Why Is It Important to Keep Your Outdoor Vents Debris-Free?
A furnace breakdown isn’t something any homeowner wants, especially during the cold winter months. Taking proper care of your equipment will help prevent it from malfunctioning in the middle of winter. One way to avoid heating issues this season is to make sure your outdoor vents remain free of debris and snow.
Here a local expert on radiant heat explains why you should keep snow and debris from gathering in your outdoor vents.
It will help protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Many furnaces have a safety mechanism that causes them to stop running when something is blocking the vents. A lack of ventilation can cause carbon monoxide accumulation in your home, which is extremely dangerous because it can cause your family to get sick, and in some cases can even lead to death. Today’s manufacturers designed this safety feature to minimize the dangers of carbon monoxide.
It helps keep your HVAC system efficient.
During the winter, debris can gather and frost can form in and around outdoor vents. When left unaddressed, this can potentially compromise the performance of your furnace. Snow and ice buildup can also clog your vents. Make it a habit to check your outdoor vents frequently, especially during heavy snowfall. If something is obstructing them, such as debris or snow, contact a professional immediately. At Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we specialize in electric heaters, air conditioning, plumbing and more.
Things You Can Do
You need to know where your furnace and dryer vents are and check them every few weeks. Another thing that will help is to schedule HVAC maintenance regularly. In addition, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector at home so you’ll be aware of the presence of this harmful gas. Test it monthly to ensure it’s in good condition.
Whether you have questions about furnace prices or need plumbing repairs, Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is more than glad to help. Give us a call at (715) 246-2660 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.
