It’s critical to have a furnace that works properly, especially during the frigid winter months. The right furnace provides a steady stream of warm air to keep you and your family warm, even as outdoor temperatures plummet. But what happens when furnaces don’t produce warm air and instead give off nasty, black soot?
Why is my furnace blowing out soot? Leith Heating & Cooling’s team tackles this question below as Streamwood’s trusted furnace repair experts. We cover why furnaces blow out soot, the dangers involved, and what property owners in Illinois could do to fix a troublesome furnace.
What Is Soot?
Before we look at why a furnace might be blowing out soot, it’s helpful to discuss where the soot comes from. In short, furnaces rely on fuel to operate. And even with high-efficiency fuel, some carbon and sulfur matter does not burn up, which will produce soot.
So, when the organic matter does not burn up inside your furnace efficiently, you will notice soot blowing out or accumulating on surfaces in the vicinity. It’s a black, powdery residue that sticks to just about anything.
Yes, Soot is Dangerous
Soot looks unsightly and smells gross. However, it also damages walls and ceilings, chips away at paint, and causes stains. And once it attaches itself to furniture or other items, it becomes extremely difficult to remove.
However, the worst effects of soot relate to your health. This burn residue contains chemicals that easily damage your respiratory system or exacerbate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, lung infections, and in some cases, lung cancer. It’s also not uncommon for carbon monoxide poisoning to occur as soot becomes a permanent fixture throughout a home.
Furnace Issues That Might Produce Excess Soot Need Quick Attention
Given the potential health risks of soot, understanding why your furnace doesn’t burn efficiently gives you an idea of how to solve the problem. Experts like Leith Heating & Cooling find that most furnaces blow soot because they are struggling with the following:
Puff Back Explosions Clear the Oil Furnace Interior of Residue
Unburned oil stays on the bottom of the oil furnace. But if a stray spark ignites this oil, it can create a small explosion known as a puff back. It usually happens as a bad fuel line or clogged oil nozzle causes excess fuel inside the combustion chamber.
These explosions send intense airflow into your flue vent connector, dislodging it and blowing out soot. One puff back might be a minor convenience, but continued issues will distribute substantial quantities of soot throughout your property. If you hear a banging noise that sounds like a “puff,” contact local furnace professionals like Leith Heating & Cooling right away.
Experts can also help to prevent a puff back by regularly removing any excess oil from the furnace.
Blocked Vents Force Gas to Escape Via a Different Channel
Natural gas furnaces rely on vents to transport excess gasses from the unit to the outdoors. Unobstructed vents function properly. However, birds’ nests, leaves, and even dead animals can clog these vents, which will prevent gas release.
Why is my furnace blowing out soot? Check the vents. When your furnace’s vents can’t handle the gas buildup, it will find another route to exit your unit, usually out the front to the area surrounding the unit.
Furnace experts like Leith Heating & Cooling can safely access your home’s vents to clear them of any debris, restoring your furnace to proper working order.
Dirty Chimneys Are More Dangerous Than You Think
Oil furnaces might not use the same ventilation system as their gas counterparts. Instead, these furnaces rely on chimneys or metal flues to remove smoke from the combustion chamber, which accumulates soot.
In some extreme cases, this soot can also catch fire. If it does, it will produce toxic gasses, so early professional intervention is important.
Air Mixture Issues Affect the Efficiency of the Burn
Gas furnaces require a proper air mixture for effective combustion; the ratio of fuel to air must be appropriate. If there’s not enough air, the fuel will not burn properly. It will also produce nasty soot inside the combustion chamber, which a faulty heat exchanger could shoot out into your home.
How To Manage Soot Issues
Here’s how to fix a furnace that is blowing black soot and sort out the soot buildup, too:
Replace Your Furnace Filters
Furnaces rely on filters to handle soot and other nasty particulates. Replace clogged filters from time to time to improve your unit’s performance and decrease soot production.
Change Fuel Type
High-quality fuel burns better and produces less soot. Purchase premium-grade fuel for oil furnaces to increase combustion effectiveness (and decrease the resulting soot).
Clean Your Furnace
Nothing beats a thorough, deep furnace clean. However, experts like Leith Heating & Cooling do recommend that you wear a mask and goggles while doing so to prevent breathing in soot.
- Turn off your furnace.
- Clean each part you have access to.
- Use a chimney brush and wipes to remove soot from the flue, chimney, and ductwork.
- Test your furnace after you clean it. It should run more smoothly than before.
Contact Local Professionals
Licensed furnace contractors have the skills and experience needed to clean even the nastiest furnaces. So, don’t hesitate to contact the experts if your furnace is causing problems. The right technicians can replace parts or upgrade your furnace to solve your soot problem.
Contact Streamwood’s Finest Furnace Services Today!
Leith Heating & Cooling wants all its customers to enjoy a reliable furnace that produces clean, warm air. Our technicians can identify and solve any furnace issues fast, and we’re locals with a passion for this community. If you want a team that treats you like family and guarantees the finest service imaginable, schedule a service with us today!
Why is my furnace blowing out soot, and could furnace filters improve air quality? Find out everything you need to know from Leith Heating & Cooling at (847) 534-8686 today! We offer premium-grade furnace services at a great price.