Winter Storm Safety Tip
Take precautions with your boiler or furnace after it snows!
During a blizzard high snow drifts can block boiler vents and air intakes, particularly in homes that have high efficiency units. Since newer boiler vents expel flue gases closer to the ground instead of through the roof, it’s really easy for snow to build up in front of them and prevent the gases from escaping.
This can create some big problems: namely, the system shutting down if the unit senses the vent has become obstructed or the more serious issue of carbon monoxide backing up into your home.
To keep your family safe this winter, observe the following boiler safety tips:
During a blizzard high snow drifts can block boiler vents and air intakes, particularly in homes that have high efficiency units. Since newer boiler vents expel flue gases closer to the ground instead of through the roof, it’s really easy for snow to build up in front of them and prevent the gases from escaping.
This can create some big problems: namely, the system shutting down if the unit senses the vent has become obstructed or the more serious issue of carbon monoxide backing up into your home.
To keep your family safe this winter, observe the following boiler safety tips:
- Keep a 3ft radius around your vent and intake pipes clear of snow, shrubs and other potential obstructions.
- Inspect the area around your furnace vents after a snowstorm to ensure they are not blocked by ice and snow.
- If your CO monitor goes off, take it seriously! Evacuate immediately and call 911 – the worst thing you can do is ignore it.