Can High Winds Cause Furnace Problems?

Do you have questions about how your furnace works? Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating has all the answers. Contact us today.

Storms and harsh winds can cause all sorts of problems — including to your HVAC system. When severe weather rolls through, many homeowners find themselves worrying, "Can high winds cause furnace problems?" As a trusted source for furnace repair services in Riverside, Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating can help you answer this question.

Furnace Problems Caused By High Winds

Windy weather can affect all aspects of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioner systems, but it presents some unique challenges to furnaces.

Drafts in Your Home

High winds can create drafts in your home, especially if you have leaky windows and doors or poor insulation. But how does that affect your furnace?

With cold air seeping in, your furnace has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. This not only increases the amount of fuel you need but exposes the furnace to significant wear and tear.

Blockages in Your Flue

Your furnace uses an exhaust pipe called a flue, which expels toxic gas and other byproducts from your home. High winds can affect the natural balance of pressure in your exhaust flue and force the gas back into your home. If you have a gas or oil furnace, it produces carbon monoxide and can leak natural gas.

Keep carbon monoxide detectors in your home to detect a problem early.

Issues With the Pilot Light

Can high winds cause furnace problems? Yes, and one of the most common issues arises when high winds blow out your pilot light. Without pilot light ignition, your furnace will struggle to reignite and adequately heat your home.

An increasing number of newer furnaces are forgoing pilot lights for an electronic form of ignition. High winds can still make ignition difficult, forcing the furnace to use more energy to start up and increasing your energy bills.

Buildup on Your Filter

Your furnace filter is one of the most simplistic elements of your furnace, but if you overlook it, it can cause some major problems. High winds can bring dust and debris into your home. After a period of windy weather, check your filter to determine whether it needs replacing.

Protecting Your Furnace From High Winds

You can do several things to help prevent your furnace from malfunctioning during high winds:

• Seal gaps in your home to avoid drafts.
• Clean your air filter at least once a month.
• Loss of maintenance ages your furnace, so schedule an annual inspection for your furnace.

Contact Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating for Furnace Help

Can high winds cause furnace problems? Yes, but now you know what to look for and how to prevent it. Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating has over 250 five-star reviews, so you know you can trust them to do a quality job.



Is your furnace not working? Whether your furnace makes a knocking noise or doesn't adequately heat your home, we can help. 

To book an appointment, call (951) 336-1975.