The burner is arguably the most important part of a furnace, responsible for actually providing all of the heat used to warm the air in your home. The number of burners may vary from system to system, but they all fill the same role. Though the construction of a burner is fairly simple, it is still susceptible to a number of issues that can affect its ability to heat your home. Let’s take a look at some of those problems.
Carbon Buildup
Most home furnaces use natural gas as a fuel source. As the burners combust the natural gas, they produce a number of combustion byproducts as waste material. These byproducts, which include carbon and several kinds of toxic gas, are vented through the exhaust flue and out of the house. Some of the carbon produced, however, often sticks to the burner itself. This isn’t a problem at first, but the more carbon builds up, the more it will impede the burner’s operation. Eventually, the carbon buildup can cause the burner to fire more slowly, produce a weaker flame, or even fail altogether. It is important to have your burners checked if you think that your furnace might be having trouble producing enough heat.
Other Issues
Carbon buildup is the biggest contributor of burner issues, but it isn’t the only one. Dust often coats all parts of the furnace after a while, including the burners. Corrosion from moisture can begin to degrade the burner assembly. It is even possible for a blockage to develop in the gas line, preventing the burners from receiving adequate fuel. The best that you can do, as a homeowner, is to make sure that the external sections of the burner assembly are clean and free of debris. Be sure to shut off the gas valve before cleaning the burners. If you aren’t comfortable cleaning your burner assembly, call a professional to do it for you.
If your furnace is giving you trouble, call At Your Service Plumbing, Heating & Air. We offer professional heating repairs throughout the entire Salt Lake City area.
