When a furnace overheats, it automatically shuts off as a safety measure. You can also tell you have an overheating problem if there’s a burning smell coming from your furnace in Opelika, AL. Here are three reasons why your furnace overheats, and how this poses a danger to your heating equipment and your household.
Obstructed Airflow
Poor circulation in your furnace causes its components to overheat. This can happen if the air filter is too dirty or the vents clog with debris and dust. The filter needs replacement at least every three months, sooner if you live in a very dusty neighborhood.
When the furnace doesn’t get a consistent supply of air from the home, the components get hot. Allow a technician to do a simple tune-up and clean your vents and change your filter.
Mechanical Failure
When there’s an electrical or mechanical problem, the fan blower and electrical wiring endure a lot of stress. The stress can result from lack of lubrication of the moving parts or a short circuit from loose connections. You can prevent these problems through routine furnace maintenance.
Old Furnace
Old furnaces are prone to frequent breakdowns and overheating. The systems are less efficient, and they work hard to bring your home to the temperature set on the thermostat. This tends to happen to heating systems that are at least 15 years old.
If the furnace runs constantly during the heating season due to system inefficiency, the system will likely overheat. It’s wise to replace your heating systems if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of a new unit.
Dangers of Overheating
Overheating can cause significant and expensive damage to the components of your furnace. It can result in cracks on the heat exchanger, and a broken heat exchanger might necessitate heating systems replacement. The problem can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
Let a HVAC professional inspect your system for any signs of damage that could lead to overheating. Schedule furnace maintenance or request any other HVAC service by calling our Sensigreen professionals in Opelika, AL, today.
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