Wondering if your furnace is running normally during cold weather? Here’s what you need to know.

Normal Furnace Run Times

Wondering how long your furnace should stay off between cycles? During extreme cold, it’s normal for your furnace to:

Run up to 60 minutes per hour
Have shorter off cycles between runs
Operate almost continuously in sub-zero temperatures

If your furnace runs differently than this, or if your home isn’t staying warm enough, keep reading for solutions.

When Your Heater Can’t Keep Up with Cold Weather

A properly sized furnace should maintain a 70-degree temperature difference between the outside and inside. This means that if it’s zero degrees outside, your furnace should keep your home at 70 degrees. However, when temperatures drop below zero, even well-functioning systems may struggle.

Signs Your Furnace Is Working Normally

Consistent operation during cold weather
Even temperatures throughout your home
Regular cycling patterns
Maintaining temperature within a few degrees of your setting

Signs You May Need Service

Frequent short cycling
Long periods without running
Unable to reach set temperature
Uneven heating between rooms

Solutions When Your Home Is Too Cold

Immediate Actions You Can Take

Your home’s structure helps resist temperature changes. Use this to your advantage by slightly raising your temperature before extreme cold arrives. This “pre-heating” can help maintain comfort during the coldest hours.

What Not To Do

Avoid common mistakes that can make your situation worse:

Don’t place space heaters near your thermostat – this causes premature system shutoff
Avoid using fireplaces during extreme cold – they can actually pull heated air out of your home
Don’t close too many vents – this can create system pressure issues

Protecting Your Home

During extreme cold:

Open cabinet doors to protect pipes
Keep interior doors open for better air circulation
Ensure all windows are fully closed and locked
Check for drafts around windows and doors

When to Call for Professional Help

Contact Getzschman Heating for furnace repair if:

Your furnace can’t maintain comfortable temperatures
Run times seem unusually short or long
You notice unusual noises during operation
Your energy bills have increased significantly

Don’t wait until your system fails completely. Our expert technicians are available 24/7 to:

Diagnose performance issues
Optimize system operation
Ensure safe functioning
Restore your comfort quickly
Answer your questions about how long your furnace should run

Call (402) 235-6727 for prompt service on all makes and models.