Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

Winter in Marshalltown isn’t quite over yet. Mother Nature can often be unpredictable. While it can be nice one day, the next day could surprise us with snow. When this take place, you can help dodge the need for unexpected furnace service by taking a couple precautions.

The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is pushed outside of your residence. However, there is a difference between both of these. High-efficiency furnaces also pull fresh air from the outdoors into your house, which means it’s vital for air to be able to flow freely to ensure correct and safe operation.

Once in a while the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units leave through the side of your house or vertically through the roof. When this is the case, you’re at risk of having heavy snowfall bury them, which will block the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t worry, though. High efficiency furnaces are designed to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To stop air flow obstruction during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:

  • Make sure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance around your intake and exhaust pipes.
  • Examine the area regularly and clear any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.

We know the weather in Marshalltown can change frequently during the last few weeks of winter and that weather may impact the operation of your furnace. If you want us to check out any areas around your home or if you have concerns, call B & G HVAC in Marshalltown at 641-316-3360. Your family’s safety and comfort are important to us.