When your furnace is properly maintained and working well, it is a fairy-safe appliance that does not pose any safety concerns at your home. However, if it is poorly maintained or has never had a heating and AC repair service provider come for maintenance, it may experience some operational problems. This also will arise, especially when it is approaching the end of its service life. Besides the operational problems, it also might encounter several safety issues that could be of grave concern. One of these safety issues is the flame rollout from the unit.
When the furnace is turned on, the burners emit some steady flames that should be confined within the combustion chamber of your furnace system. Under certain conditions, inflammable combustion gases may accumulate inside the combustion chamber, starving the flames of oxygen. Whenever this arises, the furnace flames become larger and larger, trying to pull oxygen. Eventually, the flames will “roll out” from the confines of the combustion chamber. For such reasons, it is recommended that a heating and AC repair technician clean the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger to remove any soot, debris, and other materials that might inhibit the combustion process.
Have you noticed any signs of discoloration on the outer parts of the combustion chamber and other close parts? That could be a sign that your furnace has a flame rollout problem. In some instances, you might even see the flames roll out. Whenever you notice this, have a heating and AC repair technician come over for a further inspection and fix your unit. Below are some actions a heating and air conditioning service technician may undertake to deal with flame rollout:
Cleaning the Furnace and Its Various Components
Cleaning the furnace and its components, a heating and AC repair technician helps prevent clogs and obstructions that can cause flame rollout. This can happen in several different ways. First, removing dust, dirt, and other debris from the furnace can prevent these materials from clogging the burners or the flue, restricting the flow of air and fuel and causing flame rollout.
Also, cleaning the furnace’s burners and other components can help prevent soot buildup and other deposits that can obstruct gas flow and cause flame rollout. This can be done using a soft brush or cloth and specialized cleaning products designed to remove these deposits without damaging the furnace. Further, cleaning the furnace’s air filter can help ensure that air is flowing properly through the furnace, which can prevent flame rollout. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict the flow of air, which can cause the furnace to burn fuel inefficiently and potentially lead to flame rollout.
Checking and Adjusting the Burners
The burners in a furnace are responsible for burning fuel to produce heat, but if they are not functioning properly, they can cause flame rollout and other problems. By regularly checking and adjusting the furnace’s burners, you can ensure that they are burning fuel efficiently and minimizing the risk of flame rollout. When they check or inspect the burners, the heating and AC repair technicians first locate the burner compartment on your furnace. Usually, this is located near the lower part of the furnace. After locating it, they carefully inspect the burners for any signs of damage. If the burners are out of place, the technician will readjust them to ensure they can heat the air properly. While this might seem like just a simple routine, it can protect your Fort Worth, TX home from furnace fires.
Regularly Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filters
The furnace filter is a crucial component of any heating system, as it helps to remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the air before it enters the furnace. A dirty or clogged furnace filter can restrict airflow through the furnace, which can cause the furnace to burn fuel inefficiently and potentially lead to flame rollout. Remember, clogging of the flue and the heat exchanger is a cause of furnace rollout.
By having a heating and AC repair technician regularly replace the furnace filters, you can ensure that air is flowing properly through the furnace. Hence, there will be sufficient oxygen to ensure that combustion happens unimpeded. This reduces the risk of the flame rollout. Most furnace filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on the type of filter and the amount of use the furnace gets
Inspecting and Cleaning the Furnace Exhaust/Flue
The furnace flue is a critical component of any heating system, as it is responsible for venting combustion products out of your Fort Worth, TX home. If the flue is blocked or restricted, it can cause problems such as flame rollout and carbon monoxide poisoning. To prevent these problems, it is important to have a heating and AC repair technician regularly inspect and clean the furnace’s flue.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is a crucial component of any furnace, as it is responsible for detecting the presence of a flame and ensuring that the furnace is burning fuel safely and efficiently. If the flame sensor is not functioning properly, it can cause problems such as flame rollout and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you notice any issues with the flame sensor, it is best to have a heating and AC repair technician repair or replace it, as attempting to do this yourself can be dangerous. If the flame sensor appears in good condition, you can clean it using a soft brush or cloth and a specialized cleaning product.
Have you noticed that the flame rollout switch is constantly tripping? Then you should have your unit inspected. However, this is a problem you can avert by having regular furnace maintenance. Contact us at Minuteman Heating & Air, your reliable AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX for a professional furnace or air conditioning service. We are the best!