A gas fueled furnace uses a heat exchanger to create warm air that is later circulated throughout the home. The heat exchanger is a chamber where the gas is safely burned or combusts to create heat. When the gas is being combusted it will create fumes and other emissions, including carbon monoxide gas. These gases are safely ventilated through a flue or a chimney to ensure safety. However, if the heat exchanger becomes compromised there is a danger that the carbon monoxide gases will be release into the home. For this reason it is important for a homeowner to recognize heat exchanger failures to ensure immediate repairs. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share signs of a heat exchanger failure and a potential crack.
What Causes Heat Exchanger Failure?
A heat exchanger will develop basic problems and fail to create heat when the heat exchanger becomes dirty or even due to dirty air filters. When there is an air flow restriction it can prevent the heat exchanger from working properly and even lead to overheating problems. It is important to change out the air filters to ensure there isn’t any stress on the heat exchanger. A furnace’s heat exchanger will also develop problems along with cracks when the furnace is not the proper size. Both under and oversized furnaces cause stress on the furnace that often leads to cracks in the heat exchanger. Cracks are not a common problem. However, they are more prone to develop cracks as the heat exchanger ages. With proper care a furnace will last around fifteen to twenty years. Around that ten year mark is when the heat exchanger will begin to wear down. If you have an older furnace keep watch for potential cracks in the heat exchanger.
Signs of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
• Strange Odors: When a heat exchanger develops cracks, it will release gases and other emissions. The emissions and gases will produce an odd odor, similar to formaldehyde.
• Cracks and Corrosion: If you discover corrosion or a physical crack on the heat exchanger or other joining components such as the draft diverter box or the inducer motor, turn your furnace off and seek professional HVAC services.
• Soot Build-Up: White or black soot that has built up around the furnace reveals the presence of a crack. If you are seeing soot around the furnace, again have the unit checked immediately.
• Pilot’s Flame Color: Another indicator that you have a cracked heat exchanger is the pilot’s flame color. The flame is normally blue. When the flame becomes a yellow or orange color, you have a problem.
• Rattling Noise: If you hear a rattling noise while the furnace is running, this may be the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is made of metal, so when they metal cracks, it makes a rattling noise. Sometimes you may also hear a popping or banging noise.
Furnace & Boiler Heating Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
When you detect signs of a cracked heat exchanger, it is important to turn off the heating system and contact an HVAC service. If you need your heating system inspected and or repaired, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today.
