What does vent intake or termination problem mean?

3. The vent usually refers to the induction system (the exhaust fan). Check for blockage outside, where the PVC pipe terminates. There may also be a problem with the inducer fan itself. I’ve had to replace them when they get weak.

What happens if furnace air intake is blocked?

If the furnace intake pipe becomes blocked with snow, the heating system can stall because it cannot pull the required oxygen to properly operate. Once the intake pipe becomes blocked, the only way to get the furnace working again is to clear the snow.

What is a termination problem?

A major objection to SRM is the termination problem: the catastrophic consequences that are likely to result from its sudden discontinuation. The termination problem limits the reversibility of policy choices and poses the risk of inadvertent or enforced program collapse.

How do you unclog a furnace vent pipe?

Scrub the inside free of any dust and debris; then use the handheld vacuum to get out as much as you can. Wipe it clear with a rag or soft cloth and then replace the cap. Cut away any branches or remove any object that might be obstructing the pipe and creating debris. The vent should always be clear.

How do I check the air intake on my furnace?

How to Inspect and Clean Furnace Intake and Exhaust Pipes

  1. First, locate your furnace and find the intake and exhaust pipes. …
  2. Once outside, look for the intake and exhaust pipes. …
  3. The exhaust pipe should be pointing up and the intake pointing down.

Where is my furnace intake vent?

The air intake vent in the furnace is located on the side of your house. Many air intake vents are white or black plastic pipes. The intake vent can become an entryway for mice and other vermin. This is doubly true during winter months when mice start looking for a place to escape the cold and snow.

How do I know if my furnace vent is clogged?

How to tell if your exhaust vent is blocked

  1. Furnace doesn’t heat the air. By far, the most common symptom of a blocked exhaust vent is a furnace that doesn’t heat up. …
  2. Furnace heats up for a little while, then shuts off. …
  3. Furnace cover panel gets hot. …
  4. Bad smells when your furnace is heating.


How do you tell if your vents are clogged?

How to Tell if Your Plumbing Vent is Clogged

  1. A Primer on Plumbing Vents. …
  2. Water Takes A Long Time to Drain. …
  3. Dry and Empty Toilet Tanks. …
  4. Foul Smells. …
  5. Gurgling or “Glugging” Sounds as Water Goes Down the Drain. …
  6. Get Those Clogs Out of Your Plumbing Vent ASAP.


Why is my furnace blowing cold air in some rooms?

Your furnace may be blowing cold air because the pilot light has gone out. It is a simple fix, just relight the pilot. If it continues to go out after you relight it a few times, then you should call us at or request service online. This is indicative of a bigger problem that requires professional help.

How do you clear a clogged furnace?

How to unclog your furnace’s condensate drain

  1. Check to see how bad the clog is. Take a look in your drain pan and outside where the drain line goes to see if it is something simple to fix. …
  2. Remove the clog by hand. …
  3. Use a drain brush or drain snake. …
  4. Use a wet/dry vacuum. …
  5. Use a drain gun.


How do I know if my heat exchanger is clogged?

A Pungent Odor



This smell will most likely be a sulfur-like smell or burning rubber smell due to soot or corroded polypropylene in the tubes of the blocked secondary heat exchanger. You might notice this odor leaking inside your home near the furnace – if the heat exchanger is significantly blocked.

How do you flush a furnace drain line?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Coil for air conditioning system and also your condensate trap for your furnace. So a simple technique is just to blow it out with a 10 cent piece of clear vinyl tubing. And then some electrical tape.

What causes a clogged heat exchanger?

A common reason your heat exchanger will fail can simply be a dirty, clogged air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace and overheats the heat exchanger, which eventually results in stress cracks. Also, it is important that your furnace is sized appropriately for your home.

How do you unblock a furnace heat exchanger?

Remove any dirt or debris from the heat exchanger block by using a wire brush. Also, use the brush to loosen any of the black soot or scale from each chamber in the heat exchanger. A damp cloth with cleaner specifically for gas furnaces, can also be used to remove any soot or scale.

Can you fix a furnace heat exchanger?

Unfortunately, heat exchangers cannot be repaired. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts through it must be replaced. Because the heat exchanger is at the center of the furnace, nearly the whole furnace must be disassembled. Even if the parts are covered under warranty, the labor and freight will start around $500.

Can you run a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?

Rule #1: If your Heat Exchanger has been deemed cracked by a HVAC professional you should NOT be running it. Unfortunately, some owners will attempt to run their furnace even when a cracked heat exchanger has been detected.

How much does it cost to replace a cracked heat exchanger?

What is the cost to replace HVAC heat exchanger? It can range between $1,000-$4,000 for parts and labor, with an average cost of $2,000. Learn how this heat exchanger cost breaks down and how to identify the crucial signs it’s cracked and needs replacement.

How long do furnaces usually last?

15 to 20 years

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.