Winter in Williamsport isn’t quite over yet. Mother Nature can often be unpredictable. While it can be nice one day, the next day could surprise us with snow. When this take place, you can help dodge the need for unexpected furnace service by taking a couple precautions.
The exhaust from both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces is moved outside of your house. However, there is a difference between these two. High-efficiency furnaces also take fresh air from the outside into your house, which means it’s important for air to be able to move freely to ensure appropriate and safe operation.
Occasionally the intake and exhaust pipes of high efficiency units depart through the side of your house or vertically through the roof. When this is the situation, you’re susceptible to having heavy snowfall bury them, which will obstruct the free flow of air your high-efficiency furnace needs. (Don’t worry, though. High efficiency furnaces are planned to automatically shut off if these pipes are blocked.) To stop air flow problems during a heavy snowfall, be sure to:
- Ensure there’s a 3-foot/1-meter clearance surrounding your intake and exhaust pipes.
- Look at the area often and move any snow that has fallen into the cleared area.
We realize the weather in Williamsport can change on a daily basis during the last few weeks of winter and that weather can effect the operation of your furnace. If you want us to check out any areas around your house or if you need answers to any questions, call Lycoming Heating Company in Williamsport at 570-326-4450. Your family’s safety and comfort are high priorities for us.