It’s only in the past few weeks that we have had our first taste of winter. With a warmer than usual autumn, it took longer for the last of the leaves to fall. Many homeowners might be tempted to skip raking one last time, but it’s important for your furnace maintenance that any fallen leaves be cleared from your yard.

Furnaces require a fresh-air intake and a way to exhaust air. Older, lower-efficient models usually tie into existing chimney structures. Newer, higher efficiency units run PVC pipes (polyvinyl chloride pipes) from the furnace, up through the foundation wall and are found about 12 inches from the ground.

If leaves are left unraked, they will pile up into and on the openings of both intake and exhaust pipes that are not covered. If leaves are not cleared at this stage, they will start making their way into the pipes leading to blockages and restricted airflow. This could cause your furnace to stop working and if left untreated could lead to costly repair bills.

Avoid a service call by completing some simple furnace maintenance. First, locate where the furnace exhaust and intake pipes are located. Second, ensure that you regularly check the area and clear it of debris and fallen leaves. Even if you have recently raked, be sure to check the area after storms as high winds can carry your neighbors’ leaves to your yard. If there is already a buildup around the pipes and you suspect there is a blockage, turn off the unit before attempting to clear the leaves.  

Davenport-Campbell Heating and Air Conditioning is proud of the reputation that we’ve built up over the years and we intend to make sure that we maintain our good name by always being deserving of the trust that our customers have placed in us.

If you’re having any trouble clearing leaves, we are happy to provide any furnace maintenance you may need and to demonstrate how you can safely and properly remove any blockages.

Contact us today!