Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm, and at the core of its operation is a crucial part– the heat exchanger. It’s the part responsible for turning fuel into heat, making your home interior cozy and comfortable. But, when something goes wrong, and it develops a crack, the consequences can be potentially dangerous. Join Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning as we walk you through the basics of heat exchangers and how to tell if there’s something wrong with this furnace component in your home.

How do I know if I have a cracked heat exchanger?

Knowing when you have a cracked heat exchanger is absolutely essential to ensure you’re able to reach out to an HVAC professional promptly for a repair, not only to prevent further damage to your heating system but also to safeguard your health and safety. Here is a closer look at some of the signs you need to look out for around your home:

• Odd furnace smells: If you notice a strange smell coming from your heating equipment, especially one that resembles formaldehyde.
• Visible damage: Examine the heat exchanger for any obvious rusting, corrosion, or cracks. It is a warning sign if you observe any damage.
• Discoloration or soot: Check the area surrounding the furnace for soot or dark stripes, as these may be signs of incomplete combustion, which is often linked to a fractured heat exchanger.
• Carbon monoxide alarms: It is imperative to have a functional carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home. If your alarm goes off or you notice an increase in CO levels, exit your home immediately and call 911 along with your local gas company.
• Unusual flame: Check the burner flame in the furnace. If it appears to be flickering excessively, flashing or is yellow instead of blue, there may be an issue with the heat exchanger.
• Higher energy costs: Reduced efficiency from a damaged heat exchanger might make your furnace work harder and use more energy, which will raise your utility costs.
• Health symptoms: Continuous headaches, vomiting, fainting, or flu-like symptoms could indicate that you or a member of your family has been exposed to carbon monoxide due to a fractured heat exchanger, and must be treated by medical personnel immediately.

It is vital that you turn off your furnace right away and get in touch with a licensed HVAC company in your area for a comprehensive inspection and any necessary repairs if you experience any of these symptoms or think there may be a problem with the heat exchanger in your furnace.

How can I prevent cracks in my furnace heat exchangers?

For a number of reasons, having your furnace inspected on a regular basis by an experienced technician is critical. Let’s take a closer look at why:

• Early detection: Trained HVAC technicians are able to identify possible problems before they become more serious. They are able to identify early signs of wear, damage, or malfunctions, including with the heat exchanger during annual maintenance appointments.
  • · Preventative maintenance: Proactive maintenance actions can be effectively implemented with the help of periodic inspections. To avoid putting excessive strain on the heat exchanger and other furnace components, technicians may disinfect, lubricate moving parts, and adjust parts.
• Increasing efficiency: An efficient furnace runs better when it is well-maintained. Professionals can evaluate your heating system’s entire performance to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible, saving you money on energy and utility bills.
• Safety assurance: When it comes to the heating system in your home, safety comes first. A fractured heat exchanger may be the cause of gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions, which are two possible hazards that technicians look for. At the end of the day, the health and safety of your family depend on early detection and professional management of these problems.
• Extending equipment lifespan: Your furnace’s lifespan can be increased with routine maintenance and diagnostics. Technicians can assist in extending the service life of your heating system and save you the hassle of premature replacements by treating wear and tear early on.
• Compliance with warranty: To maintain their validity, certain furnace warranties require routine professional maintenance. By scheduling regular examinations, you can safeguard your warranty.

Can a furnace heat exchanger be repaired?

The repairability of a furnace heat exchanger depends on numerous factors, such as the extent of damage, the age of your furnace, the type of furnace you have, and more. Minor issues are often repairable, especially if they are detected early on. However, extensive damage, coupled with safety concerns and aging equipment, could call for a complete replacement.

Ultimately, consulting with a qualified HVAC company like Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning is essential. Our technicians can thoroughly assess the condition of your furnace heat exchanger and help you make informed decisions based on the diagnostic results.

Book a Professional Furnace Repair with Wardlaw Today

Broken heat exchangers are dangerous. If you believe there is something wrong with this furnace component in your home, reach out to Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning as soon as possible.

Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning is available for repair and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, at no extra charge. We are also available for same-day repairs in emergency cases.

Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to partner with homeowners throughout Aweres Township, Batchawana Bay, Bruce Minds, Desbarats, Echo Bay, Goulais River, Hilton Beach, Prince Township, Richard’s Landing, Sault Ste. Marie, Searchmont, and Thessalon. If you live in any of these communities, don’t hesitate to contact our certified HVAC team any time of the year.

You can reach us over the phone or use our online booking form. We look forward to partnering with you.

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