Blocked Vent Piping
If you have a high efficiency furnace or tankless water heater, chances are you have a vent pipe protruding from the side of your home that looks something like this. If so, be careful of the snow accumulation around this pipe. Not only does it discharge exhaust gases out of the furnace, but it also draws in outside air for combustion. If it get blocked by snow, it’s going to starve the appliance. You’re not likely to get harmed if this happens because these furnaces and water heaters have built in safety protection. You will, however, have an appliance that is not working! So, before calling your favourite plumbing and heating company, check to see that this thing isn’t blocked! You’ll save yourself some money!