Is your furnace just not heating your home like it used to? Soot buildup may be to blame rather than a problem with the unit itself. Soot doesn’t just stop your furnace from working properly; it can also be dangerous.
What causes soot buildup in the heat exchanger and vent? Discover the answer below, then call us to schedule furnace repair services in Edgewater, FL.
What Exactly Is Soot?
It’s easy to recognize soot when you see it. This powdery, black substance forms inside heat exchangers and furnace vents when fuel is burned at inadequate oxygen levels. Soot can form from burning any type of fuel, including wood, oil, and gas.
If left alone, soot may completely clog the heat exchanger, preventing your furnace from heating your house. Other signs of a clogged heat exchanger include:
- You hear strange rattling noises when you turn the furnace on.
- The furnace’s flame is blue instead of yellow. Your furnace’s pilot light should always be blue; if it’s yellow or orange, there’s a problem.
- You notice foul smells when passing by the furnace. A failed heat exchanger gives off an odor that’s similar to formaldehyde.
- Your heating bills are much higher than normal. When the heat exchanger is clogged, your furnace has to work much harder to warm your home, and you’ll pay for it with higher heating bills.
- Your carbon monoxide detector is sounding the alarm. Don’t ignore it; leave your home and call us for help right away.
What Causes Soot Buildup in the Heat Exchanger and Vent in Edgewater, FL?
So, what causes soot buildup in the heat exchanger and vent? The biggest causes include:
- Dirty air filters: If you haven’t changed your furnace’s air filter in some time, soot can build up in the unit, causing it to stop working.
- Incomplete combustion: When burned, fuel creates gasses, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. If there’s an oxygen deficiency in the system, the combustion process remains incomplete, leading to soot buildup.
- Poor ventilation: Soot builds up easily if there’s too much or not enough airflow in the system. Excessive airflow causes fuel to burn much too quickly, while a lack of airflow inhibits the combustion process.
- Low-quality fuel: Poor-quality fuel often contains impurities that release byproducts when burned.
- Wrong fuel type: If your system was designed for gas and you’ve topped it up with oil, you’ll likely have soot buildup, among other problems.
- Dirty burners: Furnace burners need regular cleaning. Without maintenance, they’ll become dirty and clogged with soot.
- Improperly sized furnace: A furnace can develop soot buildup if it’s the wrong size for your home.
- Age: Furnaces don’t last forever. If yours is 15+ years old, the heat exchanger may begin to fail and become clogged with soot.
Best Practices for Avoiding Soot Buildup
Now that you know what causes soot buildup in the heat exchanger and vent, how can you avoid it? Follow these soot-prevention tips:
- Change your furnace’s air filter regularly. Depending on your system, you might need to replace or clean the filter every 30-90 days.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear to prevent blockages that can contribute to soot buildup.
- Use the right type of fuel for the furnace. Don’t substitute oil for gas or vice-versa.
- If you have a wood-burning furnace, only use dry, seasoned wood. Burning wet wood causes a lot of smoke, and you’ll have soot buildup in short order.
- Schedule regular maintenance for your furnace to catch problems before they lead to soot buildup. We recommend scheduling furnace maintenance at least once a year.
- Consider replacing your furnace if it’s more than 15 years old. If you’d like to completely avoid the possibility of soot buildup, you might want to switch to an electric furnace or heat pump.
How To Remove Soot From Your Heat Exchanger in Edgewater, FL
Is it possible to remove soot from your furnace? Yes, and here’s how:
- Shut off the furnace and wait for it to cool completely.
- Once cool, remove the panels covering the heat exchanger.
- Use a vacuum to suck up any loose soot, then follow up with a soft brush to dislodge stuck soot buildup.
Wondering What Causes Soot Buildup in the Heat Exchanger and Vent? Call Us!
If your furnace is suffering from soot buildup, count on our pros at Altman’s Cooling & Heating for repairs and maintenance. Read more of our blog to discover money-saving thermostat tips, or call to schedule furnace services in Edgewater, FL, now.
