Like most heating units, gas furnaces require annual routine maintenance to check for issues. When you’ve skipped or gone far too long without one, it’s not unusual for your furnace to run less efficiently because of dirt-laden components. Dirt and debris get in your system in many ways, and here’s how they can affect performance.  

What Gas Furnace Parts Turn Dirty?

1. Burner

More often than not, dirt finds its way to your burners, manifesting itself through uneven and short yellow-colored flames. It results in less heat produced, causing your gas furnace to work harder and consume more energy in the process. Moreover, incompletely burned flames yield higher levels of carbon monoxide, which is a health hazard because of its toxicity.   

2. Filters

Gas furnaces have filters that trap airborne debris and other contaminants, which is why they get clogged over time. Whether you have disposable or reusable ones, make it a point to replace or clean it once every three or four months, particularly during the heating season. A dirty furnace filter obstructs the airflow, which puts extra strain on the system. It leads to higher energy consumption and an increased likelihood of a damaged heat exchanger.

3. Ignition

Whatever ignition system your gas furnace has, any dirt or debris buildup makes it difficult to light up right away. For instance, a dirty pilot light gives a false or inaccurate reading to the flame sensor or thermocouple, which stops the furnace from lighting. Leave the cleaning of pilot lights or hot surface igniters to the experts to prevent destroying them.

4. Blower Assembly

In your gas furnace, the blower is often among the dirtiest components. When dust, dirt, and other debris clog the fan blades, there’s a noticeable decline in indoor air quality that results in allergies and respiratory problems. Moreover, a dirty blower works extra hard pushing out air into your ducts and can lead to unbalanced or broken blades.

5. Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger warms the air before its distribution via ductwork. Like most parts, lack of cleaning can affect its performance as well. If it already has cracks hidden by the grime, it’s likely leaking out carbon monoxide, which can be poisonous to home occupants. Have a licensed technician inspect and clean the heat exchanger instead of doing it on your own.  

When it’s time to give your gas furnace a good clean, turn to the professionals at Walker Electric Inc. As the trusted cooling and heating contractor in Andalusia, AL, they’ve provided top-notch services involving heating and air units, such as air conditioning installation, furnace repairs, and routine maintenance. Call (334) 222-2481 to schedule an appointment or view their full list of services online.