What to do if you have a cracked heat exchanger?
Mar 23, 2022 · The most common cause of an overheated heat exchanger is as simple as a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace, overheating the heat exchanger, and eventually resulting in stress cracks. An over-sized furnace can also cause overheating and heat exchanger cracks.
How to tell if you have a cracked heat exchanger?
Nov 15, 2021 · What is the cause of heat exchanger cracks? Overheating causes nearly all premature heat exchanger cracks. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace, overheating the heat exchanger, and eventually resulting in stress cracks. An over-sized furnace can also cause overheating and heat exchanger cracks.
What are the warning signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
Dec 09, 2020 · The heat stress may cause cracks to develop in the exchanger’s welds, bends, and other weakened areas. Oversized furnace A furnace that is too large for the home it’s installed in can also cause the heat exchanger to break. Here’s why: Water is a byproduct of the natural gas heating process.
Why does cracked heat exchangers need to be replaced?
Dec 02, 2015 · The most common cause of an overheated heat exchanger is as simple as a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace, overheating the heat exchanger, and eventually resulting in stress cracks. An over-sized furnace can also cause overheating and heat exchanger cracks.
Is it safe to use a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?
There are so many things that can go wrong with your heating system, but a cracked heat exchanger is the worst of them all. A crack in this vital piece of equipment will cause it to malfunction and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or even death.
How serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
The heat exchanger is the largest component of your home's heating system, and over the course of its lifespan, it can begin to develop cracks. When a crack is formed in your furnace, the system may not be able to completely combust fuel. This can lead to high and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide entering your home.Jan 26, 2021
How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked?
Warning Signs of Cracked Heat ExchangersVisible Damage. You may be able to see cracks in the heat exchanger when you visually inspect the furnace. ... Soot. The presence of soot on the heat exchanger or on the furnace's interiors is a warning sign of incomplete combustion. ... Abnormal Flame. ... Noticeable Odors. ... Water on the Floor.Nov 5, 2020
Can you fix a cracked heat exchanger?
The best way to repair a cracked heat exchanger is to remove it and put in a new one. This doesn't require replacing other parts of the furnace. However, it's an expensive repair. Often a repair that's too expensive compared to having a new furnace put in.Jan 8, 2018
What are the symptoms of a damaged heat exchanger?
Six Signs Your Furnace Heat Exchanger May be CrackedStrange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde.Soot Build-up. ... Corrosion & Cracks. ... Change in the flame appearance. ... Audible Sounds. ... Presence of Carbon Monoxide.Jan 11, 2021
How much does it cost to replace a cracked heat exchanger?
from $2,000 to $3,500The cost of replacing a heat exchanger ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. Replacing your furnace's heat exchanger would be a good route to take if your furnace is fairly new. However, it is not worth spending your money on replacing your heat exchanger when it is near the end of its life span, which is ten years or more.Feb 19, 2019
How long do heat exchangers last?
The heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air that circulates through your home in the winter. Heat exchangers usually last about 15 years. If you invest in maintenance, yours might even last 20.Nov 23, 2017
How do you tell if your furnace is venting properly?
How Do I Know If My Furnace Isn't Venting Properly? Gas furnace fumes are moist, so if you notice “sweat” on your windows, this is a sign that your furnace isn't venting correctly. When your furnace comes on in the morning, if it is venting into your house rather than outdoors, moisture will condense on the cold glass.Mar 7, 2016
What does a cracked heat exchanger flame look like?
Normally, your gas furnace has a steady blue flame. If your burner has a moving yellow flame, it could be dirty or have a cracked heat exchanger. Flames that flicker, lean, dance around or change when the fan comes on, are possible signs of a cracked heat exchanger.Nov 27, 2018
How do you check for heat exchanger cracks?
0:152:21Simple Furnace Heat Exchanger Test | Lennox Learning SolutionsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen we test a heat exchanger that doesn't have a crack there should be no visual sign of the flame.MoreWhen we test a heat exchanger that doesn't have a crack there should be no visual sign of the flame.
How do I know if my furnace is leaking carbon monoxide?
Signs of Carbon Monoxide LeaksSoot: You may notice soot-like stains on your furnace. ... Smell: While carbon monoxide doesn't emit odor, it may get accompanied by other exhaust gases that produce an odor.A yellow burner flame: The pilot flame may produce an unusual yellow flame instead of the normal blue one.Mar 15, 2021
Can you replace just the heat exchanger in a furnace?
If parts and labor are still under warranty, you can probably replace just the exchanger for now. If you're covered for parts but not labor, you can further discuss the pros and cons with your HVAC professional.Nov 12, 2020
Why does my heat exchanger crack?
When a furnace cannot get enough airflow, the heat exchanger overheats and suffers excess stress from expansion and contraction. Over time, the heat stress causes cracks near weak areas such as bends or welds.
