How to Prevent a Flue Vent Freeze

A home generates a lot of wasted air that must be vented outside. Furnaces, fireplaces and water systems all have flue vents that lead somewhere outside the home. These vents normally go through the roof. The furnace also draws fresh air from outside to inside, which also requires a vent. Keeping these flue vents from icing over during the winter season is important.

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Instructions

- 1
  Check the flue vents in the late autumn to ensure that they are not damaged or cracked. If they do not have a cap, look down into the vent to ensure that there are no bird, insect or leaf debris that can catch and hold water that later freezes. If the vent is capable of using a cap, then place one on it.
- 2
  Examine the existing caps carefully for cracks or holes that let water drain it. Make sure the caps are on firmly and replace any that are not fully functional.
- 3
  Vents on the side of the home should face downward to prevent water and wind from entering. If the vent faces upward or sideways, add an extension to allow it to face downward properly.
- 4
  Plant evergreen hedges around side vents to protect them from the wind and elements.
- 5
  Furnace exhaust flues normally do not ice up during the times the furnace is running because of the hot nature of the gases. When the furnace is off for a period, such as at night, ice may form. Keeping the furnace running at a low temperature overnight solves the problem.
- 6
  Fireplace flues sometimes have dampers at the very top of the flue along with the bottom one near the firebox. If the damper is frozen, tugging at the chain may break the ice dam. Do not tug so hard that the chain or cord breaks.

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