Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

Winter in Florissant isn’t done yet. Mother Nature can certainly be unpredictable. While it can be nice one day, the next day could surprise us with snow. When this happens, you can help dodge the need for unforeseen furnace service by taking some precautions.

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

Once in a while 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 in danger of 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 prevent air flow problems during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:

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

We know the weather in Florissant 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 review any areas around your residence or if you need answers to any questions, call B & B Heating & Cooling in Florissant at 314-325-7552. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.