The Flue

If you own a gas-powered furnace, sometimes the flue outside may get blocked. It is a good idea to check the flue pipe that vents your furnace outside very regularly. If you live in a region that gets heavy snow, snow can block the flue. When this happens, the heating system will shut itself off to prevent the people who live in your home from experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. Yes, it is a necessary safety feature for furnaces to shut themselves off when the outside flue is blocked, but the furnace will also stop heating your home when this happens. The best solution is to make sure that the flue is free from blockages. The blockages don't even have to be related to the weather. Sometimes, a bird will build a nest at the outside flue opening, and such a blockage can also cause your heating system to stop working. There are several other things that can happen to cause blockages as well, such as the growth of weeds around the opening or grass clippings that have collected around the opening. Check the flue often to make sure it is clear of such debris.