What Are the Dangers of a Clogged Furnace?

Igniters

• Igniters are part of a furnace's operational controls. An igniter is responsible for starting a furnace's gas or oil burners if the furnace runs on fuel and not electricity. Dust and dirt particles are possible culprits for clogging a furnace's igniters. Sometimes insects, bugs and spiders clog a furnace's igniters because they become trapped within the igniter. Clogged igniters do not perform as well when they are clogged. In addition, clogged igniters may create sparks and pose a fire hazard. Igniters are usually found on modern furnaces; older models use continuously burning pilot lights. Clogged igniters or pilot lights make clicking noises but do not ignite the burners.

Filter

• Filters are are most prone to clogging. A filter's purpose is to prevent any airborne particles form reaching the furnace. Clogged furnace filters accumulate flammable particles, such as dust and hair, and may cause fires if allowed to accumulate. Also, clogged furnace filters compromise the air quality in a house and affects the furnace's longevity. The simplest way to avoid a clogged furnace filter is to change the filter monthly or bimonthly.

Vents

• The furnace's vents acts as the unit's “exhaling” system by allowing flue gases to escape from the house's heating system. Vents usually direct the flue gases outdoors, but clogged vents prevent the gases from leaving the house. One of the biggest dangers of clogged furnace vents is the presence of carbon monoxide. When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it replaces the oxygen required for your blood cells to function properly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea and dizziness. Brain damage and even death can result in extreme cases. Exterior debris, snow and housing foundation problems are some of the causes of clogged vents.

Drain Pipe

• Drain pipes are only a furnace component if the furnace is part of a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, often referred to as an HVAC system. However, the performance of a HVAC sytem's furnace is effected if the drain pipe becomes clogged; drain pipe clogging is usually a result of algae buildup. An early sign of drain pipe clogging is water leaks. A clogged drain pipe can cause extensive water damage to a house's walls, ceilings and floors. One way to unclog a drain pipe is by using a vacuum cleaner hose to suck out algae from within the pipe.