Your gas meter and ventilation equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions, but uncleared, heavy, or hard-packed snow/ice on the meter or external exhaust vents can quickly become a significant safety hazard.
A common problem homeowners have is high snow drifts that block gas meter vents, furnace vents, or air intake pipes in some homes—predominantly homes that have newer high-efficiency furnaces. New, high-efficiency furnaces vent out the side of your home, these vents and air intakes MUST be kept clear of snow and ice. If they are blocked, the CARBON MONOXIDE cannot vent outside and will go back into the home. Some newer high-efficiency furnaces have automatic shut-offs that will shut down the furnace when the vents are blocked, but not all of them. After a heavy snowfall, It is important to inspect the area around the furnace and water heater vents to ensure that snow and ice are not blocking them, keeping approximately a three-foot area clear around the vent and intake tubes will help them to function properly.
Safety Checklist
Chimneys and vents for gas appliances must be cleared following a major snow or ice storm to enable proper venting and prevent any carbon monoxide accumulation.
Check indoor and outdoor dryer vents are clear from snow or debris.
Make sure that snow does not block exhaust from a sidewall vent. Sidewall vents are common in recent heating and water heating systems, especially with high-efficiency models. Vents act as breathing devices for these systems—they take-in fresh air, mix it with fuel to produce heat and discharge exhaust fumes that contain harmful carbon monoxide. If a vent becomes blocked with snow or debris, it could shut down heating equipment or bring exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide back into the home.
Accumulation of ice or snow can interfere with the proper operation of your gas metering system. The meter assembly may contain a regulator that is designed to safely release pressurized gas in the event of a malfunction. Blocking the regulator vent could create an unsafe condition where gas is not able to escape from internal piping.
Snow and ice can damage gas meters and piping. Be careful when removing snow from around the gas meter; any damage to the gas meter could potentially create a possible leak hazard, use a small shovel or brush to remove snow and ice.
Chimneys and vents should be protected using an approved cap or screen to keep small animals like birds, squirrels, mice, or insects from entering them. These pests can build nests inside the chimneys or vents and can cause the vents to not operate properly.
If you smell a gas odor inside your home, or outside your home, contact your local gas company for emergency service.
Keeping the meter and vents free of ice, snow, and other obstructions will help prevent potential carbon monoxide poisoning. If your CO alarm sounds, immediately evacuate to a safe location and call 9-1-1.
Questions about your home or need a referral for a licensed professional in your area?
Central Iowa Gas Company Contacts:
Black Hills Energy
Consumer Energy
1-800-696-6552
MidAmerican Energy
1-888-427-5632
Panora Natural Gas
1-800-622-1003
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