Leaves and Snow Can Cause A Need for Furnace Repair
With December almost upon us, it is safe to say that everyone has their furnaces already running for the winter. Something homeowners should be sure to remember this winter is to rake and remove the leaves on their property. The longer you leave them on your lawn, the greater the chance that snow will blanket them, making them much harder to collect. This is not only an annoyance for a homeowner, but could actually lead to a need for furnace repair.
If you have a furnace with a lower efficiency rating (an AFUE rating under 89%), you have chimneys for intake and outtake, while those with high-efficiency furnaces (an AFUE of 90% or higher) have PVC pipes for intake and outtake on the side of the house.
Both falling leaves and snow can easily accumulate around the chimney or PVC pipes and because of the unpredictability of Canadian winters, the two can mix together and cause major issues for your system. Wet leaves have a tendency to clump together and will often stick to the inside of both the intake and outtake pipes of your home. Snow can cause the leaves to be wet, but an excess amount of snowfall can be enough to block the pipes on its own, creating a need for furnace repair.
The best way to prevent furnace blockages is to rake the leaves around your property, as well as shovel snow once it’s fallen. The less time the two substances have a chance to combine, the less of a chance you will need to call for a furnace repair.
Remember to be safe and power down your unit before you begin trying to clear chimney or pipes of any blockages that may arise. If you are unsure of what to do, or would just feel better having a professional handle the problem, Arctic Heating and Cooling’s trained experts are more than happy to help.
Arctic Heating and Cooling Specialists have been in the HVAC business for over 25 years. Our technicians are experts when it comes to furnace maintenance and installation, and we take pride in providing outstanding service to the customers and community in the Chatham-Kent / Sarnia-Lambton areas.
Arctic Heating and Cooling 519-627-6726
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