The bitter cold is back! So how can you avoid furnace fatigue and costly repairs?

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The bitter cold is back! The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory set to take effect at 9:00 p.m. Sunday. That advisory will be in effect through 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 23rd. The FOX6 Weather Experts say wind chills will be between 0 and -10 degrees Sunday night -- and between -20 to -30 by Monday morning. These bitterly cold temperatures we've seen lately have furnaces working overtime -- so how can you avoid furnace fatigue?

When the snow falls and temperatures drop, the folks at Burkhardt Heating & Cooling get busy!

"We have a guy out all the time. 24 hours a day," Scott Quabais, Burkhardt Heating & Cooling service manager said.

Quabais says some of the calls they've handled this winter have involved quick repairs, while they've also dealt with homeowners on the verge of panic due to the potential for frozen and/or bursting pipes.

"Motors, gas valves, dirty filters, plugged exhaust pipes -- all things that can be addressed earlier if you have the units tuned up," Quabais said.

Quabais says it's important to check and change air filters every six months to a year.

"The air filters as they become dirty can restrict the air flow, which can restrict how much heat you get through the system," Quabais said.

If you're looking to save some money on your heating bill, Quabais advises turning your thermostat down at night or when you're not home.

"Generally I do believe that you can assume that you will save one-to-two percent for every degree that you set it back per eight hours," Quabais said.

But how low should you go?

"I would just say for the average person, set it back five degrees. Set it back five degrees and you will save money," Quabais said.

The best advice: Keep up with yearly maintenance so your furnace doesn`t break in these bitterly cold temperatures.

Technicians say if your furnace dies, you should first check your outside exhaust pipe for any blockages. Then, change your filter. Lastly, make sure the batteries in your thermostat are good.

CLICK HERE for tips on dealing with the extreme cold via the CDC.

CLICK HERE to monitor the forecast via FOX6Now.com.