Central Indiana just got hit with 11 inches of snow—and if your furnace seems louder or is running constantly, you’re not imagining it. The good news? In most cases, your system is doing exactly what it’s designed to do: working overtime to keep your family warm when temperatures drop and snow piles up.
That said, heavy snowfall does put extra strain on your heating system, and it’s worth knowing what’s normal versus what deserves attention.
Extreme Cold + Snow = Longer Run Cycles
Snow may insulate the ground, but it brings frigid air temperatures with it. When outdoor temps drop into the teens or lower, your home loses heat faster through walls, windows, and attics—even with good insulation. Your furnace compensates by running longer cycles to maintain your set temperature. This isn’t a malfunction; it’s physics.
Snow Can Restrict Air Intake and Exhaust
High-efficiency furnaces pull in fresh air and exhaust combustion gases through PVC pipes that vent outside your home. When snow drifts pile up or wind-driven snow accumulates around these pipes, airflow can become partially blocked.
You might notice:
- The furnace short-cycling (turning on and off rapidly)
- Error codes on your thermostat display
- The system shutting off unexpectedly
These symptoms often resolve once the obstruction is cleared.
Your Home Is Being Used Differently on a Snow Day
Snow days mean the whole household is home. Doors open more often as kids go in and out. Showers run longer. The kitchen stays busy. All of this increases your home’s heating demand while also letting conditioned air escape more frequently. If you’ve also bumped up the thermostat a degree or two for comfort, your furnace feels the difference.
Signs Your Furnace Is Working Hard—but Still Healthy
Even during extreme weather, a well-functioning furnace will:
- Deliver consistent warm air from the vents
- Run longer than usual without strange noises
- Maintain even temperatures throughout the home
If your system checks these boxes, it’s likely handling the snow day just fine.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Not all furnace behavior during a snowstorm is normal. Call a professional if you notice:
- Cold air blowing from your vents
- The furnace turning on and off repeatedly in short bursts
- Unusual smells (especially burning or gas odors)
- Loud banging, grinding, or rattling noises
- Carbon monoxide detector alerts
These issues require immediate attention and shouldn’t be written off as “just the cold weather.”
Simple Snow-Day Checks Homeowners Can Do
Before you call for service, try these quick troubleshooting steps:
Check your air filter. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder and can trigger shutdowns. If it’s dirty, replace it.
Clear intake and exhaust pipes. Go outside and make sure the PVC pipes near your furnace aren’t buried in snow or blocked by ice. Gently brush away any accumulation.
Confirm thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is where you want it. Check the batteries if it’s battery-powered.
Listen for changes. If your furnace sounds different than it did yesterday—louder, clunkier, or quieter than usual—pay attention.
Heavy Snow Means Heavy Lifting for Your Heating System
Snow days push your furnace harder than normal, and that’s expected. Most systems are built to handle the extra demand. But awareness matters. If something doesn’t feel right—if your home isn’t warming up, your furnace is behaving erratically, or you’re seeing warning signs—trust your instincts.
Absolute Comfort is here if you need us. Whether it’s a quick question or an urgent repair, we’re ready to help keep your home warm all winter long.