What Causes My Furnace to Rust?
Furnaces, heaters, and other appliances that pump out warm air can rust if moisture is allowed to build up. The appliance contains metal parts that will eventually rust when water seeps into them during intense heating or cooling cycles. Rusting of furnaces and other similar appliances does not necessarily mean they need repair, but it is something to keep an eye on.
What Is Rust?
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or steel is exposed to moisture, humidity, and salt. On its own, rusting does not necessarily mean the appliance needs repair unless it is severe enough for safety concerns. You can clean up some kinds of light surface rust with materials found in most homes. However, if the rusting is too perforated or extensive, it may be time for a replacement.
Why Does Rust Occur?
Rust usually occurs because of poor heating and cooling cycles in homes. This can happen when excess moisture enters an appliance during humid seasons like spring and summer (when dehumidifiers are not used) and when water condenses during heating cycles in the winter. Over time, this causes rusting and corrosion of metal parts inside an appliance. You can take preventative measures by keeping air filters clean so that moisture cannot seep into your furnace or other appliances.
Why Should You Pay Attention to Rust in Your Furnace?
Rust is not always a problem to deal with, but it can indicate other issues. For example, if you have rust on the outside of your furnace or vents around your home, this may be a sign that water is entering them during heating and cooling cycles. It also means there are leaks in the system somewhere, leading to more extensive damage over time. If you notice that your appliance has rust, it is best to turn off the system and call a professional to avoid more widespread issues.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Rust in Furnace?
Some rusting may be light enough that you can clean using household items like vinegar and baking soda. However, deeper rust requires different types of cleaners, such as those found in hardware stores. Using these household items may also affect the overall functionality of your furnace, so it is best to check with a professional before cleaning anything yourself.
When Should You Have Your Furnace Repaired or Replaced?
You should have your furnace repaired or replaced if rust becomes too deep and extensive for you to clean on your own. If you notice rusting around your furnace or vents, it is best to turn off the system and call a professional if you want to avoid more extensive damage.
What Can You Do to Prevent Your Furnace From Rusting?
You may be able to delay or reduce your furnace from rusting by cleaning and maintaining it properly. Keeping air filters clean and removing excess moisture with a dehumidifier can help keep your furnace in good condition. It is also best to avoid using humidifiers during the heating cycles of winter, as they may contribute to increased humidity inside your home, leading to more rusting than you might expect.
Schedule Yearly Furnace Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent rusting in your furnace is by having it serviced regularly. Having a professional clean and maintain your furnace can help eliminate excess dust, dirt, and other particles that may get into vents or metal parts inside your appliance over time. This also helps keep costs down on repairs if something does go wrong with one of the parts of your furnace. Schedule an annual furnace checkup to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Remember that not all furnace parts can be cleaned with household items or fixed, so it is best to call a professional if you want to avoid more extensive damage.
You can tell that this is necessary when the rust becomes too extensive for you to repair with household items. If your furnace is no longer working correctly or needs too many repairs, replacing the unit may be a better option than fixing something that was built economically in the first place. At BELOMAN, we are happy to help you determine what type of furnace is right for your home.
Do not let rust build up in your furnace and other appliances. Call BELOMAN today to schedule your yearly furnace checkup. We also offer additional services, such as HVAC installation and air duct cleaning, so you can get all your heating and cooling needs serviced at one time.
