How to Keep a PVC Furnace Vent Pipe Clear of Frost

A blocked PVC furnace vent is no small matter. Without proper ventilation, deadly carbon monoxide can build up inside the house -- a consequence so serious, most furnaces simply shut off automatically when the vent becomes blocked. A common culprit in the winter months is frost that grows slowly as temperatures drop. Even if frost doesn't block enough of the vent to cause a health hazard, it reduces your furnace's efficiency during times when you need efficiency the most. When the temperature starts to drop, keep the PVC pipe clear, and avoid unnecessary winter service calls.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic putty knife
• Flashlight
• Work gloves
• Hair dryer
• Outdoor extension cord

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Inspect the PVC pipe vent on the outside of the house weekly when the temperature drops below 30 to 40 degrees.

   • 2

     Scrape light buildup of frost from the pipe with a plastic putty knife. Look into the pipe vent with a flashlight to make sure it's clear on the inside.

   • 3

     Remove heavy frost buildup with heat. Put on work gloves to protect your hands, then plug a hair dryer into an outdoor extension cord. Turn on the dryer to its highest setting. Melt the frost with the hot air until the pipe is clear.