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QUINCY, ILL. -- While clearing your driveway may seem like a priority during snow storms, here's something you also need to keep in mind.

In this area, building specifications say vent pipes for your heating and air unit only have to be 16 inches off the ground.

With upwards of 20 inches expected, snow could easily cover these pipes.

According to Thomas D Hurley Heating Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction says most furnaces have a safety switch that would shut down your unit if the pipes are covered.

Without the safety switch, carbon monoxide might build up.

However those safety switches keep that from happening, but will shut down your furnace.

The other issue is for those of you who have a heat pump.

Hurley also says it's a good idea to keep that cleared off too.

If too much snow builds up on it, and if ice forms, that too will shut down your heat.