Prevent Carbon Monoxide Dangers by Clearing Furnace Exhaust Vents and Mobile Home Chimneys
When Michigan winter storms roll in, the snow piles up fast — and while most homeowners think about shoveling driveways or clearing the roof, one important safety check often gets missed:
your furnace exhaust pipe and mobile home chimney.
For families across Cedar Springs, Rockford, Grand Rapids, and the surrounding West Michigan communities, keeping these areas clear can be a
life-saving habit.
Why Exhaust Pipes Get Blocked in Winter
Modern high-efficiency furnaces vent through PVC pipes outside your home, usually along a sidewall. Heavy snowfall, drifting snow, and ice buildup can block those pipes within hours.
When these vents become blocked, three dangerous things happen:
- The furnace cannot breathe properly
- Carbon monoxide can back up into the home
- The furnace may shut down or short cycle, leaving you with no heat during freezing temperatures
Blocked exhaust pipes are one of the
most common causes of winter furnace breakdowns.
Mobile Homes Must Pay Extra Attention
Mobile homes typically vent through a
roof jack chimney, and snowstorms can cause:
- Heavy snow accumulation around the chimney
- Ice buildup around the cap
- Snow sliding off the roof and covering the vent
If the chimney becomes blocked, your furnace cannot exhaust properly, and carbon monoxide risks increase significantly.
For mobile homes, this safety step is
critical.
Signs Your Exhaust Vent or Chimney Might Be Blocked
Watch for:
- Your furnace shutting off unexpectedly
- A strong exhaust smell outside or near the furnace
- Ice forming on or around the pipe
- Visible snow drift covering the vent
- The furnace repeatedly trying to start but failing
If you see any of these signs,
shut the furnace off and clear the vent immediately.
How to Safely Clear Snow From Exhaust Pipes
Here’s what we recommend at
Crome Mechanical Heating & Cooling:
- Locate both intake and exhaust pipes (usually 12–24 inches above ground)
- Use a
soft broom or brush — never a shovel
- Clear 2–3 feet of space around the pipes
- Remove any ice buildup carefully
- Check the area after every heavy snowfall or windstorm
- Make vent-checking part of your regular winter routine
For mobile homes, visually confirm that the chimney cap is not buried or covered.
Install a Year-Round Carbon Monoxide Detector
Every Michigan home should have at least one CO detector, ideally near bedrooms and your furnace area.
This is your last line of defense if something becomes blocked without warning.
Need Help? Crome Mechanical Is Here 24/7
If your furnace isn’t running, you smell exhaust, or you can’t safely clear the snow, our team is ready to help day or night.
Crome Mechanical Heating & Cooling
Serving Cedar Springs, Rockford, Grand Rapids, and all surrounding West Michigan communities.
📞
616-813-5976
⭐ Family-owned. Local. Trusted.
