⚠️ Polar Vortex Coming? (416) 424-4328 — HVAC Prep Scarborough
Prepare Your HVAC for Extreme Cold in Ontario — Polar Vortex Heating Guide
When Environment Canada issues an extreme cold warning for Scarborough and the GTA (temperatures below −20°C), your HVAC system is under maximum stress. Here is how to prepare.
Before Extreme Cold Arrives
- ✅ Set thermostat minimum to 16°C when you leave (prevents pipes from freezing)
- ✅ Ensure exhaust/intake pipes are not blocked by snow or ice
- ✅ Replace filter (restricted airflow on a cold snap stresses the heat exchanger)
- ✅ Test furnace 2–3 days before expected cold snap — confirm it fires and heats properly
- ✅ Heat pumps: do NOT disable auxiliary/emergency heat strips — you will need them below −15°C
During Extreme Cold (−20°C or Below)
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to keep pipes warm
- Let taps drip slightly if temperatures drop below −25°C
- Check exhaust pipe every 4–6 hours for ice blockage (common with −25°C+ winds)
How do I prepare my furnace for extreme cold in Ontario?
To prepare your furnace for extreme cold in Ontario: replace filter, check exhaust and intake pipes for blockages, test the furnace 2–3 days in advance, and keep thermostat above 16C even when away. Call Madina Mechanical 24/7 at (416) 424-4328 if your furnace fails during extreme cold.
🔗 Emergency Furnace Repair Scarborough | Furnace Repair Scarborough
24/7 Emergency Heating Scarborough: (416) 424-4328
