From blizzards and bitter cold to summer heatwaves and heavy storms, Minnesota homeowners are no strangers to extreme weather. But preparing your home for these temperature swings doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart upgrades and regular maintenance, you can protect your home, reduce energy bills, and stay comfortable no matter what the forecast says.
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping local homeowners weather every season for over 50 years. Below are cost-effective ways to prep your home—and how we can help you do it.
Seal Your Home’s Weak Spots
Small air leaks can lead to major energy loss. Gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to creep in. This forces your heating and cooling system to work harder than it needs to, increasing your energy bill.
What you can do:
- Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal drafty doors and windows.
- Check for gaps around plumbing pipes and outlets.
- Install foam gaskets behind light switch covers on exterior walls.
Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home from extreme temperatures. Proper attic, wall, and basement insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round.
Pro tip: Start with your attic. Heat rises, so poor attic insulation is often a leading cause of winter heat loss.
Get a Pre-Season HVAC Inspection
One of the easiest ways to prepare for extreme weather is by ensuring your heating and cooling system is running at peak performance. An annual tune-up can identify small issues before they become expensive repairs—or worse, system breakdowns during a cold snap or heatwave.
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, our seasonal maintenance services include:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Cleaning coils and components
- Replacing filters
- Inspecting for wear and tear
- Testing system safety and efficiency
Bonus: Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your system and keeps your warranty valid.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat, like the Lennox iComfort®, can help you stay comfortable while cutting energy costs. These devices learn your habits and adjust temperatures based on your schedule—automatically reducing energy use when you’re away or asleep.
Key benefits:
- Remote access via smartphone
- Real-time energy use tracking
- Zoned temperature control
- Integration with other smart home systems
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Lennox System
Older furnaces and air conditioners struggle to keep up with extreme temperatures—and they cost more to run. If your system is more than 15 years old, replacing it with a Lennox high-efficiency model could significantly lower your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort.
Consider:
- The Lennox SL28XCV Air Conditioner, which boasts one of the highest SEER ratings on the market.
- The Lennox SLP99V Gas Furnace, which offers up to 99% AFUE and variable-speed technology for ultra-precise comfort.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Small steps can make a big difference when the weather turns nasty:
- Use thermal curtains to block out cold air in winter and heat in summer.
- Clear gutters to prevent ice dams and water damage.
- Reverse ceiling fans in winter to push warm air down.
Protect Your Home with Help from Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning
Weather in the Twin Cities is unpredictable—but your comfort doesn’t have to be. Whether you need a full system upgrade, seasonal HVAC maintenance, or advice on improving your home’s energy efficiency, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.
We’re a locally owned company with over 50 years of experience, proudly installing and servicing top-of-the-line Lennox systems for homeowners across the region.
📞 Ready to prepare your home for extreme weather