Heating Repair Calls Spike During Subzero Snap

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) Mondays frigid temperatures are creating extra work for heating repair companies.

CenterPoint Energy has tripled its staff since Sunday and technicians are working around the clock. CenterPoint spokeswoman Becca Virden said the company has received 800 service calls since Sunday, and crews are expecting more than a thousand more by the days end.

Smaller heating repair companies are also seeing a big boost in business. Seth Roe of Standard Heating and Air Conditioning was called to Denise Days St. Paul home for a furnace repair. She woke up to a freezing cold home and a furnace that wouldnt turn on.

One of my main concerns is that my pipes would freeze. I dont want that. Thats a problem, especially in an old house like this, Day said.

Roe said his work load doubles when temperatures plummet. Furnaces are running longer and more often in the cold weather. Some of the common problems he sees are component failure in the furnace, corroded sensors and burned-out motors.

For many customers, prevention and upkeep are the best way to maintain a functioning furnace in cold weather.

Everybody should make sure they have a clean filter in their appliance. If they have a high efficiency furnace, especially, (with) the PVC pipes that go outside, make sure theres no ice and snow around them. Thats an easy fix for a homeowner and we can get to someone else that needs our services, Roe said.

Furnaces that arent working properly also pose a safety risk. It can lead to carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Roe said its an important reminder to have a working carbon monoxide detector in the home.

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Heating Repair Calls Spike During Subzero Snap