Whenever the wind starts, kids start moving around the house with joy. But unfortunately, this wind brings unexpected damage to house owners. One is the furnace problem. Whether from severe weather events or powerful gusts typical of particular seasons, all lead to significant furnace problems. Mostly in areas where winds are a routine thing, residents have to call the HVAC technician to look after the system.
Particularly during winter, when icy winds prevail, or in summer with its occasional cool breezes, the performance of your warm gas furnace could be compromised. The wind brings too much dust, which clogs the exhaust vents or causes fluctuations in system pressure. As a result, you experience operational inefficiencies or even breakdowns.
4 Common Furnace Problems Affect By High Winds
A typical furnace works perfectly by maintaining the balance in the pressure differentials, commonly called delta-Ps. Strong winds can disrupt this balance by forcing too much air into the exhaust vent or pulling air out. Below are some of the furnace problems that arise after a windstorm:
1. Drafts and Air Infiltration
First, strong winds cause infiltration. Even if you close all the house doors, they still manage to enter through gaps and cracks in windows. Hence, when they enter the living area, they disturb the whole system that maintains the temperature.
Essentially, the furnace had to work more forcefully, which increased the wear and tear on the system. Residents complain about cold spots throughout the house. Drafts that seep through poorly sealed areas put additional stress on the warming system.
Tip: Take extra steps to ensure that insulation is up to par to prevent problems during gusty conditions.
2. Dirty Filters
Secondly, debris enters your home, clogging the filters, and the furnace stops running smoothly. Your system’s efficiency will decline. As it becomes more challenging for the stove to maintain the desired temperature, you will have higher energy bills for that month.
Tip: It’s wise to inspect the filters if they need replacement after a windstorm.
3. Blockages in Your Flue
For instance, if wind forces debris into the exhaust flue freak, it creates terminal blockages. This must be addressed because the flue safely vents harmful gasses like carbon monoxide.
If these gasses can’t escape, they may return to your home, posing severe health risks. The exhaust pipe also suffers under solid winds, potentially triggering the pressure switches to shut down—as a safety measure against toxic gas buildup.
4. Pilot Light & Ignition Problems
Lastly, another significant problem will occur in the ignition system. When strong gusts interfere with the furnace, it extinguishes the pilot light. So, when you turn it on next time, it will be tough for it to reignite. Yet, this dirty burner issue is more pronounced in homes with older heating systems.
Although the latest furnaces use electronic ignition systems, they are still not immune to high winds. Even they face the issue of soft lockouts.
7 Tips to Avoid the Effect of High Wind on Your Furnace
- Secure and Inspect Venting: Ensure all venting pipes are securely fastened and free from corrosion or damage that strong winds could exacerbate.
- Use Wind-Resistant Features: Install wind-resistant vent caps or covers that can reduce the impact of high winds on your furnace’s operation.
- Regular Maintenance: Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually to ensure it can handle adverse weather conditions.
- Clear Debris: Regularly clear debris and leaves around the intake and exhaust vents to prevent blockages.
- Install a Windbreak: If you live in a particularly windy area, consider installing a windbreak around your furnace’s external components.
- Check the Pilot Light Regularly: For older models, check the pilot light frequently during windy conditions and relight it if necessary.
- Upgrade if Necessary: If your budget allows it, consider upgrading to a new furnace model with a sealed combustion unit that is less susceptible to wind and external air pressure changes.
| Wind Speed (mph) | Potential Issues | Impact | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| <15 | Minor pressure differences | Stable operation | Regular maintenance |
| 15-30 | Exhaust backdraft | Reduced efficiency | Install wind diverters |
| >30 | Vent blockage | Safety risk | Secure vent caps |
The Bottom Line
You can’t control the weather and external factors that impact your furnace and other appliances. Yet, you can take safety measures to minimize the risk of causing issues. It’s recommended not to use the furnace when the weather is extreme. Or if anything happens to your furnace just call Ventiluxes.
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