01/25/2026
❄️ Furnace Reminder ❄️
While we’re experiencing temperatures much colder than what we typically see, it’s important to understand that many of these conditions are beyond ideal design limits for furnaces in our region.
Why It’s Important Not to Overwork a Furnace During Extreme Cold ❄️
Furnaces are designed to operate within specific design conditions—outdoor temperatures, airflow, and run times they can safely handle for long periods. When temperatures drop well below those conditions, the system can still run safely, but how it’s asked to operate matters.
The goal during extreme cold is steady operation, not aggressive recovery.
Recovery demands more than steady heating. When a thermostat is set back overnight and then asked to recover several degrees in frigid temperatures, the furnace has to:
• Run at maximum output
• Run for much longer continuous cycles
• Push higher temperature rise across the heat exchanger
That combination creates unnecessary thermal stress, especially when the system is already operating at or near its capacity due to extreme outdoor conditions.
Long run times are normal — overdriving is not
There’s a big difference between:
• A furnace running steadily and continuously to maintain temperature (normal and safe)
• A furnace being forced to recover aggressively while already running at full capacity
Maintaining temperature requires less stress
Overworking doesn’t equal better comfort
Trying to force higher indoor temperatures during extreme cold often results in:
• Minimal comfort gain
• Increased wear on the furnace
• Higher energy consumption
Letting the system operate within its limits keeps it efficient, safe, and reliable.
The Smart Approach in Extreme Cold
✔ Hold a steady temperature
✔ Avoid night setbacks
✔ Ensure good airflow
✔ Accept longer run times as normal
Stay warm everyone, and remember—this weather will pass ❄️
