Green Daily

With extreme freezing temps across many parts of the country, many people are finding that their furnaces can't keep up with the cold.

I live in an area getting hit with these Arctic blasts and the other day I noticed that my furnace has been running nonstop trying to keep up the temperature. According to an article in the Daily Journal, when the temperatures plummet, furnaces get a workout that they can't keep up with, and this can lead to motors and parts giving out.

Unfortunately, it's just when the temperatures plummet and you really need your furnace, that it is most likely to run into problems. Long term, you'll want to plan to replace your furnace every 15 years, although many people are trying to stretch that out longer due to the economy .

Here is one solution that might prevent a breakdown right when you need your furnace most: Turn the temperature down to ensure your furnace is still cycling during extreme weather, going through on and off periods. Of course, take extra caution if you have young children or the elderly in the home and be sure to layer on those layers!

Photo James Jordan on flickr