Union Fire Co. No. 1

            
            Blocked Furnace Vents and Gas Meters are Dangerous!

Aside from the hazardous driving, the recent heavy snowfall and drifting brings one problem that homeowners need to keep an eye on.  Homeowners with High Efficiency, direct vent furnaces and water heaters need to check to see that the venting has not been drifted over with snow or blocked.  These systems typically vent through the sill plate of the home, close to ground level through a white PVC piping like in the photo above.  Drifting snow has the potential to block these vents, causing your furnace or water heater to not operate properly or to shut-down completely.  These systems have sensors that will detect a blockage which will shut down the system.  If the unit operates improperly, it may produce Carbon Monoxide which is poisonous. Often there is also an odor of Natural Gas. Simply got out and check to make sure these vents have adequate clearance.  If they are blocked, simply clear the snow out of and away from the vents, and you should be good to go.  If there are still problems, call a licensed heating repair service to resolve the issue. Also gently clear away snow from around your Gas Meter. The meter needs to breath and, if blocked by accumulated or drifted snow, the odor of Natural Gas can seep back into your home. A little preventative maintenance will go a long way. You will also want to be prepared by installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector to better protect you and your family.