Homeowners are being cautioned about the cold weather, because most homes in this region aren’t designed to withstand the extreme low temperatures we’re facing.

Temperatures of minus 30 or lower are beyond the capacity of many houses, and many people will be keeping their heaters going as long and as warm as they can; one energy provider says they will continue to provide the power needed, but residents should take precautions to protect their homes.

Geoff Greenwood from MidAmerican Energy tells KNIA/KRLS News the electrical system and the weather are being constantly monitored, with particular attention paid to wind on top of low temperatures.

“We get concerned particularly when there’s a high wind event that particularly just follows a snowstorm, a wet snow or ice. We haven’t had any precipitation now in a few days, fortunately; we are seeing some winds, but…fortunately our system is holding up and we have crews keeping an eye on the system day and night,” Greenwood says.

To keep from overtaxing your furnace, Greenwood suggests keeping heating vents clear of obstructions, make sure your heating system’s outside pipes are clear if you have any, keep your window curtains closed and make sure you have a fresh air filter for your furnace.

And he says if you detect any serious problems with your heating system or home, you should immediately seek help from a qualified contractor.

For more tips on protecting your home in extreme cold weather, tune in to today’s edition of Let’s Talk Knoxville.