Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

Winter in Lake Forest isn’t quite over yet. Mother Nature can typically be unpredictable. While it can be nice one day, the next day could surprise us with snow. When this occurs, you can help elude the need for surprising furnace service by taking certain precautions.

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

Once in a while the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units exit 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 panic, though. High efficiency furnaces are designed 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 around your intake and exhaust pipes.
  • Examine the area regularly and clear any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.

We understand the weather in Lake Forest can change every day during the last few weeks of winter and that weather impacts the operation of your furnace. If you want us to look at any areas around your residence or if you have questions, call 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Lake Forest at 949-204-0859. Your family’s safety and comfort are our top priorities.