Keep Snow Build Up Away from Venting Systems
Keep Obstructions Away from Venting Systems
Here’s a super easy tip that can save lives and your heat from failing. Keep Snow Build Up Away from Venting Systems. Snowdrifts or a large snowfall can block your furnace or hot water heater exhaust pipe and cause it to stop working.
High efficiency furnaces, water heaters and other energy-saving appliances may have exhaust vents that exit your building through an exterior wall rather than through a chimney. These vents can become blocked in the winter months by snow and ice, which can affect the safe operation of the appliance. Make sure that all snow, ice and other obstructions are removed from your venting systems. Drifting snow and caused a buildup of carbon monoxide inside of the house. It’ important to think plan for and take steps to keep snow build up away from venting systems
Keeping Furnace exhaust pipes clear of snow
If you live in a snow region like I do, you either have to make sure you shovel or snow blow the area in from of these pipes or build an “A-frame” to cover them. I used some scrap 1/2″ plywood, two salvaged hinges, some 1″ screws and a small length of chain to make mine.
Once constructed I place the A-frame over the exhaust pipe and up against the house. The A-frame keep snow build up away from venting systems and around my exhaust pipe.
