How Cold Can a House Get Without Heat in Sheboygan, WI?

Professional Services
April 20, 2024

How cold can a house get without heat? Sheboygan’s chilliest months can dip below freezing, so this concern is entirely justified. 


As one of the first choices when you Google “top-notch furnace repair companies near me,” we at Professional Services know much about our area’s heating needs. Keep reading as we lend some insight and help keep your winters comfortable.


How Fast Will a House Chill Without Heat?

When the heat shuts down unexpectedly, your interiors will eventually become as cold as the air outside. Most homes will retain a bit of warmth for about 8 to 12 hours but don’t bet on it lasting much longer. You should:


  • Tightly shut all doors, windows, and other openings
  • Stay in the warmest area in your abode, which is usually the smallest room or one with lots of insulation
  • Put on layers of warm clothing, including hats and gloves
  • Stick together to share body heat


Immediately call a specialist to restore your heating as swiftly as possible. If it’s already outside business hours, many companies offer emergency assistance. We advise against waiting too long without professional help, especially during a drawn-out blizzard.


How Much Will the Temperature Drop in a House Without Heating in Sheboygan

Sheboygan typically experiences the coldest temperatures in January, with highs rarely exceeding 28°F and lows dipping into the bone-chilling single-digits. Expect your house temperature without heat to match the outdoors pretty closely after the interior warmth begins to fade. 


How fast this happens depends on various factors, including:


  • Outdoor temperature: The colder it is outside, the quicker your house will cool down. Nighttime is especially brisk, which accelerates the process. 
  • Underground structures: How cold can a house get without heat? Sheboygan properties with basements and crawlspaces can remain comfortable much longer because of the surrounding ground’s warmth. 
  • Large spaces: Tall ceilings and an open floor plan create space for more airflow and allow heat to escape. Smaller, separate rooms keep warmer for longer periods, as they trap heat more efficiently.
  • Inhabitants: Body heat from people and animals can surprisingly contribute a bit to the overall warmth of your home. Though it might seem minor, every bit helps when you’re trying to keep the chill at bay.
  • Insulation: This is one of the biggest factors in determining how well your house holds heat. Properly outfitted walls, floors, and attics can protect against the cold seeping in.


Is It OK to Have a Cold House Without Heating in Sheboygan?

Why not keep your heater off occasionally to save on utilities? Even if you don’t get cold easily once you bundle up, some parts of your house might not fare as well—like the plumbing.


At about 20°F, the water inside pipes and fixtures will freeze, expand, and cause damage. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety shares that this issue can cost property owners up to $5,000 in repairs!


It generally takes about six hours for freezing temperatures to start impacting your pipes, but why take the risk? As soon as the thermostat dips, make the call to a heating professional. They can also offer advice on boosting your indoor air quality.


Ways You Can Minimize Pipe Bursts

When the weather report predicts a cold snap, don’t rely solely on your heater to protect your plumbing. Take these extra steps for your peace of mind:


  • Close your garage doors to protect any water lines running through this area.
  • Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets with pipework inside them to allow warmer air to circulate.
  • Standing water freezes more easily than a constant flow, so let a trickle run from your faucet.
  • Consider keeping your thermostat temperature constant during the day and night.
  • Address cracks and seal drafts around windows and doors.


The minimum house temperature without heat should hover around 55°F. Don’t risk letting it drop any lower to prevent your pipes from freezing. 


Have More Questions About Home Coldness Without Heating in Sheboygan, WI?

How cold can a house get without heat? You don’t have to experience it firsthand to understand the risks. When your heater acts up or struggles to keep up, Professional Services has you covered. 


We bring tailor-fit solutions that keep your abode cozy, your pipes safe, and your winter worries at bay. Many love our crew’s swift response times and 24/7 availability—we hope you will, too! 


Dial 262-268-9767 today or read more of our blog for home heating options when you’re ready for an upgrade. 

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