How to Repair Furnace Rust: Your Ultimate Guide

If you own an old furnace, chances are it has become rusty over time. Furnaces are an essential part of home maintenance, providing us with heat in the winter and cooling during the summer. But when furnaces start to rust or corrode, it's important to take action quickly before it becomes a major problem.

Spot, Remove, Prevent & Repair Rust

How to Identify Furnace Rust

The first step to repairing your furnace rust is identifying where the problem lies. Rust will usually be visible on the surface of your furnace, but you may need to look a bit closer and remove some panels or components to get an accurate assessment of how bad it is. Rust can occur outside and inside the furnace, so pay close attention when inspecting each area.

How to Remove Rust from a Furnace

Once you've identified the rust, it's time to take action. If the source is a leak, you'll need to fix the leak before you can do anything else. Once you've fixed the leak, wipe down the area with a dry cloth to remove any moisture. If the source of the problem is condensation, you'll need to take steps to reduce the amount of moisture in your home.

One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier. You should also ensure that your vents are clear so air can circulate properly. Once you've reduced the amount of moisture in your home, wipe down the area with a dry cloth and then apply a rust inhibitor/converter coating (such as rust oleum) to prevent future rusting.

How to Prevent Further Damage from Rust 

If your furnace has been severely impacted by rust, there are a few steps you can take to prevent further damage from corrosion. When purchasing a new furnace, make sure it has a special coating that protects against corrosion and rust.

Also, check for any signs of rust or corrosion on the outside of the unit regularly and to keep the filters changed to ensure optimal airflow. Finally, consider having your furnace serviced annually by a professional technician to ensure all parts are working properly and that no unexpected issues arise due to rust or other problems.

How to Repair the Damaged Areas of Your Furnace

Once you've identified and treated the rust on your furnace, it's time to start repairing any damaged areas. This can include replacing any corroded components or rusty parts with new ones or applying a protective coating to the affected areas. Just make sure that whatever materials you use are compatible with your specific model of the furnace before proceeding.

As usual, calling a professional for substantial furnace rust or other issues is always recommended.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Furnace Regularly

It's important to maintain your furnace by cleaning and inspecting it regularly. This includes checking for signs of rust or corrosion regularly, as well as replacing any worn or damaged components.

Additionally, you should also clean the air filters often and make sure all hoses are in good condition. Doing this will help ensure that your furnace works optimally and efficiently while reducing the risk of further rust and damage caused by corroded parts.

Tips for Keeping Your Furnace in Good Condition Long-Term

There are a few other simple measures you can take to extend its lifespan and keep it operating safely and effectively. These include:

• Keeping your furnace area clear of debris and dust
• Making sure all vents are open and unobstructed
• Checking for any signs of rust or corrosion regularly
• Cleaning the air filters often
• Replacing worn or damaged components when necessary
• Avoiding any sudden temperature changes within the house
• Closing off unused rooms from the HVAC system
• Have the furnace serviced by a professional technician annually

Let Suburban Heating & Cooling Help You!

If you suspect that there is more serious damage to your furnace than just rust, it's important to contact a professional for help. A licensed technician can assess the situation and guide how best to proceed. This could include furnace repair or replacement of parts, depending on the severity of damage caused by rust or corrosion.

Repairing furnace rust can be a tricky task and should always be handled by a certified technician. Please don't wait until the damage becomes irreparable to address it. Taking the preventive steps will help keep your furnace running safely, happily, and efficiently for years to come. If you've spotted any peeling paint, rust stains, or flakes of rust on your furnace, it's time for an inspection from Suburban Heating & Cooling.

We'll help you identify the source of the problem, explain what repairs need to be done, and give you a comprehensive plan of action.

So, does your furnace have rust? Contact us today to schedule your inspection and start breathing easier, knowing your home is secure from rust-related damages.