Can Snow on the Roof Affect Furnaces?

Prevention

• Roofing contractors or furnace installers can erect shields protecting furnace vents from snow buildup. Technicians can also study adding extensions to vents to protect them from heavy snow. Blockage of furnace vents by snow is usually an issue only in areas subject to extreme snowfall.

Inspection

• Preparation during the summer and spring is the best strategy for avoiding problems with snow on the roof. Use that time to identify the location of your furnace vents and have a technician erect shields or extensions. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems usually require servicing once each year. That’s also a good time to inspect vents on the roof and question the technician about winter preparations.

Solutions

• In an emergency situation, a roofing contractor could simply climb atop your roof and use a shovel to remove snow from blocked vents. It is possible for you to do this as well. Climbing atop a snowy, icy roof, however, is dangerous. Unsteady footing because of snow and ice could lead to a fall, resulting in serious injury. Hiring a roofing contractor with experience working in such situations is usually a better option. A contractor may elect to reach the roof using a crane and safety harness.

Guidance

• The owner’s manual for your furnace may offer special instructions for snow conditions. For example, some furnaces may include mechanisms automatically turning off the furnace when it detects that vents are blocked. The service manual can explain how long to expect intermittent operation of the furnace in extreme situations. If your vents aren’t shielded from the snow, make sure you have backup heating sources such as space heaters.