Your furnace can develop rusting over the course of its lifetime. This corrosion could be a sign of a malfunctioning heating system. In this article, we explore the factors causing corrosion and how to address the issue.
Furnace Corrosion and Humidity
High levels of humidity can cause corrosion and damage to your furnace and other valuables in your home. Ideally, you should keep the relative humidity in your home between 30 and 50%. Above those levels, and you may start to see rust on metallic surfaces and appliances.
In Maricopa County, humidity levels are relatively low for most of the year. But in December, the levels can exceed 50%. The moisture in the atmosphere condenses when it comes into contact with cold surfaces. Vapor turns into water and can find its way onto parts of your furnace.
In the summer months, your air conditioner can generate considerable amounts of condensation. When warm air passes through the evaporator, the vapor turns into water. If there is a leak on the AC in your HVAC system, it can flow into the furnace.
A moisture problem is often a sign of a failing HVAC system. An aging unit cannot eliminate the condensation effectively. You may want to consult with certified technicians to determine whether you should replace your system. Talk to Honest Air Conditioning in Mesa for trusted heating installation solutions.
Moisture From Faulty Condensate Lines
The purpose of the condensate line is to drain the condensation that forms inside your HVAC system. Dust, debris, and bits of rust can clog the line and force water to spill onto the floor. Problems could also arise from an improper connection on the condensate line.
In extreme cases, water can back up into the air handler of your furnace. The heat inside your equipment acts as a catalyst for corrosion. Rusting can damage critical parts of the heat exchanger, leading to cracks and dangerous gas leaks.
You should monitor the condensate line for leakages or clogs. Your system may activate a shutdown mechanism to prevent damage from the moisture in the condensate line.
Removing the clogs should restore your furnace function after it activates the shutdown mechanism. If you suspect there is a fault, consult a technician.
Additionally, external sources of water can introduce moisture into the house. Leaks from the roof, walls, and plumbing could be raising the levels of humidity in the indoor atmosphere.
If your ductwork does not have the correct grade of insulation, it can accumulate moisture. Low temperatures in the air ducts allow for humid air to cool and form droplets of water. Not only will the condensation cause corrosion, but it can also introduce biological contaminants into the structure.
You can reduce corrosion from spreading further by addressing the leakages around the property. If there are already signs of rusting, though, you should plan for an inspection of your furnace.
Vapor in Combustion Gases
The hot gases from your heating system often contain water in the form of vapor. A blockage in the vent system or chimney will prevent the gases from circulating through the pipes. Such obstructions can cause moisture buildup and rust.
The level of water hardness in Maricopa County is over 180 mg/L, which is considered very hard. The minerals in hard water can increase the amount of corrosion on the heat exchanger, evaporator, and condenser coil.
One sign of a faulty venting system is soot on the flue pipe. If you have a masonry chimney, you may notice mineral deposits on the bricks.
Another sign you should look out for is a weak or discolored flame. Debris and rusting can cause problems that worsen faults in the vent system. The gas ought to be burning with a clear blue color. The furnace repair team at Honest Air Conditioning in Mesa can restore your heating system for your home’s safety and comfort.
How Corrosion Can Impact Furnace Performance
Rust on your furnace could be an indication of a failing system. Therefore, you should not ignore signs of corrosion. It can cause numerous problems ranging from a clogged pilot light and burners to defects on the thermocouple. The corrosion weakens metal parts and speeds up the rate of wear and tear of the furnace’s components.
If you spot rust on the furnace, it is also likely your heating system has become inefficient. You may notice that your heater takes longer to heat your home in winter. That is often because of the deterioration of the components in your equipment.
Corrosion is a concern for homeowners since it can cause the buildup of toxins inside your home. Cracking on the heat exchanger can reduce heating efficiency and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Corrosion can also be dangerous if it infiltrates your furnace gas supply lines. It can constrict the flow of gas, triggering leaks and even fires. Whenever you detect a leak, switch off your system and call a certified technician as soon as possible.
A cracked heat exchanger is one of the faults that can cause hazards in your home. The component is usually hidden from view. It is a fragile component that requires the skill of an experienced furnace professional.
Why You Should Schedule Repairs Promptly
It is always advisable to seek repairs promptly when you spot faults in your heating system. A malfunctioning furnace will become worse the longer you wait before servicing your equipment.
Rusting can cause extensive damage to your furnace within a relatively short time. Your furnace will draw a lot more energy from the system as it tries to keep up with the household’s demand.
An inefficient system will increase your utility bills and shorten the life span of your equipment. Fixing your equipment on time prevents further complications in the future.
Is Your Furnace Approaching the End of Its Life?
The life of your furnace is approximately 10 to 15 years. An aging furnace with signs of corrosion may require a replacement to restore the safety of your home.
You could choose to keep your current system, but you may have to contend with arranging for multiple repairs. Corrosion causes inefficiencies that will trigger malfunctions. For example, rusting can cause friction on moving parts such as the motor, forcing your furnace to overheat.
If your heat exchanger has severe corrosion, you may have to replace your equipment. Such furnace components can be complicated to fix without losing the system’s performance or your home’s safety. In most cases, a replacement is often a wiser choice.
Before you replace your furnace, though, consider scheduling an energy audit for your home. Your system could be inefficient due to insulation problems and air leaks. The correct grade of insulation can limit moisture buildup around the house and on your furnace. You ought to address those issues first so that your new furnace is efficient and reliable.
Contact Us Today
Honest Air Conditioning is a BBB-accredited company offering quality heating and cooling services in Mesa. We also provide a wide range of home comfort and indoor air quality solutions. Our team lives by the values of honesty, integrity, and transparency. When you call, you can expect us to respond punctually and deliver exceptional results. Contact our top-rated staff in Mesa for more information today.