Life-Saving Winter Alert in Minnesota: What You Need To Know

On Tuesday morning, my mom woke up to a house that was 58 degrees.  For a house in Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin in the winter, that's just a tad too cold.  The odd thing was...her furnace was still on.  Something was majorly wrong.

Important (and Life-Saving) Reminder To All Minnesotans This Winter

Winter weather in Minnesota can bring a variety of precipitation to our yards.  When snow and ice start to accumulate, vents for water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces can get blocked.  According to Key Heating & Cooling, when vents are blocked, it can cause furnaces to malfunction.

That is exactly why the furnace at my mom's house wasn't working.  Ice and snow were blocking the pipes on the outside of her house that were part of the furnace.

According to Xcel Energy, if the vents on our homes aren't cleared of snow and ice, this can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide in the home.  50,000 people visit the emergency room every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A blockage of a vent can happen because of a large snowfall but it can also occur due to a buildup of snow and ice over time.

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Keep your furnace intake and exhaust pipes clear of snow.
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How To Prevent Build-Up Of Snow and Ice Around Your Vents

After a heavy snowfall, walk around your house and clear any snow away from the vents on your home.  If a mound of snow or ice is noticeable, it is important to clear this obstruction with your hands.  Using a shovel or tool could end up damaging the vent pipe.