In Southwest Portland, it’s common to experience major windstorms during the wet season. Besides the risk of falling branches and power outages, the windy weather can also make your high-efficiency furnace’s intake blocked. Douglas fir needles get pulled into the PVC intake and exhaust, leading to unexpected shutdowns and more frequent furnace repairs.
From preventative furnace maintenance to safe homeowner checks, we’ll cover all of the steps you should take and hazards to avoid.
Quick Checklist After a Windstorm: Safe Steps You Can Take
Whether your furnace keeps shutting off after a windstorm or your furnace intake vent is clogged, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot safely.
- If the furnace is short cycling, turn the thermostat off.
- Visually inspect your outside PVC pipe.
- If you see needles, gently remove them.
- Check for potential hazards, like loose connections and exposed wires. If there are any, leave them alone and schedule an HVAC appointment.
- Call for a professional inspection if the furnace has been in floodwater.
- Then, check your filter to make sure it is clean and has been recently replaced.
- Ensure the intake area is free from debris that could get into the intake.
Immediately stop and call for professional furnace help if you smell gas, notice a burning odor, have persistent error codes, or experience heavy icing.
Why High-Efficiency Furnaces Have PVC Intake and Exhaust Pipes
Your PVC furnace intake and exhaust pipes are like the lungs of your home. The intake “breathes” in fresh, clean air that can be used for combustion. Once combustion is complete, the exhaust releases harmful byproducts.
Depending on your setup, you may have a two-pipe or concentric system. Two pipes have one pipe for the intake and one for the exhaust. A concentric system has a smaller intake pipe within the outer exhaust pipe, which makes it ideal for aesthetics.
If there are fir needles clogging the furnace intake, it can restrict airflow and trigger your system’s safety controls to shut off the furnace.
Signs Your Furnace Intake May Be Clogged
You may need furnace repair or maintenance if you notice the following symptoms of a clogged intake.
- Your unit short cycles, which is when it starts and shuts off right away.
- No heat or inconsistent heat is produced.
- You hear an unusual whistling or whooshing noise near the vent.
- There are generic error lights or codes that keep returning.
- There is ice or frost near the termination point, indicating you need a professional inspection.
Why Douglas Fir Needles Cause Furnace Pressure Switch Issues in Portland
When it comes to HVAC issues, many homeowners experience furnace pressure switch issues in Portland. Douglas fir trees naturally shed their older, inner leaves in the fall. These needles gradually start to collect on fences, shrubs, and around homes.
As soon as a gusty windstorm arrives, you’ll start to see Douglas fir needles in furnace intakes.
Connect local conditions to the issue. Often, you’ll also see outside furnace vents full of needles, especially if they are low or near landscaping.
How To Safely Clear Needles From an Outside Furnace Intake
To protect your SW Portland home from debris, remember to use the following furnace maintenance tips and best practices.
Safe Things You Can Do
- Using gloves, gently clear away any needles from the opening.
- Check the termination and remove loose debris from the surface.
- Clear 12 to 24 inches around the outlet to prevent future clogs.
- Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for cleaning and replacing the air filter.
Things You Should Avoid
- Never push coat hangers, shop-vac hoses, or other items into the pipe.
- Never pour water to flush the pipe.
- Never modify the screens and caps on your furnace.
- Never repeatedly restart the furnace if it keeps shutting down.
When To Call for Furnace Repair in SW Portland
You should schedule professional repairs on your furnace in the following situations.
- You keep experiencing pressure switch-related symptoms.
- The shutdowns keep happening.
- Your exhaust looks blocked.
- The error codes persist.
- Ice buildup is occurring.
Furnace shutdowns are a normal part of your system’s safety features. When they happen, it’s essential to schedule furnace repairs to diagnose and fix the underlying cause.
Why Call Central Air for Furnace Repair in SW Portland
Residents trust our local SW Portland service because we hire licensed and insured technicians. Our team provides fast scheduling and same-day availability, so you can get results fast. From upfront pricing to full-service support, we offer the options local residents need.
Our HVAC technicians understand the impact of windstorm debris and wind-related issues. We work quickly to fix intake and exhaust problems, ensuring a clean workspace and lasting results.
Learn more by reaching out to our expert HVAC technicians today.
What We Check During a Clogged Intake Service Visit
During our visit, we’ll handle a few key maintenance and inspection tasks.
- Confirm your vent and termination are configured properly.
- Clear away the blockage.
- Make sure your pressure switch is operating effectively.
- Inspect the condensate drain line for high-efficiency furnaces.
- Ensure your intake and exhaust slopes are correctly configured.
- Secure loose connections.
- Test your system performance after the inspection is complete.
- Recommend the best prevention measures for needle-heavy homes.
Need Help Keeping Your Furnace Running in SW Portland?
Keep your SW Portland home warm by protecting your high-efficiency furnace from Douglas fir needle clogs during the windy wet season. This guide covers essential maintenance tips and troubleshooting steps to help you avoid frequent furnace repairs and ensure your system operates safely.
Don’t let a clogged intake leave you in the cold. Contact Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today for fast, professional furnace repair and maintenance in SW Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a clogged intake damage my furnace?
Absolutely. If you have a clogged intake, your furnace won’t get enough air and can start to overheat. You’ll experience increased furnace shutdowns and more frequent repairs.
Is it safe to keep restarting the furnace?
No. If you reset your furnace and it automatically shuts off again, there is something seriously wrong. Schedule professional furnace repairs right away.
Can I add a screen to the intake?
While you can add a screen to the intake, this is something that should be handled by a professional. It needs to be made of the right-sized mesh for your furnace, or it can cause issues. Additionally, you should never use a screen on the exhaust because this can increase the risk of ice buildup.
Why does it happen after windstorms?
Douglas fir needles get blown off trees and into your intake during major windstorms. The intake also functions like a vacuum, increasing the likelihood of debris getting pulled in. Because of this, it’s a good idea to perform routine maintenance and schedule annual furnace maintenance after a storm hits.
What’s the difference between intake and exhaust?
Your furnace’s intake is responsible for pulling fresh air into your furnace, which will be used as part of the combustion process. Meanwhile, the exhaust releases harmful combustion byproducts away from your home.
