Keep Your Furnace Working During the Polar Vortex in Indianapolis
Homeowners and residents of Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, and the broader Central Indiana area have seen a polar vortex before. But with each time one hits, extremely low temperatures and harsh conditions put your home’s heating system to the test. Our goal is to always arm homeowners with great information to keep them safe and comfortable, and avoid preventable emergency calls during the extreme cold.
Get a Furnace Tune-Up: You know you should be doing this, but you haven’t yet. Don’t waste another moment, get your furnace maintained today. With the extreme cold about to hit Central Indiana, it demands that your HVAC system be in peak condition. Schedule annual maintenance with Homesense to keep your furnace running smoothly.
Check Your Filter: The heavy usage of your furnace during cold spells means filters get dirty quickly. Check and replace them before the temps drop for optimal airflow and furnace efficiency.
Clear Vents: Ensure that all vents in your home are not obstructed. This is especially important for return air vents that pull air back into your furnace. If you don’t know what vents are your return air, they’re usually larger and have no damper. If you have any questions, take a picture and send it our way. Keeping air flowing is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures and preventing overworking of the furnace, especially in spacious homes common in Carmel and Fishers.
Keep External Vents Clear: Regularly check and clear snow and ice from furnace vents and intakes. Blocked vents are hazardous and can lead to inefficient heating and safety risks. If a high efficiency furnace can not get the adequate intake air and exhaust, it will shut down your system.
Get Smart … Thermostat: A wifi enabled and programmable thermostat can be a game-changer in managing home heating efficiently. Lower the temperature when away and increase it when at home to reduce strain on your furnace. Or, if you’re home
Check Your Ductwork: Double checking that your ductwork is well insulated and isn’t leaking with also help ensure that your air is getting to the right places, and keeps your home heat desirable. Heat loss during a cold front can be especially challenging for furnaces, and potentially overwork the system. This can also keep your heating bills lower during the rest of winter.
Recognize Your Furnace Capacity: Understand that during a polar vortex, continuous furnace operation might be necessary. This, or your expectations may need to be adjusted. The temperature difference between the outdoor air and the indoor temperature (or Delta Temperature) typically ranges around 50 degrees during the winter, so as it gets below zero, know that your furnace may struggle. This is especially true for larger homes in areas like Carmel and Fishers that tend to have alot of windows and vaulted celings.
Carbon Monoxide Safety: Install or check carbon monoxide detectors this weekend. This is particularly important in older Indianapolis homes where furnaces might not be as efficient.
Plan for Emergencies: With Indianapolis’ unpredictable weather, have a backup heating plan like portable heaters, but always prioritize safety.
With all of the above, know that Homesense is always ready to help on furnace repairs. Our reliable, local HVAC Service Team will be working overtime to help customers across the Indianapolis. Call Now
By taking these specific steps, homeowners in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, and the surrounding Central Indiana regions can significantly enhance their readiness for a polar vortex. Remember, like with everything “failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”
