February 6, 2026

When extreme cold and snow hit Western and Upstate New York, your home’s comfort and safety depend on a heating system you can count on. At NOCO, we help homeowners stay ahead of dangerous winter conditions with professional maintenance, reliable fuel delivery, and expert service for everything from furnace repair to full heating system installations.

Preparing now helps ensure your system runs safely, efficiently, and reliably when you need it most, especially during deep freezes and snowstorms.

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Your Extreme Cold & Snow Prep Checklist

When snow piles up and temperatures drop fast, a few quick checks can prevent serious problems.

1. Check Your Furnace Vents for Snow Blockage

One of the most important and most overlooked winter tasks is making sure your furnace exhaust and intake vents are not blocked by snow or ice.

These vents are typically white PVC pipes located on the side of your home. They allow your furnace to safely exhaust gases and bring in fresh air. If they become blocked by snow drifts, your system can shut down or become unsafe.

NOCO recommends checking:

  • Furnace intake and exhaust vents

  • Dryer vents

  • Heat pump units

  • Gas meters and regulators

Check these areas daily during heavy snow and high winds, as drifting snow can block them even after you have already cleared them once.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and can lead to breakdowns, especially during extreme cold when your furnace is running nonstop.

  • Replace your filter regularly

  • A clean filter improves efficiency, performance, and indoor air quality

  • It also reduces strain on your system during peak demand

3. Change Thermostat Batteries

Something as simple as dead thermostat batteries can cause a no-heat situation in the middle of winter.

  • Replace batteries at least once a year or before extreme cold hits

  • This prevents communication failures between your thermostat and furnace

  • It is a small step that can prevent a big headache

4. Make Sure Your Fuel Supply Is Ready

If you use propane or heating oil, winter storms are not the time to discover your tank is low.

  • Make sure your tank is filled before major cold snaps

  • Consider automatic delivery or monitoring for peace of mind

  • NOCO ensures your fuel supply is reliable, even in severe weather

Why Professional Maintenance Matters, Especially in Extreme Cold

Regular professional maintenance is the best way to protect your system and avoid emergency breakdowns when temperatures are at their worst.

When you schedule a winter prep or maintenance visit with NOCO, our technicians will:

  • Perform a comprehensive furnace inspection and cleaning

  • Replace or check filters

  • Test and calibrate your thermostat

  • Inspect vents, airflow, and system safety components

  • Identify small issues before they become major failures

This ensures your system is ready to handle long run times, bitter cold, and heavy winter demand.

Outdoor Exposure & Safety

Even if your home is prepared for extreme winter conditions, being outdoors in bitter cold poses serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures, wind chill, and moisture can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, conditions that can occur quickly and have long-lasting effects.

Frostbite & Hypothermia Risks
Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin. Signs include numbness, tingling or stinging, hard or waxy skin, and loss of feeling. Hypothermia occurs when your body’s core temperature drops below normal and may begin with uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slow speech, and drowsiness. It can become life threatening if not treated promptly.

Dress for Safety
If you must go outside:

  • Dress in multiple layers of loose, warm clothing to help trap heat and block wind.

  • Cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less when wind chills drop below 25 degrees below zero.

  • Wear a warm hat, scarf, insulated gloves or mittens, and waterproof boots.

  • Stay dry, since wet clothing increases heat loss.

Limit Time Outside
When temperatures dip far below freezing, limit your time outdoors as much as possible and take frequent breaks inside to warm up. Check on older family members, friends, and neighbors, and ensure portable heaters are being used safely. If symptoms of cold exposure appear, get to a warm location immediately.

Trust NOCO for Expert Home Heating

With decades of experience serving homeowners across Western and Upstate NY, NOCO is your trusted partner for reliable comfort year-round. From preventive maintenance and furnace repair to professional heating system installation, our team delivers dependable service backed by local expertise and 24/7 support.

Contact NOCO today to schedule a maintenance visit, request fuel delivery, or learn more about upgrading your heating system for long-term comfort and efficiency.