Can High Winds Cause Furnace Repair Issues?

High Winds vs. Your Furnace: Common Problems and the Furnace Repair Solutions

Winter has been brutal this year. And you don’t want to be caught in the cold due to furnace repair. Polar vortices have pushed cold weather south and strong winds into the deep south, four times in December, four times in January, and twice in February. New Orleans and Pensacola have seen snow this winter and Dallas saw single digits in February. Houston saw cold and snow that was driven by strong and violent winds.

Did you know that high winds can interfere with furnace function? Perhaps you experienced these problems without knowing. Here are some furnace repair problems to watch for during periods of wintry high winds.

1. Aging Caulking. The fine point of insulation is accomplished by caulk and weatherstripping. Caulk begins as a paste, filling in very small cracks and blocking the wind from entering the home. Time and weather cause the caulk to harden and as it does, it pulls away from surfaces. Although the gaps are very small, the wind gets in and can make indoor spaces uncomfortable.

Discovering drafts can be accomplished with a candle or an incense stick. Bring the flame or smoldering incense stick close to the windows or door jams. Gaps will need to be re-caulked. Larger gaps can be filled with weatherstripping.

1. Natural Gas Flues. When natural gas burns, the exhaust—mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor—is released outdoors through an exhaust pipe called a flue. When the wind is high in the winter, a pressure imbalance can occur, delaying the release of the gas into the atmosphere. This imbalance causes exhaust gas to temporarily back up into the home. (For this reason and more, it is important to keep a carbon monoxide detector in every home with a natural gas furnace.)

The flue should extend higher than the peak of the roof to ensure the exhaust is blown away. If the problem persists, it may require a windbreak. This technology is very exacting and must be completed by an experienced HVAC technician.

1. Natural Gas Ignition. Between the pressure imbalance and drafts, high winds can affect the ignition system of a gas furnace. Old furnaces might still have a pilot light, and the light will need to be re-lit. Winds can blow the pilot light out, preventing ignition as needed. Newer furnaces have an electric ignition system, but drafts and imbalances can prevent ignition.

Solving the draft and pressure imbalance will solve the ignition problem.

1. Dirty Air Filters. Snow is only a part of the problem. High winds can pick up any dust or debris, increasing the number of airborne particles. This can add to the collection of dust on the HVAC air filter. Whenever a filter is covered, it restricts the airflow and interferes with proper heating. A clogged air filter is a very frequent reason for repair calls for HVAC systems.

The solution, of course, is to change the air filter regularly—at least every three months.

Let AirPro Houston Help You Combat Wind-Related Furnace Repair Issues

By understanding the impact of high winds on your furnace, you can take proactive steps to maintain a warm and safe home during harsh winters. Regular maintenance, including checking for drafts, ensuring proper flue function, and changing air filters, is essential. For complex furnace repair issues like windbreaks or ignition problems, consulting with a qualified HVAC professional at AirPro Houston is crucial. Don’t let winter winds compromise your comfort; address these potential problems to keep your furnace running efficiently.

With our four decades of experience as a Furnace Repair contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC repair questions.

We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your North Houston Furnace Repair needs.