We have all been there: It is the middle of a heavy Ottawa snowstorm, the wind is howling, and suddenly… the furnace stops. The house starts getting cold. You panic.
Before you call for emergency service, there is one critical check you should perform yourself. It takes five minutes, costs zero dollars, and solves a surprisingly high percentage of “No Heat” calls we receive in winter.
You need to check your snow drifts.
High-Efficiency Furnaces Need to Breathe
Most modern homes in Ottawa use high-efficiency natural gas furnaces. Unlike older models that vented up a chimney, these systems use two white PVC pipes that usually stick out the side of your house:
- The Intake: Pulls fresh air in for combustion.
- The Exhaust: Pushes dangerous gases (like Carbon Monoxide) out.
When the city plows go by or a blizzard dumps 20cm of snow, these low-hanging pipes can easily get buried.
What happens next? If the Intake is blocked, the furnace “suffocates” and shuts down to prevent dangerous fumes from building up inside. It is a safety feature, but it leaves you in the cold.
How to Check (and Clear) Your Vents
Make this a part of your snow-shoveling routine. Every time you clear the driveway, do a quick lap around the house.
- Locate the Pipes: Look for the two white plastic pipes on your exterior wall.
- Clear the Snow: Use a broom or your hands to gently clear snow away from the openings. Do not use a shovel or anything hard that could crack the PVC pipe in the cold.
- Check for Ice: Sometimes, the exhaust steam can freeze and form an “ice dam” over the pipe opening. If you see ice, gently knock it loose.
- Create Space: Dig a small “well” around the pipes so that melting snow or future drift accumulation won’t block them immediately.
A Note for Heat Pump Owners
If you have a hybrid system (Heat Pump + Furnace), remember that in extreme cold (below -25°C), your system relies heavily on that gas furnace backup. Keeping those vents clear is just as critical for you!
Still Having Issues?
If you have cleared the vents, reset your thermostat, and the furnace still won’t start, you may have a deeper mechanical issue or a “lockout” that requires a technician.
For a comprehensive guide on troubleshooting common heating issues—including filter checks and thermostat tips—visit our detailed resource page:
Read: How to Deal with Furnace Problems & Troubleshooting Guide
Stay safe and warm, Ottawa!
