Furnaces are essential to our homes, providing warmth and comfort during the cold winter. However, like any other appliance, furnaces require maintenance to continue running efficiently and safely over time. One of the best ways to keep your furnace in peak condition is to clean it regularly. But how do you know how often you should do this? 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss warning signs to help you determine when to clean your furnace and keep it running at its best.

1. Presence of a Musty Smell

Musty odours in the air are unpleasant and indicate that furnace cleaning should be done regularly. This is because dust, dirt, and other particles accumulate in the filter and ducts over time. This leads to blocked airflow, inefficient performance, and the growth of mould and mildew. 

To clean your furnace correctly and ensure good indoor air quality, hiring a professional is recommended to do the job right. They can then completely clean the unit’s interior, including the filter and blower assembly. 

2. Airflow Is Not as Strong as It Should Be

A decrease in airflow is often caused by dust, dirt, and debris inside the unit preventing the air from properly flowing. If you notice any signs of poor airflow, a dust buildup on the outside of the unit, or a strange smell from the vents, it’s time to have your furnace serviced and cleaned.

Poor airflow can cause an inefficient system that will cost more money to heat and cool your home and increase the risk of safety issues such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to have your furnace inspected and cleaned at least once a year (or more if necessary) to ensure that it is running efficiently and safely. 

3. Increase in Gas Bill

It is essential to keep up with furnace maintenance, as a sudden and drastic increase in gas bills could indicate an unclean furnace. Clean furnaces improve efficiency and help save energy. As such, when your gas bill begins to take an unexpected leap, it might be time for a professional furnace cleaning. 

4. Presence of Rust

Rust indicates that the metal components of your furnace, particularly the internal components and burners, may not be adequately protected from corrosion and oxidation. Over time, this corrosion and oxidation can lead to malfunctioning, unsafe operation, and decreased efficiency. 

When rust is present in your furnace, it is essential to clean it regularly to prevent further corrosion and maintain optimal performance. 

5. Furnace Flames are Yellow

This is due to a buildup of dust and debris which can lead to inefficient performance and a potential fire hazard. A clogged flame sensor can also cause your heater to cycle far too frequently between “on” and “off” modes. 

If you notice that the furnace flame has become yellow, it is essential to inspect and clean your furnace as soon as possible. Not addressing it immediately may cause your heater to produce a carbon monoxide leak.

Conclusion

Furnace cleaning should be done regularly to ensure the unit continues operating efficiently and safely. Warning signs such as what we have outlined in this article are indicators that it is time to get your furnace inspected and cleaned by a professional. Take your time; have your furnace serviced as soon as possible to maintain optimal performance.

If you need furnace maintenance in Pickering, Climate Experts is here for you! Our technicians have expertise in all makes and models of furnaces and can perform repairs, tune-ups, safety inspections, and more. Contact us now!

When it’s snowing outside, and your furnace breaks down, it’s a “cold consolation” to know that the breakdown could have probably been avoided. But it’s still uncomfortable. That said, before the onset of winter each year, you should do annual maintenance checks on your furnace in order to reduce the risk of it breaking down and causing your home to freeze.

If you have a problem with your furnace, regardless of the cause, take a look at the list that we have produced below; it will perhaps save you some time and money along the way.

Air Leakage

Even when the furnace is on, the ducts are clean, and all of the switches have been checked, you may not be receiving the warm air that you should be. It’s possible that you have a hole in your system somewhere that’s letting air out.

Your home will be noticeably cooler if the warm air is escaping via the windows rather than being used to heat the space within. Alternately, if there is a draft (possibly one that you cannot immediately feel), then an excessive amount of chilly air might be entering the room. To evaluate whether or not this is the case, you should carefully inspect both the inside and the outside of your house.

A Broken Thermostat

The first issue that has to be looked at is whether or not your thermostat is operating properly. First and foremost, is it even turned on? And does it have the appropriate settings? Make sure that the setting is on heat mode. You may consider this to be obvious, yet a simple check like this might prevent around one-fourth of all service calls that are made.

