Boise and the entire Treasure Valley have been experiencing some pretty cold temperatures, with some days dipping into the single digits. Those are the days when the furnace is needed most, and will have to work harder and run more frequently.
Keep it running efficiently during extreme temperatures with these tips:
1. Leave the Thermostat Alone
During regular winter temperatures, people tend to turn the thermostat down while they are away at work, and increase the temperature when they come home. In extreme cold, this isn’t the best idea. It can cause the furnace to work even harder to bring the house back up to the correct temperature.
2. Change the Filter
Clean filters help furnaces run at their peak performance. If it’s been awhile since the filter was last changed, it’s a good idea to swap it out for a cleaner one during these colder temperatures. If the furnace has to battle a dirty air filter along with extremely low outdoor temperatures, it won’t work efficiently, or be able to keep up with the thermostat demand.
3. Dress Warm
With such a huge difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the furnace may have a hard time reaching the desired thermostat setting. Dressing warmly in layers, using extra blankets, or a fireplace will help everyone stay warm without having to depend as much on the furnace.
Having a working furnace in single digit temperatures is important. Diamond Heating and Cooling is available for any heating problems homeowners in the Treasure Valley might have this winter. Stay warm and call the experts at Diamond Heating and Cooling with any questions, concerns, or emergencies, or to schedule your next furnace maintenance appointment!
How to Stay Warm if the Furnace Quits
Sometimes the unthinkable happens and the furnace quits working in the middle of winter. Diamond Heating and Cooling can help with these emergencies, but homeowners need to do what they can to protect their home and stay warm until help arrives. Here are some ways to do that:
- Close the curtains. The sunlight probably won’t do much in winter, so close the blinds and curtains. This helps trap the warm air inside, and keeps as much of the cold air out as possible.
- Close off rooms. Close the doors to any rooms that aren’t being used. This will keep the heat in the areas that are needed.
- Open cabinets. If there’s a chance the pipes could freeze by the time help arrives, open all of the cabinets where pipes are housed so the pipes have more access to the heat that is already inside of the home. This can prevent them from freezing.
- Light candles. Candles put out more heat than people realize. A few candles lit around the house can add a little more warmth. Just be sure not to leave them unattended.
- Cook. Cooking or baking something in the oven can create a lot of heat. After the food is done baking, leave the oven door cracked open to release the excess heat into the kitchen.
- Use electric heaters. Small portable heaters can put out some serious heat, but they need to be set up and watched carefully. If they fall over and don’t have a safety turnoff, they could end up starting a fire. Be sure to keep flammable items away from space heaters too.
- Bundle up. Curl up on the couch with some blankets. It won’t make the house itself warmer, but it will make everyone more comfortable.
Having a furnace quit in the middle of winter can be scary, but Diamond Heating and Cooling is available for any emergencies. We want everyone in the Treasure Valley to stay warm this winter!
Contact us online or give us a call to schedule a service appointment!