01/23/2026
I’m an electrician and wanted to share this with everyone during the extreme cold we are experiencing.
Over the next several days, we will see temperatures around 30 below zero with wind chills even colder. These conditions are outside what most residential and light commercial electrical and heating systems are designed for.
During extreme cold like this, newer homes may struggle to maintain temperature and older homes may slowly lose heat even while the heating system is running continuously. This does not always mean something is broken.
Here are some steps you can take to help keep your electrical and heating systems operating reliably.
1. Raise your thermostat setting 2 to 4 degrees above your normal setting before the coldest temperatures hit. This helps prevent your system from falling behind.
2. Take programmable thermostats out of setback mode and place them on a permanent hold. Letting temperatures drop overnight makes recovery very difficult in extreme cold.
3. If you have a furnace, check and replace the filter if it is dirty. Restricted airflow can cause shutdowns or reduced heat output.
4. Keep garage doors closed as much as possible. Cold air entering attached garages can significantly affect adjacent living spaces and electrical equipment.
5. Limit opening exterior doors. Even short openings allow extreme cold air to enter and can cause temperature drops that take hours to recover from.
6. Make sure supply vents return air grilles and radiators are not blocked by furniture boxes or stored items.
7. If you have a high efficiency furnace or boiler, make sure intake and exhaust pipes are clear of snow and ice. Ice buildup can cause the system to shut down.
If your indoor temperature slowly drops but your vents are blowing warm air or your radiators are hot, do not panic. In extreme cold, systems can run constantly and still lose ground until outdoor temperatures improve.
Heating and electrical systems are typically designed for much milder outdoor conditions. When temperatures fall far below zero with high wind, they cannot always recover until conditions improve.
Do not use ovens grills or other heat sources to warm your home. These are serious carbon monoxide hazards.
If you notice burning smells buzzing or popping sounds repeated breaker trips flickering lights or loss of heat to critical areas, those are signs to call a professional.
Extreme cold does not create electrical problems. It exposes existing ones.
Please check on neighbors elderly residents and anyone who may need help during this cold stretch.
Stay warm and stay safe.
Gray Duck Electric
651-285-995
