Lincoln HVAC companies prepare for bitter cold temps

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — HVAC companies across Lincoln are bracing for a busy few days.

Dave’s Heating and Air said that when temperatures drop this low over a weekend, emergency calls spike quickly.

The forecast calls for single-digit temperatures and below-zero wind chill, the kind that pushes heating systems to their limits and sometimes beyond.

With fewer crews available, some families could be waiting hours or more to have their heat restored.

“Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming, especially with the cold weather we’re getting this weekend,” said David Cunning, owner of Dave’s Heating and Air.

The problem? Many companies operate with limited staff on weekends, and some aren’t open at all.

Technicians said the most common calls involve older systems, frozen parts, and furnaces that can’t keep up.

Cunning said the problem always starts with a straightforward fix.

“So, that’s the first thing I ask customers when they’re calling in, ‘When was the last time you changed your filter?'” he said.

Cunning said losing heat is more than an inconvenience; it can quickly become dangerous.

“Units are running much longer, for a longer time, which is putting stress on the motors, and if you don’t have a clean filter, that will overheat the system also,” he said.

Companies urged homeowners to check their systems now before the cold sets in.

They said simple steps like changing filters, checking thermostats, and making sure vents are clear can help prevent emergencies later.

And if your heat does go out, they said safety comes first.

“If you have electric heaters, you can use them as long as you can do it safely, make sure you don’t have pets or children that can accidentally get burned by them.”