Blog - Air Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes (Critical Tips)
When temps dip below zero, frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience — they can cause serious damage. Prevention is key.
Tips to avoid frozen pipes:
Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach pipes
Let faucets drip overnight during cold snaps
Insulate pipes in basements, garages, and crawlspaces
Don’t set your thermostat lower than 55°F
Stay warm — and keep your pipes flowing.
The Truth About Furnace Cycling in Deep Cold
Short cycling is when your furnace keeps turning on and off too quickly. It can be caused by clogged filters, oversized systems, or faulty thermostats — all of which get worse in extreme cold.
If your furnace seems restless, here’s what to do:
Replace the filter if it’s dirty
Make sure vents are open and unblocked
Have a pro check your system’s sizing and controls
A furnace working smarter — not harder — means longer lifespan and fewer headaches.
The Connection Between Wildfire Smoke and Your Winter Air Quality
It’s not just summer anymore — wildfire smoke can drift into Minnesota year-round. In winter, when homes are sealed tight, air quality suffers.
What to watch for:
Smoky smell indoors despite windows being closed
Allergy symptoms or breathing discomfort
Fixes:
Use air purifiers with activated carbon
Check and replace furnace filters regularly
Add a fresh-air intake system
Breathe easier, even in winter.
Weather, Power Outages, and Your Heating System: Be Prepared
Minnesota storms can knock out power for hours — or days. So what happens to your heat?
Common issues during outages:
Furnace won’t run without power
Risk of frozen pipes
Thermostats lose programming or backup battery fails
How to prepare:
Invest in a backup generator (portable or whole-home)
Use surge protectors on your HVAC system
Ask your tech about manual thermostat options
Don't let the next storm catch you off guard.
Winter Air Quality in Minnesota: Why It Gets Worse and How to Fix It
Sealing up tight for winter might keep the cold out — but it also traps stale air inside. That’s why indoor air quality (IAQ) can plummet during Minnesota winters.
Common winter IAQ issues:
Dry air that irritates skin and sinuses
Trapped allergens, dust, and pet dander
Reduced oxygen exchange from lack of ventilation
Solutions:
Install a whole-home humidifier
Upgrade to HEPA or MERV-13 filters
Consider an HRV/ERV for fresh air circulation
Cleaner air = a healthier winter.
Why Your Furnace Might Struggle During Extreme Cold — And What to Do
When it’s -10°F outside, even a good furnace can struggle. But what’s normal... and what’s a sign of trouble?
Signs your furnace is overwhelmed:
It runs constantly and never reaches the set temp
Some rooms stay cold while others overheat
Your energy bill spikes unexpectedly
What to do:
Seal up drafts around doors and windows
Add insulation in attics and crawlspaces
Ask about dual-fuel or high-efficiency upgrades
Stay ahead of winter’s worst — and don’t wait until your system fails.
How to Prep Your Furnace for a Minnesota Cold Snap
Minnesota winters are no joke — when the wind chill dips below zero, your furnace needs to be in top shape. Before the next cold snap hits, here’s how to make sure your system is ready:
Change your filter — a clogged one makes your furnace work harder.
Check your thermostat settings — set to heat, schedule is accurate.
Inspect vents and intakes — make sure they’re not blocked by snow or debris.
Schedule a quick tune-up — a technician can catch small issues before they become big problems.
Prep now and avoid the emergency calls later — because no one wants to deal with a blanket burrito emergency at 2 a.m.
Winter Indoor Air Quality: Top Myths vs Facts
Myth #1: Opening windows for a few minutes won’t help.
Fact: Even short bursts of fresh air can reduce indoor pollutant levels.
Myth #2: Humidifiers are just for comfort.
Fact: Balanced humidity protects wood, electronics, and respiratory health.
Myth #3: Your filter doesn’t need changing in winter.
Fact: Filters clog faster when homes are sealed tight.
Get the facts straight and breathe easier all season.
When Ice Dams Form, Your Roof & HVAC Can Pay the Price
Ice dams form when heat escapes through your attic, melts snow on your roof, and refreezes at the edge. This backup can damage shingles, gutters, and even seep into insulation. Your HVAC system ends up working harder to maintain comfort due to lost heat. Prevent ice dams by upgrading attic insulation, sealing leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation. A healthy roof supports a healthy HVAC system.
Minnesota’s Wind Chill — What It Really Means for Your Heat
Wind chill makes the outside feel colder than the actual temperature. While it doesn't directly affect thermostats, it increases the rate of heat loss through walls, windows, and cracks. If your home feels drafty when wind picks up, it might be time to assess insulation and exterior sealing. Reducing airflow leaks keeps your heat in — and your energy bills lower.