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Furnace Rust—What Should You Do for Furnace Maintenance?

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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!

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