Are you experiencing furnace problems and wondering what happens if furnace exhaust is blocked? Call 781-236-3421 and schedule professional furnace technicians from Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
Your home’s furnace provides essential indoor warmth during winter. Maintaining this system ensures that your home remains comfortable year-round. However, many factors can cause furnace issues.
Many people ask our professionals, “What happens if furnace exhaust is blocked?” Understanding the risks of allowing debris or soot buildup on your exhaust pipe demonstrates the mechanism’s importance.
When you experience heating issues, call for expert furnace repair in Canton from Green Energy Mechanical Inc. Our well-trained experts can service any part of your furnace or heating system.
What Is a Furnace Exhaust Pipe?
Like the other parts of your HVAC system, furnaces require air cycling to create indoor heat. The exhaust pipe allows byproducts of furnace heating to safely leave your home while providing an air inlet for warming cycles. Thus, keeping your exhaust pipe clear helps maintain your furnace.
What Happens if Furnace Exhaust Is Blocked?
Many people ask, “What happens if furnace exhaust is blocked?” To answer this question, it’s necessary to examine the causes and risks of exhaust blockage.
Most commonly, natural debris like leaves and soot buildup from exhaust fumes exiting your home cause blockages on your exhaust pipe. These obstructions can lead to two issues: insufficient oxygen for combustion and limited airflow exhaust gas removal.
The first issue will limit your furnace’s combustion, making it much harder or impossible to reach your desired temperature. The second problem could allow dangerous exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide to gather in your home.
The Dangers of a Blocked Furnace Exhaust
Because of the dangerous side effects of a blocked furnace exhaust, keeping this heating system component unblocked is an essential safety precaution. In some cases, professionals may need to repair your exhaust pipe to prevent the dangers of blockages.
Some of the top hazards from a blocked exhaust pipe include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Your furnace produces carbon monoxide during combustion processes. This colorless, odorless gas can cause severe health problems and even death if it gathers in your home. Not only should you pay attention to signs of exhaust pipe blockages, but you should also install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
- Backdrafts: Backdrafts occur because of the decreased airflow from blockages. These drafts could trap exhaust fumes in your system and cause premature breakdowns or mechanical issues.
- Exhaust gasses gathering in your home: Blockages can also cause exhaust fumes to accumulate in your home. These smelly odors should immediately alert you of a problem with your system.
Signs Your Furnace Exhaust Is Blocked
Since many homeowners don’t realize the risks of a blocked exhaust pipe, they might not remain attuned to signs of obstructions. From functional issues to mechanical failures, the symptoms of an exhaust pipe blockage should prompt you to call professionals immediately.
Some of the main signs of a blocked exhaust pipe include:
- Insufficient Heating: Limited heating capabilities will reduce home comfort and indicate issues with your furnace.
- Inconsistent or Short Cycling: Furnace cycles should remain routine and consistent. If you notice short or inconsistent cycles, it could result from a blocked exhaust pipe.
- Strange Smells or Noises During Operation: Any unusual noises or smells during furnace operation should prompt you to call specialists.
- Furnace Cover Panel Overheats: Excess heat production can make your furnace panel hot to touch, usually resulting from exhaust pipe obstructions.
How to Resolve a Blocked Furnace Exhaust Pipe
There are some quick DIY furnace blockage solutions you can try before calling professionals. If you notice exhaust pipe obstructions, inspect the vent, remove the cover, and try removing as much debris, soot, and organic matter as possible.
If these solutions don’t work or you notice visible damage to your pipe, call professionals to service your system. Depending on the problems or the level of damage, our experts may recommend that you consider installing a more energy-efficient furnace option.
Call Expert Furnace Repair Specialists from Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
Whether you’re dealing with a blocked exhaust vent or a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger, professionals from Green Mechanical Energy Inc. can resolve the issue. After many years servicing Canton, MA, and the surrounding areas, we maintain strong customer relationships by providing excellent workmanship and customer service. Receive professional service for any furnace or HVAC issues to restore your indoor comfort.
Still wondering what happens if your furnace exhaust is blocked or how to repair the issue? Call (781) 236-3421 to consult top-rated furnace experts from Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
Author Bio:
Jonathan Neves
Worked in the HVAC industry since he was 17. He started as an HVAC service technician for commercial buildings and eventually came into the residential market because of his love of working with people. He believes that what really sets Green Energy Mechanical apart is how long they stand behind their work and how compassionate his employees are for their clients.
