As the arctic storm approaches - the bitter cold is closing in. What can you do to prepare? First suggestion would be to prepare your heating & plumbing for the approaching cold.

Here are some quick tips to ensure your furnace & pipes stay warm along with YOU during this frigid time:

• Set your thermostat higher than you normally would - this will build up the heat in your home before the cold arrives to help your furnace work smarter, not harder. Because these extreme temperatures are hard on your furnace, it will likely run constantly until the outside temperature returns to normal.
• Change your filter if you haven't already! The cleaner your filter, the better airflow that will run through your furnace.
• Layer up with blankets & clothing during this time - your heater will be working overtime already and will likely still not bring it up to the temperature that you have it set to.
• Shut the registers in unused rooms if they don't have plumbing - and close your doors to these rooms as well to conserve heat!
• Cover the base of your exterior doors to lessen the entry of cold air - towels & blankets work perfectly!
• Keep your garage door closed to keep that warm air inside.
• If you have any plumbing in your garage, place some space heaters nearby to keep that area as warm as possible.
• Open all cabinet doors with plumbing on exterior walls - and keep a small amount of water dripping!
• Locate your water shut-off valve before the cold hits so that you can be prepared in case of an emergency pipe burst.

If you have troubles, many heating & air companies are preparing for many calls during this time - find your local company ahead of time in case they are needed!