Have issues with your gas furnace? Perhaps you’ve heard of the potential danger of a cracked heat exchanger. Even if your furnace looks fine, a cracked heat exchanger could leak dangerous gases into your home. These dangerous gasses can seriously affect those who are exposed to them. When it comes to a damaged gas furnace, it’s essential to take it seriously for the safety of your home.
Furnace Tune-Up
While gas furnaces are not dangerous mechanical systems, proper maintenance is necessary. If you need furnace repair and maintenance, it is crucial that you find a licensed technician with the proper experience to provide you with HVAC expertise. Don’t look for the cheapest company to ensure your home is safe. A small diagnostic fee can save you thousands in replacement costs. Try to stay ahead of the game by scheduling this towards the end of summer so that when the colder days come, you’re as prepared as you can be!
What Causes The Exchangers To Crack?
Heat exchangers sometimes crack as a result of years of regular use. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, the cracks may be a sign of expected wear and tear. Younger furnaces may develop cracked heat exchangers when the airflow to the furnace is limited. If any of your registers are blocked, your furnace filter is overly clogged and dirty, or your ducts have become obstructed, too much pressure may build up inside the furnace, causing the heat exchanger to crack. Cracks are also common when a furnace is too large for the home. Over-sized furnaces turn on and off frequently, causing the heat exchanger to expand and contract constantly. This excessive expansion and contraction may eventually lead to cracks.
What Should You Do About A Cracked Heat Exchanger?
If you suspect that your heat exchanger may be cracked, you should first make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home. If a detector ever starts beeping, leave the house and call your HVAC company immediately. You should also seek immediate medical care if you have any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Assuming that your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning but not alerting you to any danger, the next thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your HVAC company. They can come to inspect your furnace and determine if you do indeed have a cracked heat exchanger.
In most cases, if the heat exchanger is cracked, your HVAC company will recommend replacing the entire furnace. You can just replace the heat exchanger, but it is an expensive repair, and a new furnace is often the smarter investment.
If you ever notice a chemical odor coming from your furnace, do not ignore it. People die yearly from carbon monoxide poisoning, and you do not want one of your family members to be next. Contact Front Range HVAC for assistance. We’ll inspect your heating system, make the necessary repairs, and ensure your family is safe.