a “permanent hold” on your thermostat.
If you have a forced air system, ensure you have a clean filter installed for maximum airflow.
Make sure all your registers or radiators/baseboards are not blocked or covered by furniture.
Try to keep exterior doors closed as often as possible.
If you have a heating system with exhaust vents that exit the side of your house (not a chimney) ensure those vents are clear of obstructions such as ice build up or snow. Make sure the wind doesn’t blow anything into them. If these become blocked, your furnace will shut down as a safety measure.
If you use supplemental heating such as a stove and you have a forced water system, ensure you keep the boiler running to keep the pipes warm… if a boiler is not running in this weather, the heat pipes will more than likely freeze.
Remember, your heating system is not designed for this weather. It will feel like your home is getting cooler even though your system is working. Check your radiators/baseboards/air vents… if they are hot, your system is working! Ensure your system continues to operate through this cold snap. If your system stops working, please call us, we will be standing by ready to help.