Freezing of a Furnace Cylinder
Owning a furnace includes taking the responsible steps to prevent damage of the system. Freezing in a furnace cylinder is a common occurrence within a residential system and can cause major problems. In order to protect your system and reduce the chances of a furnace cylinder freezing, it is important to understand how freezing can occur and how to prevent it.
When cold temperatures arrive in the winter, the furnace is designed to combat the cold and maintain a warm, comfortable atmosphere. As the furnace produces heat, it circulates the warm air throughout the home. During this process, moisture is created, collected and sent through the furnace, ending at the furnace cylinder. The furnace cylinder can become so cold with the moisture collected that, if not monitored properly, can freeze in severe temperatures. With the water turning to ice, it can cause serious pressure and strain on the system, creating a need for manual intervention to restart the furnace.
When a furnace cylinder freezes, it could lead to significant damages such as a cracked heat exchanger, blocked uptakes, and broken vents and pipes. To prevent the system from freezing, be sure to inspect the furnace on an annual basis and, in more extreme temperatures, check the furnace periodically. Manual service could be considered if an inspection reveals that the furnace is not functioning properly. Another way to prevent the system from freezing is to maintain reliable ventilation for the furnace or air conditioner, as the air flow could help provide warmth and prevent freezing.
In addition, aim for a temperature of no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the home during cold weather. It may be wise to invest in a programmable thermostat as well, so that heating cycles may be adjusted to the temperatures outside and prevent freezing from happening. There should be no gaps in the walls or windows that could be adding extra drafts of cold air for the furnace to combat.
If a furnace cylinder does freeze, you can try enlarging the cycle time of the furnace and aim to run the fan and blower more. This will help with moving warm air through the home and hopefully keep the cylinder thermally insulated enough to keep the system running without damage. It is suggested to contact a professional HVAC personnel to assess the exact needs of your furnace in order to better protect your system from freezing.
Overall, the risk of a furnace cylinder freezing can be avoided with proper maintenance and adjustments to the settings of the temperate. To minimize the risk of a furnace cylinder freezing, installing a quality thermostat, maintaining regular inspection and service, and keeping the temperatures in the home between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. If damage does occur from freezing in the furnace cylinder, extensive repair may be needed and safety measures should be taken to ensure the system is operating properly before attempting to restart the furnace.
