QUESTION: We have a new high-efficiency furnace and are anxious when snow on the roof or ice buildup from condensation blocks the vent. We often don't use the furnace until the area is cleared. Is this the smart thing to do?
ANSWER: When such obstructions interfere with the operation of the furnace, they starve it for air, but be assured there are built-in safety gizmos to deal the problem. The furnace either shuts off or starts, but won't run for a little while.
You can build a shield around the intake pipe that will prevent a snow buildup. I would leave as much space as possible around the pipe itself. For the condensation thing, consult your installer or service technician so a small, inexpensive modification can be applied to prevent any problems. Read your ownership manual for specific instructions as to what the furnace needs for safe and efficient operation, as manufacturers do differ in dealing with these requirements.
QUESTION: How often should we be changing the furnace filter during the heating season?
ANSWER: Dirty filters interfere with air flow, but the furnace does have built-in gizmos to deal with that. However, a very dirty or blocked filter blows away much of its efficiency, both in heating and electricity consumption costs, and eventually forces it to shut down.
The normal fibreglass mesh filters we use should be changed at least once a month during the heating season and should not be forgotten during the cooling season either. The pleated or washable filters are somewhat better, but they, too, have to be cleaned monthly and closely monitored.
QUESTION: Our bathroom fan was vented into the attic and the end of the duct just blows into the soffit area so there is always ice buildup in there. Last year, we could actually see it sagging. Can that duct be changed?
ANSWER: Changing the duct itself won't do you a whole lot of good unless you make it long enough to be exhausting to the exterior, either through the soffit, the roof or a wall.
There are grilles available for all these locations in order get all that condensation where it belongs -- outside. Although these ducts are made of several materials, the best ones are going to be rigid metal that should be installed with all the seams and joints sealed with duct tape. The duct shouldn't be running on top of the attic insulation unless there is a blanket of at least R-20 rated bat insulation covering it or it will sweat and you will end up with a condensation problem and a water-stained ceiling.
QUESTION: We installed a new aluminum storm door last fall and it keeps getting frost on it now that winter has arrived. What can we do?
ANSWER: You did a good installation job. The instructions did not mention that warm air has to have some way of getting out of the cavity between it and your prime door.
These instructions normally suggest that you sink the mounting frame into a bed of caulking compound on both sides and along the top. Disregard the latter.
The two sides will have no effect on the efficiency of the storm door, but if there is no caulking bead along the top, warm air (which naturally rises) can get out without negatively affecting the unit's efficiency.
This will do away with the frost buildup, and in summer not enough heat will build up in that cavity to cook the insulation out of your metal prime door. Once that insulation is cooked, you have a tin can for a front door.
QUESTION: We like to keep windows open a bit year 'round, but now that it's cold, a bit of frost builds up on the edges and it's very hard to crank them closed. Help.
ANSWER: Window-crank mechanisms are quite delicate and the mounting bases for them do not always have the integrity to be reefed on.
Once they become loose or twisted, replacement is about the only option. Be warned this is not an inexpensive proposition. Whether they fit very tightly or very loosely, the cranks are really meant to bring the window in just far enough for the locks to engage.
The locks are on a more solid base and more pressure can be put on them to close the window completely.
Ren Molnar is a home consultant and handyman. Send your questions to ren@on.aibn.com.
-- Postmedia News
