Extreme Cold in Minnesota: How to Protect Your Home, Heating System & Safety

Cold Weather Warnings

Cold Weather Tips

As builders, we want to share a few important reminders as Minnesota heads into a dangerous cold snap.

When temperatures plunge to 30 below or colder, our homes are pushed into conditions they simply aren’t designed to handle for extended periods. Even well-maintained systems in newer homes can struggle, and older homes may gradually lose heat—even with the furnace running nonstop.

That doesn’t automatically mean something is broken.

Understanding what’s normal in extreme cold—and how to help your systems perform their best—can reduce stress, prevent damage, and keep your household safe.

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Why Extreme Cold Is So Hard on Homes

Heating and electrical systems are engineered for typical winter design temperatures, not prolonged arctic events paired with high winds. When heat loss outpaces heat production, indoor temperatures can slowly drop despite everything working as intended.

Extreme cold doesn’t usually cause failures—it reveals weaknesses that already existed, such as airflow restrictions, aging components, or insulation gaps.

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How to Help Your Heating System Perform More Efficiently

Before the worst cold arrives, consider these steps:

1. Give Your Furnace a Head Start

Raise your thermostat a few degrees before temperatures bottom out. This helps your system maintain heat instead of trying to recover once the cold is already locked in.

If you use a programmable thermostat, switch it to “hold” mode. Allowing nighttime setbacks during extreme cold can make it nearly impossible to regain lost warmth.

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2. Check and Replace Your Furnace Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow, reducing heating capacity when you need it most. If it looks dirty—replace it. This is one of the simplest ways to improve performance immediately.

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3. Keep Garage Doors Closed

Attached garages can act like giant refrigerators when doors are left open. Cold air easily migrates into adjacent rooms and mechanical spaces, increasing heat loss and system strain.

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4. Limit Exterior Door Openings

Every door opening lets in a surge of frigid air that can take hours to offset. Be mindful, especially during wind events.

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5. Clear All Vents and Intakes

Make sure supply vents, return grilles, and radiators are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or snow.

For high-efficiency furnaces and boilers, check intake and exhaust pipes outside. Snow or ice buildup can cause shutdowns or error codes—even if the furnace itself is fine.

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6. Know What “Normal Struggle” Looks Like

If your home is slowly cooling but warm air is still coming from vents or radiators, don’t panic right away.

In extreme cold with strong winds, some systems simply can’t keep up until conditions moderate. That doesn’t mean your furnace has failed—it means it’s operating at its limits.

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What NOT to Do

🚫 Never use ovens, grills, or fuel-burning devices to heat your home.

These create serious carbon monoxide risks and can be deadly—even with brief use.

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When to Call a Professional Immediately

Contact a licensed professional if you experience:

• Burning or electrical odors

• Buzzing, popping, or sparking sounds

• Repeated circuit breaker trips

• Flickering lights

• Loss of heat to critical areas

• Error codes or furnace shutdowns that don’t resolve

These are signs of real issues—not just cold weather strain.

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Look Out for Each Other

Please take time to check on neighbors, elderly residents, pets, and anyone who may need help during this stretch. Extreme cold can escalate quickly for those without reliable heat or support.

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Stay Warm. Stay Safe.

Minnesota winters demand respect—and preparation makes all the difference.