How to Keep the Furnace Condensation Vent From Freezing

A frozen vent pipe may burst or it may just block condensate release; either way, it can cause a furnace to shut down or malfunction. Ideally, your furnace should be housed in a climate-controlled space that remains around room temperature. Furnaces in unheated areas must be protected from cold temperatures in winter. If the temperature in your furnace's location dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you must insulate the condensation vent pipe with a heat cable.

Self-regulating 3- to 6-watt, 120 volt, 40F, shielded waterproof heat tape
Scissors
Tape
End cap

Instructions

- 1
  Run enough slack to extend the heat cable from the nearest outlet to the condensation vent pipe's origin at the back of the furnace.
- 2
  Run the heat cable along the middle of the back of the furnace's condensate trap. Start at the point farthest from the outlet so that the heat cable runs back toward its point of origin. If your furnace does not have a heat trap, move on to Step 5.
- 3
  Hold the centered heat cable in place with one hand. Wrap the heat cable three to four times around the condensate trap and the centered heat cable at regular intervals.
- 4
  Secure the heat cable in place with wire ties or application tape provided by the heat cable's manfacturer.
- 5
  Wrap the heat cable's remaining length around the length of the condensate vent pipe. Make one wrap every foot or so. Secure the heat cable as necessary as you go.
- 6
  Cut the end of the heat cable.
- 7
  Place an end cap over the cable's cut surface.

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