3 Reasons Your Furnace Is Rusting
Rust never goes to sleep, and this saying holds true regarding your heating system. Rust is more prevalent in places with humid climates. However, using your furnace causes temperature imbalances that can create some of the moisture that cuts down even the most dependable and well-built heating system over time.
You may prolong your HVAC system’s lifespan by not using it, but this is not an option if you live in an area experiencing cold climates. You can only delay the day rust overcomes your system. However, the day will come no matter what. It is a common occurrence to have rust in your furnace. This article discusses some of the likely reasons behind rust in furnace.
What Causes Rust In A Furnace?
According to professionals, rust in your heating system has three causes:
High Humidity Or Water Leaks
Humidity is the first cause. This refers to the water vapor percentage in the air. Some areas experience high humidity because it is part of the local climate. Adding more water to the air of your home, which is in itself a limited microclimate, can aggravate these conditions. A prime suspect in these cases is water leaks.
Air Conditioner Leaks
The second cause is a specific type of water leak often linked directly to the furnace. These are air conditioner leaks. All air conditioning units generate water as a by-product. Many modern A/C systems are centralized units, so they are integrated directly into the ducts the furnace uses. As a result, air conditioning leaks can go into your heating system. This increases the humidity in your home and can also create standing water pools in highly inconvenient spaces.
Furnace Exhaust Issues
The third cause is also due to a by-product of your home’s HVAC systems’ operations. The physical process of heat production in the furnace can also result in higher humidity in the ambient space. The hot air from the furnace cools as it exits the burner, creating moisture inside the system.
What Are The Risks Of Rusty Furnaces?
All furnaces will experience rust down the line. It may take a century, but rust will still prevail. You can take some steps to ensure the day it happens is far in the future than in the next couple of years. Observing is the most crucial step you can take.
How To Avoid Furnace Rust
Here are several methods you can do to keep rust from building up in your furnace:
Annual Furnace Maintenance
Yearly furnace upkeep and inspection are critical to the rust prevention strategy. It is an affordable service that is more cost-effective than getting a heating system replacement. Yearly inspection includes an HVAC technician checking for rust to ensure your furnace’s safety and performance.
Furnace Fuel Supply Lines
Rust can also cause supply lines failure. This can lead to a highly dangerous fire or explosion in your home. We often see local news programs featuring videos of a home or a business that’s been reduced to a smoldering pile of wreckage.
This is the real danger rust poses to your system. An actual danger to your family isn’t the same as unsightly orange lines on the unit’s exterior. When you see the rust streaks outside the furnace, its insides may be completely ruined.
Clogged Burner Jets
Rust will eventually reduce your system’s performance. Clogged burner jets operate less efficiently and need more fuel to generate the same heat amount. Even worse, inefficient combustion can cause extremely high levels of dangerous carbon monoxide.
Repair Furnace Issues Promptly
Aside from being diligent with your system’s annual inspections, you should also repair any furnace issues expeditiously. Yearly furnace tune-ups can reveal the reasons rust is building up in your system. These conditions should be alleviated or eliminated as much and as soon as possible. When this is taken care of, the system’s degraded components should also be repaired.
However, not all systems are salvageable. It may be possible on other systems, but the price of bringing them back to optimal operating conditions may not be worth it. Older systems at peak efficiency are still far less efficient than a new system operating at less-than-peak efficiency. Homeowners only know these factors if they talk to a professional.
Take Advantage of Expert Professional Advice
HVAC technicians know that people have varying circumstances. They can provide the cost-benefit ratios in a way that is easy to understand. They will also let the homeowner select the most suitable one per their preferences. It is essential that you remember that when rust is kept at bay, homeowners will have more options to choose from. Options become narrower when rust has taken hold of your system that a system replacement becomes necessary because of safety concerns.
Call Van Varick & Sons For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
For high-quality HVAC services in Northern New Jersey, do not hesitate to call Van Varick & Sons. We only have the best professionally certified technicians with the experience and knowledge to conduct accurate HVAC system services. Rest assured, our friendly techs can maintain, replace, install, and repair any HVAC system.
Our company offers the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area. We provide tune-up services to help improve your energy efficiency and comfort while reducing your heating and cooling bills. We can recommend the best HVAC repair or replacement system within your budget when you need it. All our work is guaranteed. Book your next service appointment by calling Van Varick & Sons today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
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