Signs of a Damaged Furnace Combustion Chamber in Newport News, VA

Your gas furnace in Newport News, VA, has a combustion chamber where fuel burns to generate heat. When this part of the furnace is damaged, it can create a safety hazard and harm the appliance. Watch for these potential signs that your furnace has a damaged combustion chamber.

Soot Covering the Furnace or Vents

Soot buildup is one of the biggest indicators of combustion chamber damage. This is because fuel doesn’t burn cleanly when the chamber is damaged. The result is an excess accumulation of soot.

The soot might appear around the furnace vents or on the actual furnace casing. Inhaling soot is a health risk, as it can affect your lungs and reduce the quality of your indoor air. This is a problem you should address as soon as possible.

The Flame Flickers or Burns Yellow

A gas furnace that’s operating correctly should have a blue and steady flame. If the flame is flickering or yellow, that likely means the combustion chamber isn’t getting enough oxygen. And oxygen may be lacking because the chamber has a leak or crack.

You Hear Strange Sounds From the Furnace

A combustion chamber usually doesn’t make a lot of noise. The most you might hear is a quiet but steady hum. If you hear odd noises like banging, popping or rattling, it’s probably because the combustion chamber has a crack or some other damage.

Your Heating Bill Increase Without Good Reason

If you notice a spike in your heating bills, it’s possibly because your HVAC system is working too hard to produce the correct amount of heat. This can happen when the combustion chamber has damage and causes the system to consume more energy.

Damage to your combustion chamber lowers your furnace’s efficiency and poses safety risks. If you notice any of the signs above, contact us at Lighthouse Mechanical Heating and Cooling to schedule furnace repair services today.

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