March 17, 2016
Winter in Franklin & South Indy isn’t quite over yet. Mother Nature can certainly be unpredictable. While it might be nice one day, the next day could surprise us with snow. When this occurs, you can help dodge the need for unforeseen furnace service by taking certain precautions.
The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is moved outside of your residence. However, there is a difference between these two. High-efficiency furnaces also bring fresh air from outside the home into your house, which means it’s significant for air to be able to flow freely to ensure appropriate and safe operation.
Sometimes 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 susceptible to having heavy snowfall bury them, which will block 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 avoid air flow issues during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:
- Ensure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance around 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 Franklin & South Indy can change frequently 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 house or if you have questions, call Winters Heating and Cooling in Franklin & South Indy at 317-406-5382. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.