Winter in Erie isn’t finished yet. Mother Nature can certainly be unpredictable. While it can be nice one day, the next day could change to snow. When this occurs, you can help elude the need for unforeseen furnace service by taking a couple precautions.
The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is directed outside of your residence. However, there is a difference between these two. High-efficiency furnaces also bring fresh air from the outside into your house, which means it’s important for air to be able to move freely to ensure proper and safe operation.
Occasionally the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units leave through the side of your home or vertically through the roof. When this happens, you’re in danger of having heavy snowfall bury them, which will block the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t fret, though. High efficiency furnaces are planned to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To avoid air flow obstruction during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:
- Ensure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance around your intake and exhaust pipes.
- Look at the area occasionally and clear any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.
We know the weather in Erie can change every day during the last few weeks of winter and that weather can effect the operation of your furnace. If you want us to look at any areas around your residence or if you have concerns, call Patterson & Stirling Inc in Erie at 814-308-0416. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.