Winter in Des Moines isn’t finished yet. Mother Nature can often be unpredictable. While it could 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 pushed outside of your residence. However, there is a difference between both of these. High-efficiency furnaces also pull fresh air from outside the home into your house, which means it’s important for air to be able to flow freely to ensure proper and safe operation.
Occasionally the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units depart 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 obstruct the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t panic, 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:
- Make sure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance near your intake and exhaust pipes.
- Look at the area regularly and clear any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.
We understand the weather in Des Moines can change on a daily basis 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 house or if you need answers to any questions, call Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling in Des Moines at 515-207-6569. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.