You wanna stay nice and warm in the winter, right? So does your furnace! But the problem is, keeping your furnace warm can be a whole lot easier said than done… especially if you’re not sure exactly how to keep the cold from taking control.
At Morris-Jenkins, we’ve cracked the code on the best way to keep your furnace from freezing. Keep reading to learn more about protecting your furnace from freezing during the winter months.
Recommended: “How to Prevent Plumbing Failure This Winter”
Step 1: Locate the Drain Pipe
It all starts with the drain pipe. Your furnace has a drain pipe that’s designed to remove the condensation your system creates while it runs. To find where it goes, you’ll need to follow the pipe from the furnace to wherever it drains out.
Sometimes it goes to a floor drain, other times it’s connected to an existing plumbing system… but lots of times, it’ll just go outside! Look for a white PVC pipe on the outside of your house. If you spot one coming out low on the wall near where your heating system sits inside, that’s probably it.
This is the part that tends to freeze since it’s exposed to the cold and constantly carries water. The freezing can extend all the way up the line, and if that happens, your furnace won’t be able to drain the way it should. When the condensate drain line backs up, the furnace will shut itself off as a precautionary safety measure.
Step 2. Use Ice Melt or Rock Salt
Now that you know where your drain pipe is, it’s time to help protect it from freezing. We’re not talking about using a hair dryer to thaw things out or trying to chip away at ice in the cold. We wanna prevent frozen pipes before they develop in the first place.
The secret? Ice melt and rock salt. Just like they help to prevent ice buildup from developing on streets, sidewalks, and driveways, they can help keep the end of your drain pipe from freezing over.
We recommend putting a mound of ice melt or rock salt around the area where the pipe drains. This helps keep the ground from freezing solid right at the spot where the water comes out.
It seems like a simple step that’s almost too good to be true… but the truth is, it works. Keeping that little area thawed can be the difference between a furnace that runs all winter and one that shuts down on the coldest night of the year.
Step 3: Monitor the Drain Pipe
The final (and perhaps most important) step is to continuously monitor the drain pipe. Adding ice melt or rock salt around the drain pipe is usually really effective, but if freezing continues even after you’ve treated the area, you might be dealing with something a bit more serious.
At that point, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look. There could be an issue with how the pipe is routed, how the water is draining, or even something inside the furnace that’s causing extra moisture. A tech can spot those problems quickly and help keep your system from shutting down in the middle of a freeze.
We wanna help your furnace work at its best when you need it most. Call Morris-Jenkins if you have any questions or concerns about the performance of your HVAC system.
Read more about how to safeguard your home’s plumbing from freezing temps: Cold Weather Plumbing Tips
Other Ways to Protect Your Furnace from Freezing
While protecting the drain pipe is the biggest step in preventing a frozen furnace, there are a few other things you can do to give your system a better shot during an extreme cold snap. Consider:
- Keeping your thermostat set to a steady temperature, especially overnight, so your furnace stays running and moisture keeps moving.
- Checking for drafts around your furnace or utility area, since cold air blowing on the condensate line or equipment can make freezing more likely.
- Opening nearby doors or vents to keep warmer air circulating around the furnace if it’s in a tight or chilly space.
- Scheduling regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician can catch small issues before they turn into serious furnace problems.
When to Contact the Pros
Got a furnace that just won’t stop freezing, no matter what you try? We understand how frustrating this can be; you deserve comfort and safety no matter how low the temperatures drop.
We recommend calling for professional furnace services if you’ve tried clearing and protecting the drain pipe, but the freezing keeps coming back, or if your furnace is shutting off repeatedly during cold weather.
When something keeps freezing over and over, it’s usually a sign that the system needs a little expert attention. And the sooner you get it looked at, the easier it is to keep your home warm and running smoothly through the rest of winter.
Choose Morris-Jenkins for Furnace Services in the Greater Charlotte Area
During periods of extremely cold weather, it’s not just the people inside the home that will feel the freezing temps. Your furnace needs to be protected, too, and a bit of extra attention can go a long way.
Make sure you’re prepared when the temperature drops. Morris-Jenkins is here to keep your furnace working right all winter long. Give us a call or contact us online today for comprehensive furnace services in the Greater Charlotte, NC area, including furnace repair, maintenance, installation, and replacement. We’re here to help!
