Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

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

The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is moved outside of your house. But, there is a difference between these two. High-efficiency furnaces also bring fresh air from the outside into your house, which means it’s significant for air to be able to transfer freely to ensure appropriate 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 susceptible to having heavy snowfall bury them, which will hinder the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t fret, though. High efficiency furnaces are meant to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To stop air flow obstruction during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:

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

We understand the weather in Carson City can change frequently during the last few weeks of winter and that weather impacts the operation of your furnace. If you want us to check out any areas around your home or if you have questions, call Anderson Heating & A/C in Carson City at 775-230-7628. Your family’s safety and comfort are our top priorities.