Ensure Your Furnace is Venting Properly

Whether you’ve inherited a furnace when you bought your house or had a new one recently installed, you probably never think about it. However, furnaces require proper ventilation to run safely and efficiently. Here’s what you need to know about ensuring your furnace is venting correctly and why it’s so important.

Why Proper Furnace Ventilation is Important

Most furnaces make heat by burning fuel like natural gas, propane, or oil. The combustion process releases harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Without proper ventilation, these gases can accumulate in the home and pose serious health risks.

Dangers of Poor Furnace Ventilation

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and highly dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control says that approximately 400 people die from unintentional CO exposure in the United States every year and that approximately 300 people visit the ER annually for treatment of symptoms linked to unintentional CO exposure. CO exposure can cause health issues like headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even death in severe cases.

• Poor Air Quality: Poor ventilation can let harmful pollutants linger in the home, worsening respiratory issues and allergies.
• Reduced Furnace Efficiency: Another symptom of poor ventilation is that your furnace must work harder to maintain the desired temperature. More work means more energy used and higher utility bills.
• Increased Fire Risk: Blocked or damaged vents can cause excess heat buildup, increasing the risk of a house fire.

How to Ensure Your Furnace is Venting Properly

Check the Flue Pipe

The flue pipe (also called the exhaust or vent pipe) directs the harmful gases out of the house. Here’s how to make sure this pipe is in good condition for the gas to flow freely out.

• Look for Disconnections: Check that the pipe is securely attached with no loose sections.
• Check for Rust or Corrosion: Rust and corrosion can weaken the pipe and cause leaks.
• Look for Blockages: Birds, rodents, and debris can clog the vent, preventing proper airflow.

Check Exterior Vents

Most modern high-efficiency furnaces have PVC pipes that exhaust gases outside through the home’s exterior wall. Blocked vents can cause backdrafts.

• Clear Snow and Ice: Stay on top of snow and ice removal during winter. Snow and ice can block the vent.
• Check for Leaves and Debris: Regularly clean leaves, nests, and other obstructions to maintain proper airflow.
• Watch for Animal Activity: Birds and small animals like building nests in vent openings. Consider using a screen to prevent this.

Inspect the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout the house. Cracks in the heat exchanger can leak harmful gases.

Check for cracks or corrosion and schedule a professional inspection with a certified technician to check for issues you might not know about.

Monitor the Furnace’s Flame

The burner flame is a good indicator of how healthy your furnace is. The flame should be bright blue. If it’s yellow or another color, it could indicate CO leakage.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it’s essential to install CO detectors to alert you of problems. Experts recommend installing CO detectors near bedrooms to alert you while you’re sleeping and to test them at least twice a year.

Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

The best way to keep your furnace humming and prevent issues like poor ventilation is to schedule annual maintenance by a trained professional. Professional furnace maintenance includes inspecting the vents and flue pipe, combustion analysis, and filter replacement.

Signs of Poor Furnace Ventilation

Being diligent about maintenance and care doesn’t always prevent bad things from happening, so it’s crucial to know the warning signs of poor furnace ventilation to protect you and your family.

Soot buildup, condensation on windows or walls near the furnace, burning odors or musty smells, frequent pilot light issues, and increased allergy symptoms could point to poor furnace ventilation.

Contact Us Today!

Call National Chimney Cleaners and schedule your furnace ventilation inspection today. We’re the go-to chimney and fireplace company proudly serving Fairfield County, Stamford, CT, Morris County, and Parsippany, NJ. Our pros are highly trained and have years of industry experience for your peace of mind.