A Guide to Dealing With an Overheating Furnace
Most people fire up their furnaces for the first time in the fall, and for too many homeowners, their systems may manifest a problem or two.
One of the major problems around the home at this time of year is overheating furnaces. Due to the units sitting idle all summer long and the lack of heater maintenance, most problems will manifest earlier in the season or right about not. Here is a professional guide from local experts to help homeowners successfully prevent overheated furnaces.
Complications From an Overheating Furnace
Furnaces can reach immense temperatures in their attempts to keep the home warm. When fossil fuels are burned for heat, they must be kept carefully contained to prevent several major problems. Four of the major complications of overheating furnaces include:
- Loss of Heat: Furnaces are equipped with shutoffs if they overheat. When the heat exchanger gets too hot, the unit turns off to prevent damage or fires. Often, the safety devices have to be manually reset before the furnace cycles again, allowing HVAC technicians to search for an underlying cause.
- Damage to the Heater: High heat caused by an overheating furnace can cause serious damage to the furnace, requiring high repair bills.
- Carbon Monoxide Exposure: When gas overheats, it may not fully combust, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. If carbon monoxide is formed and allowed to leak out of the heater, people and pets in the home could be exposed to this dangerous substance.
- Fires: If the safety devices are damaged or bypassed, fires are a serious threat when a furnace overheats. Once the heat melts the ductwork and heat exchanger, the fire can spread to the home, causing serious damage.
Signs of an Overheating Furnace
Overheating furnaces can make homeowners uneasy. However, learning the signs of overheating furnaces takes some of the apprehension away. When the signs are noticed early, homeowners can take action before the worst happens. Some of the signs to look out for are:
- Burning smells
- No heat coming from the vents
- Humming noises
- Warping of external furnace components
- Evidence of overheating, like scorch or soot marks
How to Prevent Overheating Furnaces
For the most peace of mind, homeowners should take preventative action. By taking the right steps all year long, homeowners can virtually eliminate the threat of overheating furnaces. The first task is always to keep clean air filters in place. Replacing air filters every three months helps keep flammable dust out of ductwork and allows for good airflow.
The second task for homeowners to help them prevent overheating furnaces is to call the pros. Professional heater maintenance in the fall can ensure the furnace or heating system is in good shape and ready to handle the coming season. By allowing technicians the chance to spot potential problems, homeowners can focus on the fun of the season instead of the inherent risks.
About Air Works Heating & Air
Air Works Heating & Air helps prevent furnace fires with professional heating maintenance and duct cleaning. Breathe easier this year knowing the home is safe and the air is clean with help from their teams. Call today for HVAC service in Franklinton, NC.
