Multiple Fuel Sources & the Dreaded Cold Snap

This past fall has been no exception to a typical Rhode Island temperature roller coaster. But as we start preparing for the holidays, we’re also getting ready for colder weather right around the corner. Many Rhode Island homeowners utilize several different fuel sources to heat their homes. While homes are primarily heated by oil or gas-fired boilers or furnaces, secondary systems include everything from pellet and wood stoves to fireplaces and ductless heat pumps.

State-funded rebates and incentives are encouraging more and more Rhode Island residents to move away from fossil fuels and toward electrically powered heat pumps, with an increasing number of them installing “dual fuel” heating systems. Although redundant heating systems may be an effective way to have a backup heat source if one were to fail, they are also a surprising cause of freeze-ups, burst pipes, and even equipment failure.

“But how” you may be asking, “does a house freeze up if it utilizes two heating systems?”

Typically, boilers are out of sight and out of mind, tucked away in the basement or crawl space where they send hot water into the house to emit heat through radiators and baseboards. Both the pipes along with the radiators and baseboards are typically nestled close to the exterior walls and windows.

When thermostats are turned up high and boilers are running, freezing pipes are not a concern. However, when homeowners rely on their secondary system, i.e. their woodstoves or heat pumps, the thermostat will not call for the boiler to fire.

Cue the dreaded cold snap when temperatures drop exceedingly low at a rapid clip. The boiler will be caught unaware and while the interior of the house (or envelope) may remain comfortable, frigid air begins to penetrate exterior walls and windows. Unbeknownst to you, the pipes in those walls (carrying unheated water) begin to freeze and expand–bursting the pipe and spraying water out into the walls or basement or even at the boiler. Now cue the insurance claims, deductibles, adjusters, contractors…you get it.

When we get down to extreme sub-freezing temperatures that come on suddenly, we see what happened to many homeowners in 2023; an extreme number of freeze ups due to the utilization of dual fuel systems. That’s why we highly recommend letting these water-based systems (also called hydronic) operate at a minimum temperature or set point to avoid these messy and costly freeze-ups.

Other Maintenance Tips for Surviving a Cold Snap
There are a few ways to protect your equipment from failing during extremely low temperatures. For starters, make sure that the exhaust and intake are clear. Any blockage in the forms of leaves, debris, ice, or snow can cause the boiler/furnace to shut down and create a loss of heat or even worse, carbon monoxide to build up in the house.

Similarly, for furnaces, it’s recommended to regularly change out the filters and make sure they’re sized appropriately. Dirty or ill-fitting air filters restrict air flow and can cause the furnace to blow cold air instead of warm. Lastly, customers with heat pumps will be no strangers to freeze-ups. In these cases, do not chip away at the ice as this could damage the coil. Instead, run some warm (not hot) water over it to thaw. Heat pumps come equipped with a defrosting setting, but the situation will be improved by thawing it manually first.

Related Post: Why Oil Tank Inspections Are Important in RI & MA

Stay Safe & Warm with Aquidneck Services

If you find yourself in need of heating service this winter, look no further than the friendly professionals here at Aquidneck Services. Get in touch with us today for everything from a free quote on your new heating system installation to a tune-up or to enroll in a service plan.