Do you have smoke coming back in the house when trying to start a fire?
Furnace keep shutting off after a short period of time running?
During the cold winter months when the furnace is kicking on or you go to use the fireplace you may at some point have difficulty with getting the proper draft. Sometimes this can be as simple as the damper being closed or not fully open, but other times it could be a sign something more serious is going on.
Some factors that could impact the draft can include blockages in the chimney, improperly sized chimney liners, improper construction of the smoke chamber, height of the chimney, and lack of adequate air in the room for combustion. If you notice issues with draft, do not simply keep burning or trying to use an appliance. Call a professional and have them check the chimney for any defects that could affect the draft.
In any chimney, especially one without a masonry cap, blockages can occur. With oil and gas burning appliances, such as furnaces or hot water heaters, some blockages can result in carbon monoxide backing up into the home resulting in serious illness or death. Generally, furnaces are equipped with shut offs when there is not a sufficient draft but these do not always work. All homes should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in low area to ensure your safety. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is odorless so often those effected are unaware until it is too late. Don’t let this happen to you!
