Berkshire County Homeowners: Don’t Let Snow Block Your Vents

After this weekend's massive snowstorm dumped over a foot of snow, with some spots reporting nearly two feet across Berkshire County, local homeowners face a hidden danger that could turn deadly: blocked heating vents.

"Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of fatal poisoning, and home heating equipment is the primary source of carbon monoxide in the home," State Fire Marshal Davine said. "As part of your storm planning, check your CO alarms to be sure they're working properly, and if an alarm is past the manufacturer's recommended lifespan, replace it."

The danger comes from furnace exhaust pipes and intake vents that can become buried under heavy snow or blocked by drifts. When these vents are obstructed, carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas, can build up inside your home to lethal levels within hours.

"Fuel-fired heating appliances like dryers, furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces are all sources of carbon monoxide," State Fire Marshal Davine said. "If the vent or flue is blocked, this poisonous gas can reach deadly levels inside the home. Know where the vents on your home are, be sure to clear them when shoveling, and be careful not to blow snow onto them if using a snowblower."

Most modern furnaces have PVC exhaust pipes extending from exterior walls, typically white or gray pipes protruding 1-2 feet from the foundation. These can disappear entirely under snowdrifts from weekend storms like the one that hit the Berkshires.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, often mistaken for flu. Severe exposure leads to unconsciousness and death.

Pittsfield and other local fire departments recommend checking vents immediately after clearing your driveway and walkways. Clear at least three feet around each vent, and if you notice soot accumulation, furnace shutdown, or condensation near vents, call an HVAC professional immediately.

Your carbon monoxide detector is your last line of defense. If it sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911.