Why does my furnace crack?
Over time, the heat stress causes cracks near weak areas such as bends or welds. The most common cause of an overheated heat exchanger is as simple as a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace, overheating the heat exchanger, and eventually resulting in stress cracks. An over-sized furnace can also cause ...
What happens when fossil fuels burn?
When fossil fuels burn they produce fumes containing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and soot. A furnace depends on the heat exchanger to contain these dangerous fumes and safely conduct them to the chimney while transferring the valuable heat into the home. If the heat exchanger is compromised by a crack or rust, ...
How does natural gas combustion work?
When a furnace first lights, the flame impinges on the cold heat exchanger and water vapor from the flame actually condenses on the inside of the heat exchanger. After just about ten minutes of run time, the heat exchanger reaches operating temperature and the condensation evaporates.
Is it cheaper to replace a furnace or replace it?
When you add up utility rebates, tax credits, factory rebates, and the energy savings of a properly sized furnace, a furnace replacement can actually be cheaper than repairing the old furnace.
Can heat exchangers be repaired?
Unfortunately, heat exchangers cannot be repaired. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts through it must be replaced. Because the heat exchanger is at the center of the furnace, nearly the whole furnace must be disassembled. Even if the parts are covered under warranty, the labor and freight will start around $500.
What happens if your furnace heat exchanger cracks?
Besides, it will expose your family to several health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning. You can prevent that from happening by maintaining the furnace regularly. But if the heat exchanger develops cracks, you should replace it immediately.
What does it mean when a furnace cracks?
The Furnace Components Corrode and Form Cracks. When the external components of your furnace begin to show the signs of tear/wear, the chances are high that the internal components are starting to wear. That could mean that your heat exchanger has also begun to crack.
Why is my furnace blue?
A typical furnace flame should be blue. If your furnace produces a steady blue flame, it’s clear that the furnace’s heat exchanger is functioning efficiently, and there’s nothing to worry about. However, if the furnace produces a yellow flame, it can mean that your burner is dirty or your heat exchanger has cracked.
What happens when a furnace ignites?
When ignited, the furnace will channel hot combustion gases into the heat exchanger chamber to heat the metal walls. Meanwhile, return air ducts in the system will suck the cold air in your home and pass it along the heat exchanger to warm up the air.
How does a heat exchanger work?
How a Heat Exchanger Works. A heat exchanger is one of the components in a gas furnace that heats air to warm your home during cold days. The system comprises a series of coils and tubes that consistently loops to heat air that flows through it.
Why does my heating system smell so bad?
The System Produces a Strong Smell. If your heating system produces a strong and unpleasant smell, it could be that the heat exchanger has cracked. Notably, the fumes usually smell like formaldehyde and are highly toxic to your body when inhaled.
How long does a furnace heat exchanger last?
The average lifespan of a furnace’s heat exchanger is 15 years. If your gas furnace is about that age, the chances are high that the heat exchanger can crack. So, you need to get a replacement ready to avoid inconveniences if it breaks.
What Is A Heat Exchanger?
For starters, what is a heat exchanger? Every gas furnace has at least one heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a set of metal coils in the furnace that are warmed directly by combustion gas and fire. It is used to transfer the heat from the exhaust fumes / flue gas into your house without passing on any harmful gases!
Is A Cracked Heat Exchanger Dangerous?
You're likely questioning whether a simple heat exchanger crack is dangerous or if the matter can be ignored? One thing's for sure a cracked heat exchanger is a silent death trap. If there is a heat exchanger crack, it can cause carbon monoxide gas (CO) to leak out of your gas furnace.
How Do I Know If I Have A Cracked Heat Exchanger?
Surprisingly enough, one of the most frightening things is that you won't know if you have a cracked heat exchanger. When a crack occurs, usually there are no early warning signs until it has become nearly fatal.
How Does An HVAC Pro Know I Have A Cracked Heat Exchanger
Now, you may be wondering how a technician's CO detector is different from your's at home.
What Causes Cracked Heat Exchangers
So let's get down to business. What causes a cracked heat exchanger? Simply explained, a heat exchanger cycles through being heated and cooled. This intended cycle makes the component's metal constantly expand and contract. Over time this wears out the heat exchanger. Eventually, the metal will crack as a result of stress and fatigue.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair or Replace My Damaged Heat Exchanger?
OK, I know what you're thinking. What are my options? And how much will this cost me? Unfortunately, there is no way to patch or seal cracks in a heat exchanger; therefore, repair is not an option.
How Can I Prevent a Cracked Heat Exchanger?
The primary way to avoid problems with your heat exchanger or other HVAC components is by having an annual inspection and servicing performed by a qualified professional. During the yearly tune-up, the technician can inspect for cracks in your system before they turn deadly.