Breakers and Switches

Is the furnace unit truly the source of the problem? Inspect the fuse box in your vehicle to discover if any of the fuses have burned out. Check to see that none of the breakers in your home are to blame for the furnace not working properly. Also, examine the furnace itself to see if the power switch is engaged; each and every furnace has one.

It is also a good idea to ensure that the door to the front panel is correctly secured. If the door to the front panel is not secure, the majority of furnaces will not turn on.

The Blower Motor

If the blower motor (also known as the fan motor) isn’t working, the furnace won’t be able to distribute the heat it generates effectively throughout your home. Check to see if there is a problem with the fan motor since this could indicate that your furnace is still working but is failing to pump warm air out to where it should.

Filthy Filters

Filters that are unclean or clogged are a very typical contributor to furnaces that do not function correctly. This may be especially relevant to consider if you have animals or a sizable family living under the same roof as you. It is essential to perform routine maintenance on both your heating system and the air quality in your house by changing the filters in your furnace on a regular basis.

Ignition Failure

Investigate the ignition in the event that the aforementioned solutions have not been successful in resolving the issue. In the event that either the pilot light or the electrical ignition systems malfunction, your furnace will not work.

Open the entrance to the burner chamber and look for the pilot light tube to check the status of the pilot light. It is likely that your pilot light has gone out if there is no sign of a little flame.

Conclusion

Homeowners must understand the main causes of furnace failure to keep their furnaces running efficiently and safely. The most common causes of furnace failure include dirty air filters, lack of regular maintenance, improper size of the furnace, faulty wiring, and improper installation.

Overall, it is important to have a professional inspect and service the furnace regularly to ensure it is running in peak condition.
If you are looking for a company that does furnace maintenance in Durham, ON, look no further than our services here at Climate Experts. We install, service and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners, and we are available to serve you for 24/7 emergency services in a quick and timely manner. Call us today, and let us tend to your furnace in no time!

Seeing rust on your furnace can be concerning, especially for homeowners. Rust is a sign of corrosion, structural damage or a lack of maintenance. If you have seen rust on your furnace, you may wonder if you need to panic or if it can be easily fixed. 

In most cases, rust on your furnaces in Ajax is not a cause for panic. Depending on the severity and location of the rust, it may not be anything to worry about. 

Sometimes, it can signal a more serious problem, such as a leak or a corroded heat exchanger. However, it is vital to take the time to assess the situation to determine whether the rust is a cause for concern or if it can be easily fixed. 

This article will discuss the potential causes of rust on your furnace and provide tips on how to determine if it is a cause for panic or if it can be easily fixed. We’ll also discuss when it’s important to call in a professional to inspect your furnace and determine the best course of action. 

What Leads to Furnace Rust?

Humidity is necessary for the existence of rust. The temperature inside the enclosed space may become unbalanced if you use your furnace. This could lead to moisture, which encourages the growth of rust. Furnaces commonly rust.

If you reside in a humid environment, there is frequently a lot of moisture in the air. If you don’t address water leaks or filters near your furnace, you could accidentally exacerbate the problem by putting more moisture in perspective.

Another element contributing to the growth of rust is the leakage of your air conditioner. In most cases, the heater and air conditioner are connected directly. Your air conditioner will produce condensation as it cools.

Your air conditioner must have a condensation tray to collect this moisture. However, the condensation tray could be broken or overflowing. This allows water to enter your furnace and provides a setting where rust can grow.

Your furnace won’t work if central air conditioning and air conditioner share the same ductwork. Any leak in your air conditioner could seep into your heating system, providing the perfect conditions for rust to develop.

Is the Rust on Your Furnace a Cause for Concern?

Almost all furnaces will eventually begin to rust. The typical furnace is built to endure 10 to 15 years. Rust doesn’t just appear overnight. That happens gradually as your furnace alternates between heating and cooling.

If you notice rust on an old furnace, don’t become alarmed. Expert HVAC technicians can evaluate the condition of your furnace and provide you with options to either repair damaged areas or start furnace maintenance in Pickering.

If the heat exchanger on your appliance is rusting and you don’t repair or fix it, you risk having carbon monoxide enter your home. Trim levels of rust on an older furnace are not a significant cause for concern right away. Still, rust rapidly developing on a newer model or the lack of rust on your older furnace would be worth investigating more.

