With the cost of nearly everything rising these days, keeping your furnace running efficiently might be a priority for you. Unfortunately, hidden issues can cause these units to work harder than usual, which increases energy consumption and means a bigger hit to your bank account. Sometimes, these issues can even put the furnace and your family’s well-being at risk.
Low gas pressure is one example of a furnace malfunction that requires professional attention. Here, Pro Comfort Control, the leader in furnace repair in Sudbury, explains what happens if furnace gas pressure is too low and what to do about it.
Why Gas Pressure Matters to Efficient Furnace Operation
What happens when a gas furnace kicks on? First, the gas valve opens to release fuel into the combustion chamber. The mechanism then creates the heat that the blower distributes through the ducts into your home.
However, the gas doesn’t just flow uncontrolled from the supply line. For example, valves adjust and regulate the pressure of the incoming gas to match the furnace’s capabilities and your home’s demand for warm air. Don’t you want to see a more efficient operation that protects the furnace from unnecessary wear and tear or safety concerns?
If the gas pressure is too high, it can cause a rapid temperature rise, resulting in overheating. This can damage internal components, eventually leading to breakdowns or total furnace failure. On the other hand, what happens if furnace gas pressure is too low is that the unit will have to work harder to produce heat, putting more wear and tear on the internal components—and that’s just the beginning.
The Effects of Low Gas Pressure on the Furnace
An inefficient furnace is enough of a concern to warrant professional attention, but there are other issues you need to worry about.
First, the low pressure disrupts the air-fuel mixture, which impedes combustion and causes excessive condensation of burned gasses inside the furnace. Over time, this condensation builds up inside the heat exchanger and leads to corrosion. Corrosion inside this vital part will shorten its lifespan, leading to an expensive repair or, in many cases, a complete furnace replacement.
Another significant concern from low gas pressure in the furnace is carbon monoxide, which forms when gas doesn’t burn efficiently. If the heat exchanger is in good condition, it will vent carbon monoxide outside, where it can safely dissipate. However, if the heat exchanger has cracks, rust, or other corrosion-related leaks, the odorless, colorless gas can leak into your home and put your family in danger of poisoning.
The bottom line is that maintaining proper pressure from the gas valve is critical to furnace efficiency and safety.
Signs of Low Gas Pressure and How to Fix the Problem
Now that you know what happens if furnace gas pressure is too low, how can you tell there’s a problem?
Some of the most common signs of an issue include the following:
- Sudden change in furnace efficiency
- Furnace starts roughly
- Cannot maintain a consistent temperature
- Carbon monoxide alerts
Call an HVAC technician to check the pressure if you suspect an issue. Every furnace has an ideal range listed on the rating plate on the side of the furnace. Using a manometer on the side of the valve, the technician can measure the gas pressure and make adjustments.
What Causes Low Gas Pressure?
Low gas pressure in the furnace usually stems from one of the following common issues:
Manifold Problems
The manifold directs gas from the supply line to the burner. Over time, the gas combustion process can cause the part to deteriorate, which affects the gas pressure. It’s also possible that incorrect installation can cause manifold-related issues.
Deferred Maintenance
Among the tasks HVAC technicians complete during an annual maintenance and tune-up visit are pressure adjustment and gas valve inspections. Soot buildup inside the furnace can cause corrosion, so having a professional remove the soot can also prevent problems.
Pest Infestations
Sometimes, when the furnace isn’t in use over the summer, insects and rodents will make themselves at home in the furnace. Their debris and nests can block the valves and cause problems. Avoid this problem with regular maintenance.
Call Pro Comfort Control for Prompt Furnace Repairs
If you have concerns about what happens if furnace gas pressure is too low and aren’t sure who to call for furnace repairs in Sudbury, MA, you don’t need to look any further. Call Pro Comfort Control at (508) 684-5331 today for help, and rest easy knowing your heating system is taken care of.