Keep Your Venting Systems clear of Snow!

As we get older, the term “snow day” doesn’t mean what it used to. Back in “the day”, it meant we got a day out of school, now it means we need a plan on what to do with the snow. Here’s a couple of tips that can save your heat from failing:

 Keep snow build up away from venting systems. Snowdrifts or a large snowfall can block your furnace, boiler, or water heater exhaust and/or air intake pipes and cause them to stop working, nobody wants that. 

Checking the air intake and exhaust vents should be included in your snow removal process. Significant snow accumulation can impede the safe venting of hazardous carbon monoxide gases as well as the operation of the appliances. If your heating system is a high-efficiency furnace, water heater or boiler that vents out of the side or rear of your home you must ensure that snow and ice dose not block the vent pipe’s ability to vent out gases or bring fresh air in. If the snow does build up over the vent pipes, the built-in safety switches in your heating system will automatically turn off the system, leaving you without heat until the system can be re-set. 

It’ important to think of and plan for keeping snow and ice build up away from the vents. Your vent pipes are at least 24″ above the ground so the snow should not typically cause any trouble, but when we receive a large amount of snow or drifting occurs, it pays to check and be sure the snow does not cover your vent pipes. If your system uses a venting system that exits out of the side or rear wall of your home, simply trace the pipes to where they exit your home and then locate them on the outside of your house. If the snow looks as if it could drift or if there is just too much snow closing in on the vent pipes, clear it away and you will remain warm and cozy throughout the storm.

CO detectors should be installed in every house which has a source capable of producing CO. There should be one on every level that has a source of CO and a detector within 15 feet of every bedroom. Detectors should be checked and maintained, including changing batteries is so required. If your CO alarm sounds, immediately evacuate and call 9-1-1

You may receive calls this week regarding heating systems that are not maintaining indoor temperatures. By code, heating systems in our area are designed to maintain an indoor temperature of 70°F when outdoor temperatures are at the local design range of approximately 0–17°F. Heating systems are not designed to maintain 70°F during extreme cold beyond these conditions. As a result, even when operating at full capacity, systems may struggle to keep up—particularly in older or drafty homes.

If the indoor temperature begins to drop, check whether the baseboard is warm or if vents are blowing warm air. If so, the system is operating as intended under the circumstances.

Safety is critical during extreme cold. These conditions may tempt homeowners to make unsafe choices, such as using space heaters improperly or leaving them unattended. Likewise, service technicians may feel pressure to take unsafe actions, such as bypassing safety controls. Even well-intentioned decisions can lead to problems during severe weather.

Below are several tips to help customers stay comfortable and safe over the next few days:

1. Set the thermostat 2–4 degrees higher than your normal set point.
2. If using a programmable thermostat, set it to a permanent hold.
3. Ensure the system filter is clean, if applicable.
4. Since heat rises, use ceiling fans (set to reverse) to circulate warm air back down to floor level.
5. Close window blinds and curtains. If curtains are not available, consider temporarily covering windows with blankets to reduce heat loss.
6. For forced-air systems, ensure all vents are open and free of obstructions. Keep furniture away from vents to allow proper airflow.
7. Keep interior doors closed as much as possible.
8. If the home has a garage, keep the garage door closed and use it as the primary entry and exit when possible.
9. For high-efficiency heating systems, keep exhaust and intake vents clear of snow and debris.
10. High-efficiency systems may experience ice buildup on vent piping. If ice is blocking the vent, carefully break it using a broom or rake handle. Do not damage the pipe and do not access the roof to clear vents.
11. If a Gree heat pump displays an L3 error code (outdoor fan motor failure), shut off the breaker for approximately 60 seconds, then restore power to reset the system.
12. Cooking or boiling water (such as baking, making soup, or cooking pasta) can help add both heat and humidity to the home. Humid air feels warmer than dry air.
13. Do not use stovetops or ovens as a primary heat source.
14. Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
15. If a fireplace is available and safe to use, consider using it for supplemental heat.
16. Space heaters may be used cautiously to supplement heating. Keep them at least 3 feet from combustible materials, never leave them unattended, and do not operate them while sleeping.
17. If necessary, dress in layers and bundle up to stay warm.