Important Heating Safety Tip: Keep the Intake & Exhaust Pipes Free of Snow

Important Heating Safety Tip: Keep the Intake & Exhaust Pipes Free of Snow

January 26, 2020

During the winter, when snow piles up and drifts up against homes and buildings, it’s extremely important that homeowners with high efficiency furnaces check to be certain that the fresh air intake and exhaust pipes are cleared of any snow. We’re talking about the white plastic (PVC) pipes that come out the side of the home. Blocked intake or exhaust pipes pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Even blocked dryer vents can pose a hazard.

During periods of heavy and/or blowing snow, make sure you check these vents frequently to make sure they stay clear.

Carbon Monoxide, known as “CO” (as opposed to Carbon Dioxide known as CO2) is referred to as “The Silent Killer”. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Accidental exposure to excessive amounts of Carbon Monoxide is responsible for over 350 deaths annually in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Carbon monoxide is a natural by-product of the combustion process used by any fossil-fuel burning appliances used in the home, including gas furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters and gas or even wood-burning fireplaces. Each of these must be properly vented to avoid excessive CO. Persons exposed to excessive amounts of CO may not even notice any symptoms, but exposure starves the brain of oxygen. The person may feel a headache, or they may simply feel tired and fall asleep. That’s why Carbon Monoxide poisoning is so dangerous.

Every home should be equipped with Carbon Monoxide alarms to provide an early warning of elevated CO levels. They should be placed in a central location outside of the sleeping area and on every level of the home. If the alarm sounds, or if you think you may have CO, you should exit the premises and call 911.

Don’t take chances with “The Silent Killer”.

VENT Heating and Cooling can perform a combustion analysis for your natural gas furnace to be sure that CO levels are safe. Call us for a “Clean & Check” service and request a Combustion Analysis.

For further explanation and honest answers, please reach out to Vent Heating & Cooling, LLC. Serving all of northeastern Ohio.

Call 440-785-2629