Flues connected to furnaces, like those connected to fireplaces, are designed to channel heat and combustion gases away from the appliance and into the outside air. An obstructed or damaged furnace flue can lead to problems – many of which you may not be aware of until the problem becomes serious.
National Chimney Cleaners of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, would like to share some useful information about the importance of furnace flue cleaning and maintenance.
It’s true that furnaces don’t send billows of smoke through their flues the way fireplaces do, but they do send byproducts of combustion. The main concern here is particulate matter.
Over time, these small particles can build up in a furnace flue. When this happens, the draft will be hampered and efficiency will be reduced.
When your furnace was installed, the flue was specifically sized to vent your particular model of furnace. When a flue becomes narrowed with obstructions, the furnace will no longer vent efficiently.
The result is the potential backup and release into the air of harmful combustion gases. The most dangerous of these is carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless gas that is known to be fatal when inhaled in sufficient amounts.
Another problem with an obstructed flue is that the furnace will have to work harder, and this could lead to mechanical and structural trouble.
It’s a good idea to schedule annual furnace flue inspections by a qualified inspector or company, whether or not you suspect there are problems with the appliance.
An inspection will quickly alert you to a buildup inside the flue that needs to be cleaned out. Most flue inspectors are also technicians who can perform the necessary cleaning services.
Furnace flue inspections can also spot early signs of structural damage. Knowing about these problems will let you arrange to have them repaired and avoid major repair costs or replacements.
The inside of a furnace flue is an area few homeowners ever see. In fact, furnaces in general are rarely even looked at or given much thought until problems arise.
Licensed flue inspectors have the tools and training to thoroughly examine a furnace flue and spot buildups and damage you would never notice. If it’s been more than a year since your flue was checked out, now would be a good time to arrange for an inspection.
Call National Chimney Cleaners for furnace flue serviceThe expert team at National Chimney Cleaners brings more than 20 years’ of experience to the job of keeping furnace flues clean, efficient and safe. We provide flue inspections, professional cleaning and complete installation services.
We can also solve your chimney and fireplace issues with a full menu of repair, inspection and chimney sweeping services. When you need the work done right, we’re your first call.
Reach a furnace flue professional today by calling (800) 631-6177. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.
