How to Seal Your Furnace Vent Pipe

You likely already know that you should be doing some basic maintenance on your furnace. From ensuring it is clean to replacing the filter there is lots you can do to keep your furnace running efficiently on your own. Furnace maintenance is not limited to the actual furnace unit located inside your home but goes beyond to the ducts and venting systems too!

In this article, we will guide you through sealing the exterior vents on your furnace. This simple task can easily be done on your own and can easily be added to your annual furnace maintenance routine. For more tips on keeping your furnace running efficiently see our Ultimate Furnace Filter Guide.

Have questions about your furnace or what you should be doing to maintain its efficiency? Don’t hesitate in reaching out to one of our qualified technicians at EVAM Canada. We are the emergency furnace repair experts Mississauga residents trust.

Why is Sealing Your Furnace Vent Important?

Sealing your exterior furnace vent is an important maintenance task that shouldn’t be missed. Though it doesn’t relate to your furnace directly, having the vent properly sealed can help your furnace to function more efficiently. You should consider checking that your furnace vent is sealed properly on a yearly basis.

It is important to seal your exterior furnace vent as doing this can help to prevent air drafts, water leaks, and insects from gaining access to your home. Reducing air drafts will help your home stay warmer in the winter months while sealing off water and access to insects helps keep your home safe from damage.

Why is Sealing Your Furnace Vent Important

How to Seal My Furnace Vent Pipe

Time needed: 20 minutes

Thankfully sealing your exterior furnace vent piper is a simple task that requires little equipment or time. Follow our steps below to ensure your vent is properly sealed. Always remember that you must consider the weather when sealing your vent as sealant must be able to dry completely to be effective.

  1. Clean the area

    Remove any dirt or debris from the area around the vent. You want to have a clear and clean surface to apply the sealant to.

  2. Apply sealant

    You can choose either caulking or a foam sealant to seal your vent pipe. Following the directions on your chosen sealant apply it to the area. Ensure that all gaps are filled.

  3. Clean it up

    If using caulking, you may wish to smooth it out after it has been applied. Do this while the caulking is still wet. For foam sealant, you may wish to trim the edges down for a more professional look.

As you can see, sealing your exterior furnace vent is a relatively simple task that many people would be able to do on their own. Though this task should be long-lasting it is always a good idea to check for damage to the seal on a regular basis. Consider adding a check of your seal to your regular furnace maintenance routine.