Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger in your furnace has the important task of separating the combustion process from the air that you breathe. It is a metal chamber and passageway that stretches from the burner all the way up to the chimney. It has to have an airtight seal in order to separate the gases that the furnace produces from the breathing air on the outside. Otherwise, carbon monoxide can be released. These parts are designed to last the lifetime of the furnace, which is normally between 10 to 20 years. However, sometimes, the metal on these exchangers begin to crack prematurely. This is due to the metal constantly expanding and contracting as it heats up and cools down. Once this occurs, that airtight seal is broken and contamination can occur. If your furnace is on the older side, it may be particularly susceptible to cracks or damage. It may require you to be more vigilant about visual inspections in order to ensure that no holes have occurred.
While not every damaged heat exchanger is dangerous, it’s best not to risk it. A broken or cracked heat exchanger could be releasing exhaust gas into the air that you and your family are breathing. In some cases, carbon monoxide could also be escaping. Over time, this could contaminate the air in your home and be a deadly combination. It’s best to have a cracked heat exchanger replaced right away.
How to Inspect
So, what does a cracked heat exchanger look like? If you notice any rust holes, cracks, or breaks in the pipes or chamber around the furnace, it’s time to call in a professional. Also, it’s important to look for any light or water that could be passing through the crack. If you see light, it could indicate that the crack is leaking deadly fumes. If it isn’t, you may have caught the crack early on. Either way, don’t put off the exchanger. Call an expert immediately. In some cases, the exchanger can easily be replaced. However, in more serious cases, you may need to replace the entire furnace. The earlier that you catch the crack and call in a professional, the lesser chance you have that the repair will be costly.
If you notice that your heating exchanger is cracked, call an expert as soon as possible. With the best heating and air conditioning in Minneapolis on your side, they will have it up and running in no time. By finding the damage early on, you are well on your way to restoring your furnace to safe and working order.