Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

Winter in Reinholds isn’t quite over yet. Mother Nature can often be unpredictable. While it could be nice one day, the next day could change to snow. When this take place, you can help elude the need for surprising furnace service by taking some precautions.

The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is directed outside of your home. Nonetheless, there is a difference between the two. High-efficiency furnaces also pull fresh air from outside the home into your house, which means it’s vital for air to be able to transfer freely to ensure proper and safe operation.

Sometimes the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units leave through the side of your residence or vertically through the roof. When this is the situation, you’re susceptible to having heavy snowfall bury them, which will obstruct the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t panic, though. High efficiency furnaces are meant to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To stop air flow problems 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 clear any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.

We realize the weather in Reinholds can change frequently during the last few weeks of winter and that weather can effect the operation of your furnace. If you want us to review any areas around your home or if you have questions, call County Line Mechanical LLC in Reinholds at 717-216-0846. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.