Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger Means You Should Replace Your Heater
The furnace heat exchanger is the part that generates hot air for your home. When it cracks, carbon monoxide (CO) leaks into your home — and it’s deadly.
HVAC contractors make more money selling new systems than troubleshooting and repairing the old ones. The cracked heat exchanger scam takes advantage of this fact.
1. Your Furnace is Overheating
The heat exchanger is a critical furnace component that separates the warm air from the exhaust that is ventilated out of your home. Over time, this piece of metal can crack, which exposes your home to dangerous carbon monoxide. This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for HVAC warning signs that indicate a cracked heat exchanger.
Over time, your heating system may develop a rattling noise when it’s running because the cracks in the heat exchanger can expand/contract as they heat up and cool down. This can cause a lot of problems, including overheating and short cycling.
Over time, your furnace will also begin to produce a strange smell. This is because the cracks in the heat exchanger mean that gasses are not combusting properly. This leads to carbon monoxide leaks and other hazardous gases in your home. This is why it’s essential to call for immediate HVAC services. The technician will be able to replace the damaged part and ensure that your home is safe for your family.
2. Your Furnace is Leaking Carbon Monoxide
A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. This colorless, odorless gas is toxic and can kill you very quickly. Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from entering your bloodstream, leading to suffocation and death.
You can get a carbon monoxide detector to help alert you of possible CO in your home. Ideally, you should have one installed in the room that contains your furnace.
Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger allow the harmful combustion gases to escape into your ductwork. This can cause strange smells, visible rust and soot, or even carbon monoxide detector alarms.
If you suspect your heat exchanger is cracked, you should have a professional perform a smoke test. A safe heat exchanger should shut off your furnace when the flames roll out of the combustion chamber, thanks to a safety feature known as a flame rollout switch. If your furnace does not shut off, you likely have a crack in your heat exchanger.
3. Your Furnace is Old
Many people wonder if a cracked furnace is safe to continue operating. A crack in your heat exchanger allows poisonous carbon monoxide to leak into your home, which can cause a wide range of symptoms from flu-like discomforts to death.
If you’re concerned about your furnace, a video inspection is a great way to assess its condition and determine whether it is cracked or not. Using an infrared camera, our technicians can see holes or cracks in your heat exchanger that are not readily apparent with the naked eye.
If you aren’t sure how old your furnace is, try to find a label with a date of manufacture on it (after making sure the unit is turned off). If you can’t find a label or don’t know the manufacturer, search online for “furnace age chart” or contact the manufacturer. They should be able to tell you the age of your furnace based on its serial number.
4. Your Furnace is Not Working
A cracked heat exchanger can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks in your home, but there are many reasons why your furnace might not be working. Check your breaker box for tripped breakers or blown fuses that could prevent your system from turning on.
You might also need to replace your blower capacitor. This part helps power the blower fan that moves air throughout your home to warm it. Without this component, you can’t get your house warm.
If your furnace isn’t igniting, the problem may be soot or carbon buildup on the hot surface ignitor element. This component typically lasts from 3-5 years, but can wear out sooner when mishandled or overused.
A clogged air filter can restrict your furnace’s ability to ignite gas and heat your home. Be sure to regularly clean or replace your air filter. This will help you save money on energy bills and keep your heating system running properly.
The HVAC industry can be quite deceptive, and it’s concerning that some contractors prioritize profit over safety. This article sheds light on the issue and urges readers to take the necessary precautions.
Indeed, Laura53. It’s essential for homeowners to be aware of the risks and make informed decisions when it comes to their heating systems.
So, now everything seems to be a potential scam. It’s an industry full of fraudulent deception, and it’s about time we hold these contractors accountable for their unethical practices.
It’s unfortunate that greed can overshadow ethical practices. However, being well-informed and cautious can protect consumers from falling victim to deceptive schemes.
I completely understand your frustration, Zrussell. It’s unfortunate that some individuals prioritize profit over safety, but awareness and consumer advocacy can help address these issues.
This article brings to light the critical importance of addressing furnace issues promptly. The potential risks associated with a cracked heat exchanger are certainly alarming, and I appreciate the detailed information provided here.
This article is very informative and provides crucial information about the dangers of a cracked heat exchanger. It’s important to prioritize the safety of our families and this article explains why immediate action is necessary.
I agree with you, Brown Ken. Safety should always come first, and this article does a great job of explaining the risks associated with a cracked heat exchanger.
I had no idea that a cracked heat exchanger could lead to such dangerous consequences. This article has definitely highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and vigilance when it comes to furnace issues.
Absolutely, Dwalsh. It’s crucial for homeowners to stay informed and proactive in ensuring the safety of their heating systems.