Appliance Vent Maintenance

Appliance vents must be kept clear in order for the appliances to operate properly and safely.

Time Needed:	15 minutes
Frequency:	During severe winter weather and once each summer
Number of steps:	3
Tools you might need:	shovel, rake, ladder, pruning snips
Skill level:	easy to extremely difficult (rooftops)
What if I don’t do this?	Appliances may fail to operate or operate unsafely

Step 1: Locate Appliance Vents

Locate all outdoor appliance vents. Most homes have several. They may have slightly different styles, sizes, shapes, colors, and they may be plastic or metal.

Step 2: Plan Ahead For Maintenance

Assemble the tools that you will need and create a safe workspace

Step 3: Keep Them Clean

Clear away obstructions and clean debris from screens, vent pipes, and hoods. Important! Avoid damaging metal or plastic pipes, hoods and screens! If you notice any damage, or cannot correct a problem safely, contact your builder or heating dealer immediately!

RELATED LINKS AND FILES

Appliance Vent Maintenance Checklist.pdf (Acrobat - 39K)