Key Takeaways:
- Homeowners in Sandown should be aware of the potential of gas furnace malfunctions and the dangers caused by them.
- Common gas furnace problems include a faulty thermocouple or flame sensor, ignition system malfunction, clogged air filter, blocked gas intake valve, electrical issue, blocked exhaust vent pipe, and poorly maintained filters.
- Delayed ignition is another possible issue that can cause extra strain on the furnace’s components and present a danger of an explosion or flash fire.
- Proactive furnace maintenance is essential to avoid dangerous issues, such as having the furnace inspected and serviced annually or bi-annually.
- Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers home heating installation, maintenance, and repair services to keep furnaces running safely and efficiently in Sandown and surrounding areas.
If you’re a homeowner in Sandown, you know too well the importance of having a functioning furnace. Not only does it provide much-needed warmth during the winter months, but more importantly, it can ensure that all the future winter seasons ahead stay safe.
However, even though furnaces are reliable and beneficial appliances, they aren’t infallible- they may be prone to sudden malfunctions, which can turn into severe faults if not identified and fixed in time! In this post, we will look at some common gas furnace problems that may bear lethal consequences – read on as Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling discusses how to spot them so you can protect your home best.
Gas Furnace Problems You Need to Know About
A Faulty Thermocouple or Flame Sensor
An older gas furnace with a standing pilot light has what is known as a thermocouple, while more recent models have flame sensors. These two components essentially serve the same purpose: to avert an unsafe buildup of combustible gas in your furnace’s combustion chamber. If either device malfunctions, it could enable unwanted flammable gasses to accumulate; if ignited, this could result in an explosion – so be sure to check them regularly!
An Ignition System Malfunction
Ignition systems used in gas furnaces vary; some work with a pilot light, while others are electronic or spark-based. Whatever the setup, if it fails to ignite your furnace correctly, you’ll need to reset the system or replace any parts that might have gone bad.
A Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can impede airflow, causing the flame sensor to shut down the furnace before it causes any harm. Be sure to check your air filter every month and replace it as needed. If you don’t regularly replace the air filter, dirt particles could ignite within the combustion chamber, resulting in an explosion.
A Blocked Gas Intake Valve
Suppose a gas intake valve becomes blocked or partially blocked. In that case, this can lead to incomplete combustion and a buildup of explosive gasses in your furnace’s combustion chamber. To avoid this hazardous situation, periodically inspect all gas valves for blockages that may have been caused by debris or sediment buildup.
Related: Switching From Cooling To Heating This Winter!
An Electrical Problem with Your Furnace
Furnaces require electrical power to operate both their blower and controls. If you are having problems with your furnace, it could be due to a problem with the wiring or control board that provides electricity to your furnace. To avoid an electrical fire in your furnace, ensure that any electrical issues are professionally inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
A Blocked Exhaust Vent Pipe
The exhaust vent pipe of your furnace carries heated exhaust gases away from your home. Suppose this vent pipe becomes clogged due to debris buildup or other obstructions. In that case, these gasses can become trapped within the combustion chamber and potentially ignite. Inspect the vent pipes regularly for blockages and clean them if necessary.
Poorly Maintained Filters
Inspecting and replacing the air filters regularly is necessary to keep your furnace working efficiently. Dirty or clogged-up filters can restrict airflow and put extra strain on the furnace’s components, leading to excessive wear and tear or even causing a safety hazard due to overheating. Ensure you always use high-quality filters and replace them as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Delayed Ignition
If your furnace gives off a distinct boom or bang when it powers on, then there’s an almost certain chance that you have what is known as delayed ignition. This occurrence happens when the burners are supplied with gas, but something interferes with its lighting up promptly. As a result, this gas has time to build. Eventually, it explodes into a mini-firework show when ignited – causing those loud noises!
Not only does delayed ignition put extra pressure on the components of your furnace and present an inherent danger, but it also allows for too much flammable gas to accumulate. Should you attempt to relight the pilot light manually, there is a potential risk of severe burns from a flash fire. Thus, promptly addressing issues with delayed ignition is crucial to protect your safety and your furnace’s vital parts.
Tips for Avoiding Dangerous Furnace Issues
Given the potential danger of gas leaks, taking proactive steps toward furnace maintenance is essential. Here are a few tips for avoiding dangerous furnace issues:
- Have your furnace professionally inspected and serviced annually or bi-annually. It can help identify problems with your pilot light or other components before they become serious hazards.
- Make sure filters are cleaned and replaced regularly. Clogged filters can lead to poor airflow and an inefficient fuel-burning process, resulting in more flammable gas buildup over time.
- DIY repairs may do more harm than good. So, call a professional HVAC technician qualified to diagnose and fix the problem.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be produced by furnaces if there is an issue with the combustion process.
- Ensure all combustible materials are kept from the furnace and vents. It includes furniture, curtains, rugs, and other items that could easily catch fire if exposed to a spark or open flame from the furnace.
- Test your smoke detectors regularly and replace their batteries to ensure they work correctly. Smoke detectors are an essential safety device for detecting fires early on before they have a chance to spread. Inspect the furnace and its vents regularly for signs of damage, rust, or corrosion. If any of these are found, it’s best to call a professional to inspect and repair the furnace as soon as possible.
Let Us Take Care of It!
Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling, serving Sandown, NH, and the surrounding areas, are experts in home heating installation, maintenance, and repair. Our experienced technicians can inspect your furnace and make any necessary repairs & replacements to ensure it runs safely and efficiently. We also offer air conditioning repair, water heater installation, and more. Contact us today for all your home comfort needs!
