Should I Keep Furnace Vents Clear of Snow?

If you’ve spent a winter in the Chicagoland area, you know that we’re no strangers to snow and ice. While some of us love the fluffy white crystals, others can’t stand it and wish that summer would remain here all year long. Whatever the case may be, it’s vital to keep your vents clear before, during, and after snowstorms. Why? Find out below:

In case you’re unfamiliar with how your furnace is set up, there’s a vent that leads to the outdoors. This vent works to carry out potentially dangerous carbon monoxide in order to keep you and your family safe.

Now let’s take a second to think about what happens when snow builds up around the outside of our homes. You guessed it - it can block the vent and prevent the harmful gas from escaping.

For this reason, it’s important to head outside during the storm to shovel away snow so the vent can continue to expel air. The same goes for once the storm has finally subsided.

In addition to getting rid of carbon monoxide, keeping your furnace vents clear will allow them to work more efficiently and more effectively. It’s a win-win!

With that said, it’s also necessary to make sure your water heater and other appliance vents are free of snow, dirt, and other debris to keep them from failing at any time during the year.

Keeping your home's heating system working smoothly is a top priority at ABC. Our heating technicians are NATE-certified and have the expertise to install, repair, and maintain all types of heating systems.