What is the polar vortex?
The polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air that typically swirls around the Earth’s poles, particularly the North Pole.
unbranded – Newsworthy
As a forecasted polar vortex threatens to bring extreme low temperatures to the northeast over the next week, it will be best to stay indoors as much as possible. But what about protecting your home from the cold?
The polar vortex is an area of swirling cold air in the Earth’s polar regions. During winter, the polar vortex at the North Pole expands, sending cold air southward, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Real feel temperatures throughout the northeast, including New England, could hit as low as single digits between today and Jan. 12, according to AccuWeather forecasters.
Ahead of the forecasted blasts of frigid air, here’s what to know about keeping your home in good condition.
How to protect your home during the polar vortex
Freezing temperatures can creep indoors if homes are not properly prepared and protected. Here are some tips for keeping your home warm during the upcoming polar vortex, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors:
- Make sure your home is properly insulated
- Prepare your furnace
- Schedule a routine check-up with a HVAC professional to assess the condition of your furnace or HVAC. Make sure to maintain upkeep, such as cleaning your vents and replacing your air filters.
- Inspect your fireplace and chimney
- Make sure to remove excess debris and buildup in your fireplace or chimney that could pose a fire hazard. Keep the flue closed when your fireplace is not in use.
- Clean out gutters
- Clean and remove any debris from gutters so that snow and ice melting from your roof can easily flow down and out through your gutter system.
- Set thermostat
- Be mindful about overworking your furnace during stretches of below-freezing temperatures. Keep your home at a minimum of 65 degrees so that your pipes do not freeze and potentially burst. If you have overhead fans in your home, be sure to set them to rotate clockwise, which will push the warm air down from the ceiling.
- Prevent pipes from freezing
- Pipes can freeze and potentially burst in extremely cold weather. Prevent this by insulating them, letting water drip from the connected faucets, turning up your thermostat and opening cabinet doors to let warm air in around them. If they freeze and burst, immediately shut off your home’s water connection.
How cold will it be during the polar vortex?
During the polar vortex, temperatures could reach 12-25°F below average in some states, according to AccuWeather.
According to AccuWeather’s latest forecast, much of the northeast is expected to reach real feel temperatures as low as single digits between Jan. 8 and 10. In Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, temperatures could fall below zero.
