3 Reasons Your Furnace Is Rusting
Rust is the yellowish- or reddish-brown flakes that coat steel or iron. It forms through a process called oxidation. Rust is most common in places that have high humidity. Using your furnace can create an imbalance in the temperature inside any enclosed space. This will generate some moisture that can significantly affect even the most durable and well-built heating equipment.
You might extend your system’s lifespan if you do not use it. However, that is not possible if you live in a place that experiences frigid weather. You could only delay rust in furnace although it will eventually occur. After all, furnace rust is a common occurrence.
Read on to know more about the common reasons behind this issue.
What Causes Rust In A Furnace?
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The top three causes of rust in your heating unit include:
- Water Leaks Or High Humidity: Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is the most common cause of rust. Some places have higher humidity than others because of the environment. You might aggravate the situation inside your home by unintentionally adding more water into the air. This happens when there are water leaks.
- AC Leaks: Another cause of rust is a water leak caused by a piece of equipment directly connected to your furnace. The air conditioner produces condensation during the cooling process. Centralized ACs are integrated with the furnace ductwork. As a result, A/C leaks can trickle down into your heating system.
- Furnace Exhaust Issues: The furnace’s heat generation process can result in rust. This is because it causes high humidity in the area. The hot air from the furnace cools when it leaves the burner. Thus, moisture is created in the system’s interior.
What Are The Risks Of Rusty Furnaces?
Rust will happen to your furnace eventually. It might take a while, but rust will take over your heating system as time passes. Fortunately, you can do a few things to ensure that it doesn’t happen sooner than expected so you can use your system longer. The most important thing is for you to observe your system carefully. Here are a few of things that will happen if you leave your furnace to rust:
Annual Furnace Maintenance
Yearly furnace tune-ups include conducting a thorough inspection of your system. It is an affordable service that is significantly more practical than replacing your whole heating unit. During a maintenance check, a professional HVAC technician will perform many tasks. They will also check the system for rust. This way, you can be sure that your system will operate effectively and safely when you need it the most.
Clogged Burner Jets
Rust will hasten your system’s degradation. This means that the burner jets will get clogged and will work less efficiently. It will also need more fuel to provide you the required heat to keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, its inefficient performance can also result in a significant increase in carbon monoxide, which is toxic to both humans and pets.
Furnace Fuel Supply Lines
Rust can damage the fuel supply lines. When this happens, fire or explosion can occur, which is a perilous situation to be in. This puts your family at serious risk.
This is why rust is especially dangerous to have in your system. It is more than just an unwanted and unsightly color to your system because it poses an actual threat to your household. When you notice that the exterior has rust, it might be too late as the system interior might already be corroded by rust.
Repair Furnace Issues Promptly
Other than regular annual maintenance, you should also ensure that all issues are repaired immediately. This will determine the reason for the rust building in your heating system. Ensure that the conditions that create rust are resolved or eliminated as quickly as possible. Once these problems are fixed, have all corroded parts repaired or replaced as well.
In some cases, your system might require more than just repairs. The price to ensure they are back to perfect working condition might not be worth it. Even at their highest efficiency level, older systems are less efficient than a new unit that operates at less-than-peak efficiency. Consult a professional HVAC technician to help you with all your rusty furnace problems.
Take Advantage of Expert Professional Advice
Heating professionals know that every homeowner has different situations. They can provide you with various cost-effective solutions that are easy to understand. This way, you can choose which one best fits your needs. What is essential is to keep rust at bay so that you can use your furnace for a long time. Keep in mind that once rust appears, the solution narrows down significantly. Sometimes, replacing your heating system becomes the only solution to keep you safe and warm.
Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
For all your HVAC services needs, do not hesitate to contact Townsend Energy. Our company has the best professionally certified technicians throughout New England. All of our technicians can perform high-quality heating and cooling services, such as installations, repairs, tune-ups, and replacements. Rest assured that they are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced to accurately and promptly service your HVAC unit.
Townsend Energy offers the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We provide maintenance services that can help increase your home’s level of comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We can also help you find the most suitable replacement unit that also fits your budget. All our work is backed with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment by calling Townsend Energy today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!