A furnace requires proper air flow in order to work at full efficiency. When a furnace develops certain problems such as failing to start up or attempts to start but fails, this can be due to a clogged intake pipe. The intake pipe sucks in the air from outside. If the intake pipe is clogged the furnace can’t bring in the air to begin the heating process. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will share more about the intake pipe and how to clean it out.
Causes of a Clogged Furnace Intake Vent
Often during a furnace tune-up, the HVAC technician will check the intake pipe and clean it out if needed. The intake pipe runs from the furnace and up to the roof or out through a wall. As a result, the intake pipe is exposed to the outside. Birds will sometimes build their nest inside the pipe, blocking the air flow. Due to our windy climate in Las Vegas, it is not uncommon for trash and debris to get sucked up inside the pipe. There are endless scenarios on how the intake pipe can become clogged and blocked. This is why it is important to check and clean out the intake pipe before the heating season. For those who may have not had the furnace tuned-up yet, and your furnace is struggling to start up, it may be due to a blocked intake pipe.
Checking & Cleaning the Furnace Intake Pipe
To determine if the intake pipe is clogged, you will need to locate it. Depending on the design and location of the furnace, the intake pipe will be on the roof or come out of the outside wall of the home. The furnace intake pipe is either black or white plastic pipe. You will need to follow it to see where it is located. If the furnace intake pipe is on the wall it is usually near the foundation of the home. The pipe is also often curved. If the exhaust pipe is on the roof, it will be sticking straight up. Once you have located the intake pipe you will want to use a flashlight to look deep inside the pipe. See if you can see any obstruction in the pipe. If so, you will need to clean it out. Reach as deep as you can to remove the obstruction. Sometimes the intake pipe may need to be blown out which will require the aid of an HVAC technician to open up the furnace and clear out the intake pipe from the inside. For intake pipes that are near the foundation, make sure there is nothing blocking the pipe. At times debris or even plants can overtake the intake pipe and restrict the air flow. You will want a clearing around the intake pipe to make sure the furnace can bring in the air without a struggle.
Furnace Tune Up Maintenance, Emergency Repair, Installation & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, Peccole Ranch, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
The entire furnace system needs to be well maintained to ensure the furnace can operate and be efficient. Even a simple problem such as a clogged intake pipe can prevent a furnace from starting up. To avoid these simple problems, make sure to have the furnace tuned-up before the major heating season. For furnace repairs, tune-ups, and more, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.
