Checking the air intake on your furnace involves inspecting both the external intake pipes and the internal air filter to ensure proper airflow and efficient furnace operation. A clear air intake is essential for your furnace to function safely and effectively.
Importance of a Clear Air Intake
A clear and unobstructed air intake is critical for several reasons. It ensures your furnace receives an adequate supply of fresh air for combustion, which is vital for efficient heating and prevents potential safety hazards like carbon monoxide buildup. Blocked intake pipes can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy bills, furnace malfunctions, and even premature system wear.
Steps to Check Your Furnace's Air Intake
Follow these steps to thoroughly inspect your furnace's air intake system:
1. Prioritize Safety: Shut Off Power
Always begin by shutting off the power to your furnace at the circuit breaker box. This is a critical safety step before performing any inspection or maintenance, preventing accidental startup or electrical hazards.
2. Locate the Intake Pipes
Identify your furnace's air intake pipes. These are typically white or black PVC pipes, often two of them, that extend out from a wall near your furnace. Follow these pipes to where they exit on the outside of your house. They are usually located close to your furnace's indoor location. One pipe brings in fresh air (intake), and the other vents exhaust gases.
3. Inspect External Intake Vents
Once you've located the external ends of the intake pipes, perform a thorough visual inspection:
- Check for Obstructions: Look for any foreign objects that might be blocking the opening. Common culprits include:
- Leaves, twigs, and other natural debris
- Snow and ice buildup (especially during winter)
- Animal nests (birds, rodents, insects)
- Spiderwebs or insect activity
- Examine for Damage: Inspect the pipes and their caps for any cracks, breaks, disconnections, or signs of wear. Damaged pipes can compromise air quality and furnace efficiency.
- Clear Blockages: Gently remove any debris or obstructions you find. For snow or ice, carefully brush it away. If you suspect an animal nest, avoid direct contact and consider professional assistance for removal.
4. Check the Furnace Air Filter
While not the external intake pipe, the furnace air filter is the primary internal component regulating the air entering your furnace for both combustion and circulation. A dirty filter significantly restricts airflow, mimicking a blocked intake and severely impacting performance.
- Locate the Filter: The air filter slot is usually located at the return air duct, often near the blower fan compartment of your furnace.
- Inspect the Filter: Slide out the old filter and hold it up to a light source. If you can't see light through it, or if it's visibly caked with dust and debris, it needs to be replaced.
- Replace if Dirty: Replace dirty filters with a new one of the correct size and MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating specified by your furnace manufacturer.
- Filter Maintenance: Aim to check your filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months, depending on usage, pet presence, and overall indoor air quality.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked Vent | Leaves, snow, ice, animal nests, debris | Clear the obstruction gently |
| Dirty Air Filter | Infrequent replacement, high dust levels | Replace the air filter with a new one |
| Damaged Pipes | Physical impact, wear and tear, extreme weather | Contact an HVAC professional for repair/replacement |
| Restricted Flow | Internal ductwork issues (less common) | Professional diagnostic and repair |
When to Call a Professional
While checking and clearing external blockages or replacing a filter can be a DIY task, some situations require professional help:
- Inability to Clear Obstructions: If an obstruction is deep within the pipe or difficult to reach.
- Damaged Pipes: Any cracks, breaks, or disconnections in the intake pipes that you cannot easily fix.
- Persistent Performance Issues: If your furnace continues to short cycle, make strange noises, or fails to heat properly despite a clear intake and a clean filter.
- Annual Maintenance: It's recommended to schedule annual professional HVAC maintenance to ensure all components, including the air intake system, are in optimal working condition.
