Furnace Vent Icing in Parkland County: What to Check Before You Call

Furnace Exhaust Icing in Parkland County

Why it happens, what you can safely check, and when to call a pro

In Parkland County winters (especially when it’s hovering around -10°C to -20°C or you’ve got wind and drifting snow), one common “no heat” culprit is ice or snow blocking a high-efficiency furnace intake/exhaust. When that airflow gets restricted, your furnace can shut down as a safety response.

This quick guide explains what homeowners can look for, what not to do, and when it’s time to call for help.

Why furnace vents ice up (simple explanation)

High-efficiency furnaces vent warm, moist exhaust through PVC. In very cold weather that moisture can freeze at the termination, especially if conditions encourage condensation or if the venting has drainage/installation issues. Snow buildup can also block either pipe.

Signs your furnace might be shutting down from a vent issue

You might notice:

• Furnace tries to start, then stops and retries

• “No heat” after a windy night or snowfall

• Furnace runs briefly, then locks out

• You see frost/ice “mushrooming” at the vent termination outside

What you can safely check (homeowner-friendly)

1) Check the area outside around the vent pipes
Look for snow piled up against the house or covering the pipe openings, and gently clear snow away so air can move freely.

2) Look for obvious ice at the very end of the pipe
If you see light ice right at the opening, you can gently remove loose buildup with a gloved hand (no tools that could damage the pipe).

3) If the furnace still won’t run, stop there and call
Repeated lockouts usually mean there’s more going on than a simple snow blockage (venting, drainage, pressure switch, condensate issues, etc.).

What NOT to do (important)

To keep things safe and to avoid damage:

• Don’t change vent pipe length, elbows, or terminations

• Don’t drill holes or remove factory screens/parts

• Don’t pour hot water on PVC in extreme cold (it can re-freeze and/or crack components)

• Don’t chip ice with metal tools (cracked PVC or fittings can turn into a bigger repair)

If you’re unsure, it’s better to call—venting is a safety system.

Prevention tips that actually help

• Keep vent terminations clear all winter (especially after wind, drifting, or fresh snow)

• Book a maintenance visit if icing happens repeatedly—proper vent slope, drainage, and condensate handling matter a lot.

• If your furnace quits during a cold snap, protect your plumbing while you wait: open sink cabinet doors, let faucets drip slightly, keep doors open for airflow, and keep the garage door closed if plumbing is nearby.

Carbon monoxide safety (quick reminder)

Any fuel-burning appliance deserves respect. Make sure you have working CO alarms and treat persistent “flu-like” symptoms without a fever seriously—get fresh air and seek help if you suspect a problem.

When to call Over the Top Heating

Call us if:

• The furnace keeps trying and failing

• You’ve cleared snow/obvious frost and it still won’t run

• This icing issue has happened more than once

• You’re getting repeated shutdowns/lockouts or unusual noises

Serving Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Parkland County, and Edmonton area.
If it’s an emergency “no heat” situation, we can help get you back up safely.