High-efficiency gas furnaces have intake and exhaust pipes located on the outside of the house. These pipes feed air into the system to allow for combustion and expel any byproducts from the heating process outside. To work safely, furnace pipes need to be clear of any type of obstruction.

During periods of intense snow, or heavy winds that are blowing snow,
you should take a minute to ensure furnace pipes are not blocked.

Proper furnace installation calls for pipes to be located well above the snow line to prevent any issues during the winter; however, not all furnace companies follow this instruction. If the pipes were improperly installed, or we receive more snow than usual, you could run into an issue.

When either of the furnace pipes is blocked, the heating system will not work:

• If the intake pipe is blocked, the heating system will stall as it can’t get the air needed for combustion.
• If the exhaust pipe is blocked, a safety mechanism trips to turn off the system and prevent dangerous fumes from entering the home.

To help keep the heating system working and everyone in your home safe, we advise homeowners to know where furnace pipes are located and to keep an eye on them during snowstorms. If you notice your furnace pipes are incorrectly placed, please call a reputable HVAC company to investigate. Correcting the issue could help to prevent a furnace breakdown during a snowstorm.

If you’re concerned about your furnace or have any questions about home comfort,
don’t hesitate to contact us.

Going strong for over 50 years, Delta Air Systems is proud to provide quality heating service to the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Our team of certified specialists will get your furnace operating efficiently so you can stay comfortable all winter long.

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