It was surprisingly cold in North Carolina this past winter, with temperatures breaking records by plunging into the single digits for days on end. Some homeowners who purchased condensing furnaces were also in for a surprise when they went to turn up the heat and found their furnaces were not operating.
In most cases, it was due to frozen condensate, which occurs when condensation and exhaust gases generated from the heating process are discharged outside via a vent pipe and freeze in the cold air. If ice continues to build up, the vent pipe can become blocked, causing the furnace to shut down. Frozen condensate can occur in many different areas — not just in North Carolina. With proper installation and maintenance, the chances of it happening decrease dramatically.