A dirty furnace burner can lead to clogs that may cause this gas to back up into your home. Fire Hazards - A dirty burner is one that is more at risk of catching fire. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help you prevent a fire that could have tragic consequences for you and your family.
As reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating systems like furnaces are a leading cause of home fires, causing almost 50,000 blazes, 500 civilian deaths and more than $1 billion in significant property damage every year.
You Don't Have Heat
Your furnace not heating happens because its burners are clogged, which can cause your burners to shut down, resulting in you not having access to heat. In some cases, your furnace may still be able to give off heat, but it won't be able to activate the fan.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
When you don't maintain your furnace, it doesn't take long for the air filter to become completely clogged with dust, debris and even mold. Once the air filter can no longer keep particles out, your furnace and your ducts become coated with these nasty airborne particles.
A furnace running with a clogged air filter is starved for ventilation and produces high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless gas than can be fatal for humans and their pets. A clogged air filter can also increase the chances of a fire, further advancing the safety concerns in this home.
A dirty furnace burner can lead to clogs that may cause this gas to back up into your home. Fire Hazards - A dirty burner is one that is more at risk of catching fire. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help you prevent a fire that could have tragic consequences for you and your family.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Soot: You may notice soot-like stains on your furnace. The soot stain can have a black, brown or even yellow color. Smell: While carbon monoxide doesn't emit odor, it may get accompanied by other exhaust gases that produce an odor.
You should plan on an annual whole-furnace cleaning, preferably in fall before the weather turns cold. That way, your furnace will be operating at optimal levels when it's needed most. Your furnace's filter, however, should be replaced or cleaned every few months -- approximately four times a year.
One appliance in your home that can suffer serious consequences from a dust infiltration is your furnace, whether it's gas-powered or electrical. Dust in the ductwork, clogging, the air filter, or infiltrating the cabinet will lead to issues that can even result in the furnace breaking down.
Gas smell from furnace—gas leak. Furnace smells like car exhaust—blocked exhaust pipe. Furnace smells like sewer—dry sewer trap or sewer leak. Furnace smells musty—dirty ductwork.
A dirty furnace filter is discolored. It's gray or brown instead of its original white or light color. You'll notice a thick layer of dust, dirt, and debris covering the filter's surface. The filter may look clogged or matted, with visible clumps of dust and hair.
Respiratory Infections: When Your HVAC Unit Hosts Unwanted Guests. Dirty air ducts can foster the growth of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. When these pathogens are blown into your living spaces, they can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Brownouts are an attempt to minimize damage to the overall power grid but that drop in voltage, followed by the increase as the system in that area returns to full power, can harm some household appliances and HVAC systems.
Unfortunately, yes. Since many old models run on oil or gas, there's always the risk of their fuel catching fire or leaking into your home. If left unaddressed, such malfunctions can be life-threatening. They can become a fire hazard if they don't receive proper ventilation.
A furnace explosion is a rapid uncontrolled combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber or exhaust uptake of a boiler resulting in high overpressure. The basic cause of this is the ignition of an accumulation of unburned fuel at some point in the system.
Failure of mechanical components in your system can cause your furnace to overheat. Electrical wiring and the fan blower in your furnace are subjected to a great deal of stress. Your furnace could overheat due to a short circuit or inadequate circulation.
The burners heat the exchanger to a very high degree. Near or above the furnace, in the plenum, dust will accumulate over time and occasionally fall onto the heat exchanger. If the debris pile becomes large enough, there can be a very serious risk of a fire igniting inside the furnace.
It's common to find mold in your air conditioner or furnace. Your furnace and evaporator coil have all the components necessary for things like mold to develop. Primarily because there's consistent moisture.
Use a soft paintbrush to carefully sweep material off of each burner. Use an air compressor fitted with nozzle or a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the pilot light assembly or off of the hot surface ignitor (depending on the type of ignition system within your furnace) and flame sensors.
A furnace that has not been tuned up regularly will have parts that are older and can be more likely to fail. This could cause your furnace to break more often than it should. If your furnace has not been tuned up, it could be putting you and your family at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
How Often Should You Clean Your Furnace & Ducts. We usually advise that you schedule furnace maintenance every 1-2 years (ideally once a year) and duct cleaning at intervals of 3 to 5 years for a smooth-running system and excellent indoor air quality. That's the minimum.
Over time, as your furnace operates, dust and debris accumulate within the system, including the burners, heat exchanger, and ductwork. If left unaddressed, these particles can circulate throughout your home, reducing air quality and potentially triggering allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
Maintain appliances and equipment in good order. Have a certified heating and ventilation technician check your furnace for proper ventilation and exhaust. Install carbon monoxide monitors and regularly test the air in areas where carbon monoxide is generated. Check monitors monthly for proper function.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.