This is the 1 Vital Item Experts Urge Homeowners to Have on Hand as Extreme Cold Warnings Roll In – Stay Cozy Without Running the Heating Constantly

We may not even be in winter yet, but already extreme cold warnings – issued when temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time – have begun popping up across the US, with an Arctic front expected to bring the coldest air of the season so far next week.

While the essentials, like portable heaters and electric blankets, are as crucial as ever, what does an HVAC expert specifically urge homeowners to have on hand ahead of time?

Here, our pro shares his one non-negotiable item to prepare your home for a freeze.

The 1 Item Experts Recommend Having in Extreme Cold Weather

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With colder weather conditions on the way, we spoke to Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, to find out his top recommendation for keeping a house warm without turning up the heat.

'One item I always recommend homeowners keep on hand during extreme cold snaps is a plug-in thermostat controller,' he says, recommending the Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller, available at Amazon.

'This plugs into a standard outlet and allows you to control a space heater or heat lamp based on the air temperature. You just set your target temperature and plug your heater into the controller. It will automatically turn the heater on and off to maintain the room or space within the set temperature range.'

This makes it effortlessly easy to maintain the ideal room temperature, even in particularly cold weather.

'Most people overlook this, but it can help keep basements, garages, and equipment rooms from dropping below freezing without running heat nonstop,' he adds. 'I’ve used it in situations where maintaining a temperature of 40°F in a mechanical room was enough to protect sensitive HVAC parts like condensate pumps, mini-split lines, or backup furnace components.

'For best results, hang the temperature probe about halfway between the floor and the ceiling. Avoid placing it directly in front of the heater, as this can skew the readings. Set it a few degrees above freezing if you're protecting a utility room or mechanical closet.

'If you have a ductless mini-split,' a type of HVAC system which provides both heating and cooling without traditional ductwork, 'this controller can help manage backup heat in rooms where the unit might struggle during extreme cold,' continues Josh.

'Some systems begin to lose efficiency or spend more time in defrost mode when outdoor temperatures drop below approximately 17°F, depending on the model. By connecting a small space heater to the controller, you can maintain a safe room temperature without having to continuously run extra heat.

'If you're renting, this is easy to use without requiring any changes to the system. Just unplug it and take it with you when you move.'

For maximum efficacy, you can also arrange a room to maximise heat, which should also help you to cut energy bills, too.

Another recommendation that Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services, suggests is using electric blankets, such as the Homemate Electric Heated Blanket available at Amazon.

'The great thing about electric blankets is that they really don’t use us very much energy,' he explains. 'So, they can be a cost-friendly way to make your bed or couch warmer when you’re cold, rather than cranking up the heat.

'What I like to do is have an electric blanket on my bed, which I then turn on before I actually get in bed, because that gives it the chance to warm everything up. Then, I unplug it, because you don’t want to leave it plugged in while you sleep, as that can be a hazard.'

And, if you're wondering exactly how much it costs to run an electric blanket, they only use very little energy, so you won't need to worry about soaring energy costs by any degree. Zone heating is a great way to stay comfortable without cranking up the heat and your bills.

Additionally, Tamer Sayed, owner-operator of Tamas Mechanical Inc also recommends using a ceramic space heater, such as this Dreo Space Heater available at Amazon, which he says it 'reliable and affordable,' and features tip-over and heat protection.

'It lets you keep one “priority room” warm if the furnace struggles, without heating the whole house,' he explains, advising, to use it most effectively, 'Pick one room and close the door to trap heat. Place it on a hard, level floor with a three-foot clearance from bedding and curtains, and plug it directly into a wall outlet, with no power bars or extension cords.

'Set the built-in thermostat around 20°C [68° Fahrenheit], and turn it off when you leave or sleep. If you want a low-cost add, thermal blackout curtains cut window heat loss at night.'

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Meet the Expert

Josh Mitchell

Air Conditioner Lab was founded by HVAC and tech enthusiast Josh in 2014, as a way for him to document his findings on home air conditioners and cooling methods for more than 10 years.

With cold weather on the way, it's also crucial to protect plants from frost ahead of time, and prepare your home for extreme weather.