Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

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

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

Occasionally the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units depart through the side of your house or vertically through the roof. When this is the situation, 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 panic, though. High efficiency furnaces are designed to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To prevent air flow issues during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:

  • Confirm there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance surrounding your intake and exhaust pipes.
  • Take a look at the area often and move any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.

We understand the weather in Hasbrouck Heights can change on a daily basis during the last few weeks of winter and that weather impacts the operation of your furnace. If you want us to review any areas around your residence or if you have concerns, call ACE Solutions in Hasbrouck Heights at 201-579-2562. Your family’s safety and comfort are our top priorities.