What Precisely Should You Do If You Notice Rust?

If you see rust on your furnace, speak with one of our knowledgeable HVAC technicians. Rust is a sign of condensation, which could indicate a worse problem. Remember that just because you see rust doesn’t mean you’ll need to spend for expensive repairs.

After determining the extent of the damage, you can begin making the necessary repairs. If the rust is only on the surface, you can use a mild abrasive to remove it. Then, make sure to apply rust-inhibiting paint to the area to help prevent further corrosion. If the rust has caused more extensive damage to the furnace, you must replace the affected components. This may include the furnace motor, fan, or other components.

Once you have repaired the rust, it is important to prevent it from occurring again. This may include regular furnace inspections, cleaning the air filters, and ensuring the furnace is properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion 

If you notice rust on your furnace, it is important to take immediate action. Rust can be damaging to the furnace, leading to decreased efficiency and even fire hazards. First, clean the rust off the furnace with a wire brush or sandpaper. If that doesn’t work, call a professional furnace repair technician for a furnace repair Ajax. They will take the necessary steps to prevent further rusting and ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently. These steps will help keep your furnace running smoothly and save you money in the long run.

Climate Experts offers top-notch client care all year round while bonded, licensed, and insured. In Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa, and Toronto, we offer residential heating services, furnace repair in Ajax, HVAC, and air conditioning repair and maintenance. Contact us today!

Furnaces are an important home part, providing heat and comfort during the cold winter. Unfortunately, furnaces can sometimes develop unpleasant smells that make your home uncomfortable and uninviting. Understanding some common problems that can cause a furnace to smell bad is key to addressing the issue quickly and efficiently.

1. The Filter is Dirty

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of a bad-smelling furnace. Air filters clogged with dust and debris can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to smell musty or musty. It is important to periodically check and replace your air filter to help reduce odours from the furnace.

2. There are Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew can also cause a bad smell from your furnace. This is usually caused by condensation, which occurs when warm, moist air from your furnace comes into contact with cold surfaces in your home. This condensation can cause mould and mildew to grow, resulting in a musty smell. To reduce the risk of condensation, ensure your furnace is well-ventilated and regularly inspect and clean any areas near the furnace that are prone to condensation.

3. The Pipe is Blocked

Another common problem that can cause a furnace to smell bad is a blocked flue. The flue is a pipe that carries combustion gases from the furnace to the outside of your home. When the flue becomes blocked, these gases can build up inside the furnace, creating a strong, unpleasant odour. To prevent this from happening, regularly inspect your furnace’s flue and periodically clean it to ensure it is free of debris and blockages.

4. There is a Gas Leak

Finally, a gas leak can also cause a bad smell from your furnace. This is usually caused by a faulty gas valve, which can allow natural gas to leak from the furnace. If you suspect a gas leak, it is important to turn off the gas supply to your furnace and contact a professional to inspect and repair it as soon as possible.

How Can I Get Rid of Furnace Smells

Maintaining your furnace is important to keep your home warm and comfortable. Having a professional check it regularly is a good idea to ensure it runs properly and safely. Regular maintenance can also help prevent unpleasant smells from coming from the furnace.

To ensure your furnace is running efficiently, it’s best to have it inspected and serviced by a professional once a year. This way, any potential issues can be identified and addressed before they become costly repairs. The technician will inspect all of the parts of the furnace to ensure they are working correctly and in good condition. Regular maintenance will help keep your furnace running safely and smoothly.

The Bottom Line

By understanding some common problems that can cause a furnace to smell bad, you can take the necessary steps to address the issue and keep your home comfortable and inviting. If you are having trouble identifying the source of a bad-smelling furnace, it is always best to contact an experienced HVAC technician for assistance.

Climate Experts is an experienced HVAC company that can help you troubleshoot any furnace-related issues. As a leading provider of HVAC services in the area, we have the expertise and knowledge to identify and repair any issue quickly and efficiently. For your furnace maintenance in Oshawa, schedule an appointment with us.