Extreme cold in Michigan comes with its own set of problems. When temperatures fall fast, your plumbing and HVAC system take the hit first. Pipes freeze, furnaces struggle, and small issues can turn into big emergencies if you’re not prepared. The goal is simple. Keep heat moving, keep water moving, and keep cold air out. Once you understand that, protecting your home becomes a lot easier.
Start with the thermostat. During an extreme cold warning, consistency is everything. Set your thermostat to at least 68 and leave it there. Large temperature swings force your furnace to run in short, heavy bursts, which increases the risk of a breakdown when you need heat the most. If you’re leaving home, resist the urge to lower the temperature. In dangerous cold, the savings aren’t worth the risk of frozen pipes or a no-heat emergency.
Insulate the vulnerable areas of your home. Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls freeze first because they don’t get steady heat. A frozen pipe can crack in hours once temps drop. Open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate. If your plumbing runs along exterior walls, keep a slow drip going on those faucets. Moving water is far less likely to freeze. Pipe insulation is inexpensive, easy to install, and one of the most effective ways to prevent costly water damage.
Your furnace needs airflow to operate safely. Look at the intake and exhaust pipes outside your home. Snow, ice, and slush can block them, causing your system to shut down. After any snowfall or high winds, clear the area around those pipes. Indoors, make sure your air filter is clean. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder, which shortens its lifespan and reduces heat output right when you need it the most.
Seal the leaks you can see and the ones you can’t. Drafts around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic access points let cold air pour into the house. When that cold air mixes with warm air inside, your furnace runs constantly trying to keep up. Weatherstripping and caulk are simple fixes that make a big difference in comfort and efficiency. If you have a drafty basement or crawl space, even a temporary barrier helps hold heat where it belongs.
Don’t forget your sump pump if your home has one. Many winter plumbing emergencies happen when a sump pump discharge line freezes. When the line backs up, water returns to the foundation and eventually into the basement. Clear snow from around the discharge outlet and check that the line hasn’t iced over. This is an overlooked but critical step, especially during long stretches of freezing weather.
Know how to handle a frozen pipe before panic sets in. If a pipe freezes but hasn’t burst, do not use direct flames to thaw it. That causes more damage and creates a fire hazard. Apply slow, controlled heat using a space heater placed safely away from walls, or wrap the pipe in warm towels. If you hear cracking, see bulging, or notice water leaking, shut off the main water supply and call a professional immediately.
Your HVAC system also gives early warning signs that trouble is coming. Uneven heat, new noises, rapid cycling, or air that feels cooler than usual all signal that the system is struggling. Extreme cold amplifies these issues. Addressing them early prevents full system failures and costly after-hours repairs.
Extreme cold doesn’t have to mean emergency repairs. With the right preparation, you protect your home, lower your energy bills, and reduce the strain on your furnace and plumbing. A few minutes of prevention saves hours of frustration and hundreds of dollars in damage.
If you need backup, Warren Systems offers 24/7 emergency service across Lapeer County.