Beware of ice phantoms

Persistent cold temperatures can sometimes yield unworldly ice formations. New Rockford water plant manager Rick Swenson stopped in the Transcript on Thursday, Feb. 11 to inform us that an ice stalagmite had formed in the back of the Transcript office building.

You better believe that the whole staff battled subzero temperatures to take a look. A seven-foot-tall ghost-like ice formation had formed on a small volunteer tree as a result of exhaust from a heating vent. In good fun we coined the term "ice phantom" to describe what we saw. It is a fun way to face a potentially dangerous situation.

We never would have seen this ice phantom without Swenson informing us, and we are grateful for the fair warning. This time of year, it is common for ice to form in unexpected places and wreak havok on HVAC systems. When ice forms on vents, they can become clogged and prevent carbon monoxide from escaping. Instead the carbon monoxide will be pushed back into the building and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

HVAC experts suggest that residents and business owners visually inspect their vents regularly. Keeping them clear will help avoid further issues. If there's a lot of snow, experts advise you clear a path of 2 to 3 feet around each vent.

If you do see ice forming on the vents, gently knock it off without damaging the pipes. In our case, the ghostbusters at the Transcript just shook the little volunteer tree and said goodbye to our friend the ice phantom.