Winter in Rapid City isn’t done yet. Mother Nature can typically be unpredictable. While it might be nice one day, the next day could dump snow on us. When this occurs, you can help elude the need for surprising furnace service by taking some precautions.
The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is directed outside of your residence. However, there is a difference between these two. High-efficiency furnaces also pull fresh air from the outside into your house, which means it’s significant for air to be able to flow freely to ensure correct and safe operation.
Occasionally the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units exit through the side of your house or vertically through the roof. When this happens, you’re at risk of having heavy snowfall bury them, which will hinder the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t worry, though. High efficiency furnaces are meant to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To prevent air flow issues during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:
- Make sure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance around your intake and exhaust pipes.
- Take a look at the area occasionally and clear any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.
We realize the weather in Rapid City can change frequently during the last few weeks of winter and that weather can effect the operation of your furnace. If you want us to review any areas around your home or if you have questions, call Street Heating and Cooling in Rapid City at 605-206-3915. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.