After a big snowstorm or period of extremely cold weather, it's a good idea to go outside and check the air intake and exhaust pipes on the side of your home.
This is especially important if you have a high-efficiency furnace (90%+ efficiency). If these vents are blocked, your furnace will not be able to function properly and could damage your home or harm you and your family.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is potentially deadly and can easily happen if you are not careful. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to clean a blocked furnace vent pipe and keep your home warm all winter long!
When to Check the Furnace Intake and Exhaust Pipes
Has it been snowing lately? Or is it really cold outside? If so, it's a good time to go out and check the air intake and exhaust pipes in your home.
In general, you should check these pipes every few months, especially after a big snowstorm or during periods of icy weather. This will help make sure that your furnace is working properly.
In the fall, leaves and other obstructions can get stuck in a flue, but in winter snow commonly gets stuck in there and it's vital to get it out.
What Can Happen If It Gets Blocked?
There are a lot of different, extremely bad circumstances that can occur if you don't keep your flues clear. Carbon Monoxide poisoning, fires, furnace won’t turn on, and more. We'll tell you how to stay safe in this article.
Good Maintenance for Your Furnace Flue Is Vital
The flue is the pipe that carries exhaust gases from your furnace to the outside of your home. It's important to keep this pipe clear, especially in cold weather.
If the flue becomes blocked, it can cause issues. Water heaters are often located in the same area as the furnace. If the flue becomes blocked, these units can overheat and cause damage.
It's also a good idea to have your furnace water heater inspected at least once a year to make sure they're running properly.
Your water heater can overheat if the flue to your furnace becomes blocked. This can cause a dangerous situation, as it can lead to a fire . It's important to keep your furnace flue clear and functioning properly so that you and your family stay safe all winter long!
Aside from fire risks and HVAC repairs becoming necessary there is another important risk to cover...
Blocked Flue Pipe Problems: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Have you heard of carbon monoxide poisoning ?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in carbon monoxide gas. This gas is emitted from blocked flue pipes and can be very dangerous. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. It's also deadly.
Carbon monoxide is responsible for more than 400 deaths each year in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
It's important to keep your flue pipe clear so that you and your family don't become a part of that statistic. If you experience any of the above symptoms, get outside immediately and call 911.
You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the flue pipe clear and making sure your furnace is functioning properly. Have your HVAC unit inspected at least once a year to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you have any problems with your blocked flue pipe, call a professional for help.
It's important to take care of any blocked flue pipe problems as soon as possible to avoid any health risks. Be safe this winter and keep your family healthy!
HVAC and Water Heater
Another big risk when a flue pipe is blocked is that it can affect other systems. Do you have an HVAC unit or water heater? Well, if the blocked flue pipe means that these are struggling to do their job, then you'll start seeing problems with them.
An HVAC unit working too hard may lead to increased energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the unit. A water heater working too hard could lead to your hot water not being as hot as you like it. It's important to keep on top of blocked flue pipe problems so that these knock-on effects don't happen.
If the snow is blocking your furnace air intake and exhaust vents, take a few minutes to clear it away. It's easy to do and will help your furnace to function properly.
Do You Have a High-Efficiency Furnace and PVC Vent Pipes?
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it will likely exhaust through PVC pipes on the side of your home. The intake vent for these furnaces is usually located on the other side of the house.
It's important to keep these vents clear so that your furnace can function properly. These days metal pipe is less common for furnace exhausts than PVC-style pipes. But, they can both pose a health risk if not well maintained.
How to Clean Blocked Furnace Vent Pipes
Blocked flue pipe problems are not just a nuisance. They can also be a health risk. If your furnace is blocked, it will stop working properly and could also start drawing smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home.
The best way to clean blocked furnace vents (if the obstruction is leaves or something other than snow) is to use a shop-vac. Simply remove the vent cover and vacuum out all the debris. You can also use a long metal pipe (like a dryer vent) to clear any blockages in the flue pipe.
However, if the problem causing the blockage is snow, a quick check with a sweeping brush might be all it takes. We strongly urge you to check and respond to any snow obstructing your furnace pipes.
If you have any problems cleaning the blocked furnace vents, you can call a professional HVAC technician for help.
Where Are Your Furnace Vent Pipes Located?
The air intake and exhaust vents for your furnace are usually located on the side of your home, near the roof. They may also be located in the attic, basement, or crawlspace. It's a good idea to check these locations after a big snowstorm to make sure the vents are clear.
Snow can also build up on top of the vent pipes, which can block the airflow. You can clear the snow with a shovel or broom.
Be careful not to damage the vents while clearing the snow.
How to Check Furnace Pipes After Snow
It's vital to check your furnace pipes after a big snowstorm.
If the snow is blocking the air intake or exhaust vents, your furnace will not be able to function properly. You can easily clear the blocked vents here are some tips.
How to clean a blocked furnace pipe:
- Go outside and locate the air intake and exhaust pipes on the side of your home.
- If the snow is blocking the vents, clear it away with a shovel or broom.
- Make sure that the intake vent is free of debris and that nothing is blocking the flue pipe.
- If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it's a good idea to check the PVC exhaust pipes for ice build-up.
- If you see any ice accumulation, use a hairdryer to melt the ice and clear the pipe.
- You should also check to see if your water heater is functioning correctly.
- Keep in mind that blocked furnace vents can cause damage to your home and pose health risks, so it's important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. If you're not sure how to clean blocked furnace vents, call a professional HVAC technician for help.
Difficulty Accessing Flues
If you suspect your flues are blocked but are difficult to access because they are on the roof, you can try to clear them with a long metal pipe.
You may also need a ladder or bucket truck to reach the flue pipes. Be very careful when accessing these areas and use caution when clearing any blockages.
If you have difficulty accessing the flue because of your health or mobility issues, without a doubt you should call a professional who can help. It's important not to take any risks with your health.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning the CDC also recommends installing a carbon monoxide alarm. We recommend installing multiple carbon monoxide alarms, as they can sometimes fail.
Carbon monoxide alarms can be purchased here and should be installed on every level of your home.
Final Thoughts
Remember to check your furnace air intake and exhaust vents after a big snowstorm. If the vents are blocked, take a few minutes to clear your blocked furnace vent pipe. It's an easy task that will help your furnace to function properly. It could save your life.
About the Author
James Clark is the Ecommerce Manager of TechnicalHotandColdParts.com and HVAC Controls Specialist (certified in Tridium and Carrier i-Vu controls) with a decade of experience at Technical Hot & Cold. His extensive background includes service calls, installations, and providing technical support to parts customers. James has been featured in the Washington Post and continues to share his knowledge, helping homeowners navigate HVAC repairs. In his spare time, he's playing music with his children and spending too much time working on his lawn.