Cambridge: What The Groundhog’s Day Blizzard Means To Your Home Heating System

Cleanup continues on the snow and ice from the Groundhog’s Day blizzard, while news of the next approaching storm – due to hit the Cambridge area this weekend – has local homeowners planning for another wild, wintry mess.  The extreme weather we’ve had this winter can take a toll on your home heating system.  Here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe and warm  until springtime – which Puxatawny Phil has promised will come early this year!

Keep Interior Temperatures Steady and Warm

Money’s tight all over, and the temptation is there to turn the thermostat way down to save a few dollars – especially when everyone’s at work or school.  Bear in mind that the brutal winds and low temperatures we’ve been experiencing can lead to frozen pipes.  The heat from your living space plays a role in keeping pipes unfrozen: don’t turn the thermostat below the low sixties.  It’s also less wear and tear on your home heating system to maintain a steady interior temperature than to repeatedly warm space allowed to get very cold.

If your pipes do freeze, call your Cambridge plumber right away.  Frozen pipes can be thawed safely, but it takes knowledge, the right tools, and time. Never attempt to thaw frozen pipes with a torch or open flame: this is very dangerous!  If your pipes have burst, your Cambridge plumber will be needed to handle repairs, replace broken pipes, and help you prevent the problem from recurring.

It’s Vital To Keep Vents Open

Accumulating snow and ice pose a potential threat to Cambridge home owners.  Every home heating system has an exhaust that vents dangerous chemicals and components away from your family.  It’s vital to keep these vents – and, if you have a high efficiency furnace, air intake vents – open.  Do not allow snow or ice to cover or block the vents.  If a vent is covered, dig it out!