What to Know About Furnace Repair During Cold Weather

When temperatures plummet to 0°F or below, even the best furnaces can have a hard time keeping your home warm. It’s not always a sign that your furnace is broken—extreme cold can push HVAC systems beyond their limits. Understanding how your furnace works in frigid weather can help you avoid unnecessary furnace repair service calls, saving time, money, and hassle.

Why Is My Furnace Struggling to Heat Past 70°F?

Furnaces are typically designed to handle temperature differences of up to 70 degrees. When it’s 0°F outside, a properly sized and installed furnace can keep your home at 70°F, but anything colder than that can cause it to struggle. Several factors can contribute to your furnace’s performance, including:

  • Dirty filters
  • Blocked or obstructed ducts
  • Undersized equipment for extreme conditions

In many cases, your furnace is working as hard as it can, but extreme weather simply makes it more difficult to reach higher temperatures.

3 Things to Check Before You Call for Furnace Repair

Here are simple steps you can take to determine if your system is running properly before scheduling furnace repair:

  1. Check the thermostat setting
    If your thermostat is set above 70°F, your furnace might just be struggling to reach that temperature due to extreme cold. Avoid scheduled nighttime temperature setbacks when it’s this cold, as it makes your system work even harder to warm up.
  2. Feel a supply vent
    Place your hand near a supply vent. If warm air is coming out, your system is functioning, and a service call may not be necessary.
  3. Inspect your furnace filter
    A dirty filter can reduce airflow and efficiency. Check your filter and replace it if it’s clogged with dust and debris.

Does My Furnace Need Service? 

Cold snaps can challenge even the most efficient HVAC systems. By knowing what to check, you can avoid unnecessary service calls and keep your furnace running smoothly. If you still suspect a problem or notice unusual noises, weak airflow, or other warning signs, professional maintenance may be needed.

At Baumann & DeGroot, we’re here to help you stay warm, comfortable, and stress-free all winter long. For trusted heating service and expert advice, reach out today at (616)396-4328 or schedule online.  


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