Winter weather is back with a vengeance. As record-breaking cold blankets the nation, it's vital that you're prepared. The extreme cold is life-threatening, whether it's in the form of a polar vortex, arctic blast, or winter storm.

You need more than a puffy coat and thermal gloves to weather this kind of cold snap. To keep your family safe and warm, you need to go beyond winter gear and rethink the air in your home. Heat is critical when temperatures plunge. However, your furnace may struggle to efficiently heat your home.

To avoid a potentially dangerous situation, find your local Lennox^® dealer to ensure your HVAC system can weather the cold. You don't have to sweat the idea of staying warm—Lennox offers special financing and big rebates that allow you to enhance your comfort without putting a chill on your wallet.

Read on to learn how to survive numbingly cold temperatures.

Adjust Your Thermostat
No need to crank up the heat when the temperature plummets. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees while you're awake and even lower when you're asleep. This helps conserve vital energy in case the extreme cold lasts longer than predicted. A programmable thermostat like the Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat from Lennox allows you to create the perfect air for your family's comfort.

Prevent Freezing Pipes
The risk for freezing and bursting pipes skyrockets when temperatures tumble. By keeping your sink and shower taps running—even at just a trickle—you can prevent the water from freezing inside.

Keep in the Warmth
To stay comfortable in your home, don't allow heat to escape. Caulk any cracks or holes on the outside of your home and place draft snakes on windowsills and against doors. It's also a good idea to close curtains or blinds unless the window receives direct sunlight. Your local Lennox^® dealer can also check your furnace flue for gaps.

Check Your Generator
If you have a back-up generator in case you lose power during a winter storm, make sure it's certified for use with your heating equipment. Not all generators will connect with your equipment, so double check before you're faced with a power outage.

Destroy Ice Dams
When ridges of ice form on the edge of your roof, they prevent heavy loads of wet snow from sliding off. This can lead to shingle damage, stress on load-bearing walls, and even roof collapse. Fortunately, ice dams are relatively easy to avoid. You can position heating cables along sections of your roof or in your gutters to prevent ice build-up. You could also remove snow with a roof rake by starting at the edge of your roof and working your way in.

Know the Signs of Cold-Related Conditions
It doesn't take long for hypothermia and frostbite to set in. If you're outside shoveling snow and you experience extreme fatigue and shivering, seek warmth right away. Other warning signs of hypothermia include slurred speech, stiff muscles, confusion, shallow breathing, and bright red skin that's cold to the touch.

Don't Let Winter Weather Win
When brutal cold strikes, bundle up and battle back. Knowing what to do when the temperature plummets just might save lives. Follow the tips above to stay safe in extreme cold and talk to your local Lennox^® dealer about how you can breathe easier no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.