Winter in the Rio Grande Valley isn’t done yet. Mother Nature can certainly be unpredictable. While it could be nice one day, the next day could change to snow. When this happens, you can help avoid the need for unforeseen furnace service by taking some precautions.
The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is directed outside of your house. But, there is a difference between the two. High-efficiency furnaces also pull fresh air from the outdoors into your house, which means it’s important for air to be able to flow freely to ensure correct and safe operation.
Sometimes the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units depart through the side of your home or vertically through the roof. When this happens, you’re susceptible to having heavy snowfall bury them, which will hinder the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t worry, though. High efficiency furnaces are planned to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To prevent air flow obstruction during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:
- Ensure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance near your intake and exhaust pipes.
- Take a look at the area occasionally and remove any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.
We know the weather in the Rio Grande Valley 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 home or if you have concerns, call Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. in the Rio Grande Valley at 956-630-3522. Your family’s safety and comfort are our top priorities.