Can Furnaces Catch Fire?

The return of low temperatures raises your reliance on home heating equipment each fall. If your furnace isn’t working correctly, it might grow to be a fire hazard and jeopardize your family’s safety. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is a major cause of home fires, leading to approximately 50,000 blazes, 500 civilian deaths and more than $1 billion in significant property damage each year. Space heaters and fireplaces cause the majority of fires concerning heating equipment, but central heaters, like furnaces, are liable for just about 12% of these blazes. Find out more about the leading causes of furnace fires and how to avoid them. 

Causes of Furnace Fires

Older furnaces are more susceptible to safety concerns as they may be manufactured differently and fall into disrepair through the years. Nevertheless, whether your furnace is more than a decade old or brand new, you should be aware of these causes of furnace fires. 

An Overheated Motor

A furnace motor can overheat in different ways. Here are the biggest risks:  

  • A clogged filter can impede airflow and force the motor to work longer. Sooner or later, the motor may overheat, increasing the risk of fire. 
  • Dirt can collect around and insulate the motor, forcing it to retain heat, which can lead to a fire. 
  • Exposed or corroded wiring can cause the voltage to increase too much, increasing the likelihood of an electrical fire. 
  • Excessively tight or damaged motor bearings can heat up when the furnace starts. Without adequate lubrication, the bearings may eventually light on fire. 

Blocked Furnace Flue 

Yard debris, animal nests and other obstructions can clog the furnace flue, lowering oxygen. This causes soot building up and weaker ventilation, limiting efficiency and increasing the risk of flame rollout. Flame rollout is when fire reaches past the heat exchanger and burns the parts in your furnace. If this problem remains, your heating equipment can be seriously damaged, and the fire may even spread to areas outside the furnace. 

Clogged Heat Exchanger 

The heat exchanger is a closed combustion chamber where the heat created by your furnace is moved to the air circulating within your home. A heat exchanger blocked with soot or corrosion has the same result as a blocked furnace flue—reduced performance and a bigger risk of flame rollout. 

Cracked Heat Exchanger 

Numerous problems can take place if corrosion damages the heat exchanger. First, it affects suction in this chamber, resulting in less airflow and increased flame rollout. Second, it releases fumes, including carbon monoxide, into your home. Breathing in CO gas can be lethal, so never neglect your carbon monoxide alarms. CO gas can also return to the source of the leak and ignite if a flame is lit. 

Inadequate Gas Pressure 

Furnaces need an exact combination of natural gas and air to ensure safe and efficient combustion. Too little pressure is often because of clogged burner orifices. This problem makes the burner flames more likely to roll out. It also leads to unwanted condensation in the heat exchanger, accelerating the rate of corrosion. 

On the other hand, high gas pressure can create excessive heat in the furnace, which can cause the soot inside the heat exchanger to ignite. Such fires can readily spread to other areas. 

How to Prevent Furnace Fires 

Based on the various ways a furnace can light on fire, here are the steps you can take to avoid furnace fires: 

  • Replace the air filter regularly: Check the filter each month and change it when it appears dirty or every three months, whichever comes first. 
  • Keep an eye on the furnace flue: Periodically check the exterior vent for obstructions and remove any you find. 
  • Don’t store combustible items close to the furnace: Things like cardboard boxes, paper, clothing and other combustibles should be kept at least 3 feet away from the furnace and any other heating equipment. 
  • Put in a flame rollout switch: This safety system detects if a fire or hot exhaust gases are inside your furnace’s burner compartment. If the rollout switch trips, have your furnace inspected right away to diagnose and repair the problem before it causes a furnace fire. 
  • Schedule annual furnace maintenance: It isn’t always easy to recognize if your furnace is operating unsafely. Whether you notice warning signs or not, prioritize furnace maintenance every fall. 

Schedule Furnace Services Today 

Is it time for your annual tune-up? Do you need help resolving a problem with your furnace? Whatever the reason, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here for you. Our HVAC professionals can inspect, clean and test the system to ensure safe operation. If anything seems off, we’ll suggest a repair or a modification, providing you peace of mind that your furnace is unlikely to catch fire. For more details or to schedule furnace maintenance, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today. 

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