A heat exchanger is used in furnaces to distribute warm air throughout your home. It is a critical component of your heating system, and any problems with it will not only cause your furnace to break down but also put your family’s health and safety in danger.
In order to generate heat, your furnace burns gas in an enclosed chamber. The heat exchanger is critical in preventing harmful “flue gases” (gas and combustion fumes) from entering the blower, which distributes warm air through your home’s ducts and vents. The heat exchanger must have an airtight seal to keep pollution away from your breathing air in order to perform effectively and prevent these harmful gases from escaping.
Why And How Heat Exchanger Fails?
A filthy or clogged air filter is one of the most prevalent causes of heat-exchanger failure. A blocked air filter inhibits airflow through the furnace, causing the heat-exchanger to overheat and stress fracture.
Ensure that your furnace is appropriately sized for your residence. Overheating and heat exchanger cracking can also result from an oversized furnace.
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The most prevalent cause of heat-exchanger cracking is regular wear and tear. Metal heat exchangers expand as they heat up and shrink continuously as it cools. This will just fatigue and break the metal over time. Manufacturers estimate that a gas furnace typically has a service life of 15-20 years. Schedule yearly checkups and change your air filters at least once a year to help extend the life of your furnace.
A fractured heat exchanger jeopardizes the safety of your house. If a cell in the heat exchanger cracks, it may release gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide into your home, potentially causing disease or, in the worst-case scenario, death.
Identifying Cracks in Your Furnace Heat Exchanger:
- Unusual odors: An stench comparable to formaldehyde is commonly produced by a defective heat exchanger.
- Accumulation of soot: Your furnace’s burners have white soot buildup in or around them.
- Corrosion and cracks: Corrosion and cracks are two of the most common problems in the construction industry. Call experts right away if you see corrosion or cracks in other furnace components, such as the draught diverter box or inducer motor.
- Flame’s Appearance Has Changed: The flame that heats your air in most furnaces is visible. Keep in mind that blue is normal, but orange or yellow is not.
- Sounds Audible: When your thermostat switches on the heat, you’ll probably hear a rattling noise. The metal heat exchanger will expand and contract with heating, causing rattling, popping, and/or pounding noises.
- Carbon Monoxide Presence: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly flammable gas that has no odor, color, or taste. CO may seep into your home if your heat-exchanger fails. Only a carbon monoxide detector or alarm will warn you of the presence of CO; nevertheless, relying solely on a CO alarm to identify a failing heat-exchanger is not recommended; instead, you can get a yearly assessment of your furnace and heating system.
You, as a homeowner, will be inconvenienced by problems caused by a faulty heat exchanger. It does, however, represent a major threat to the safety of you and your family. Fuel oil, propane, or natural gas provide heat for many heating systems. Unfortunately, these fossil fuels emit emissions that contain soot, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and carbon monoxide, among other things. When you burn these fuels, they release gases into your home, damaging your heat exchanger. If this happens, it is possible that you and your family would have major health problems.
You can fix a cracked heat exchanger.
The homeowner should never attempt to inspect and/or repair a cracked heat exchanger; instead, they should replace it. Request an inspection and diagnosis from a trained technician. An expert can tell you on the best option and how to maintain your heating system.
Conclusion:
A fractured heat exchanger can harm your heating system and jeopardize your family’s health. Fortunately, you can avoid this problem by taking care of your heating system and scheduling regular tune-ups, ensuring its longevity. If you have any questions or concerns about your equipment! contact professionals as soon as possible.
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