Signs That Your Heat Exchanger Is Cracked

Regardless of the type of heating system installed in your home, it is important to keep the interiors of your home warm during the cold winter season. If you want to make sure your heating system stays in good condition, it should be serviced at least once a year. Without maintenance, your system’s heat exchanger could become damaged or cracked. When you hire our maintenance services, we work hard to identify a problem with your heat exchanger before it becomes a serious problem. If your unit’s heat exchanger is cracked, there are definite signs to look out for.

Primary Symptoms of a Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger of your HVAC unit is an important aspect of the heating and cooling process. This is the process of transferring heat from one liquid to another to heat or cool your home. If the heat exchanger fails or cracks, the efficiency of your furnace or HVAC system will likely be adversely affected.

A clear sign of a cracked heat exchanger in a gas oven is that the flame looks different. If your gas oven is working properly, the flame should be blue with a bright yellow tip. However, if the flame has mostly turned yellow, there could be several problems with your stove. The burner may be dirty and needs to be cleaned. A more serious problem is a cracked heat exchanger. If you experience this problem, a Wingate heating, cooling, and plumbing technician can offer repair or replacement services.

You should also look out for soot as it is a sign that the fuel is not burning properly. This sign indicates that the heat exchanger has cracked or the burner has been incorrectly adjusted.

You should check the exterior of your heater for signs of rust or cracking. If there is a physical problem with the external components of the system, it may be a sign that the internal components have also been damaged.

If you notice a strange smell of formaldehyde in your home, it indicates that your heat exchanger has a crack. If this problem persists, headaches and other health problems can occur. Cracked heat exchangers can potentially release carbon monoxide into the air. If the problem is not addressed, symptoms such as disorientation, nausea, and eye irritation can result, as well as more serious and even fatal health problems.

Why Heat Exchangers Crack

Probably the most common cause of heat exchanger cracks is overheating of the furnace. This problem is caused by poor airflow that occurs when the system is not regularly maintained.

Dirt, dust, and other types of debris accumulate in your furnace filters. Over time, fans and coils could become clogged. These issues can block the airflow needed to maintain a certain indoor temperature and properly absorb excess heat. Otherwise, cracks may occur at higher temperatures.

Another cause of a cracked heat exchanger is a worn control valve, which causes high pressure changes that a heat exchanger cannot handle. Regular maintenance can solve this problem from the start.

Importance of Repairing a Cracked Heat Exchanger

A damaged heat exchanger can pose a risk to the health and safety of your home. Many types of heating systems burn oil, propane, and natural gas. These fuels produce smoke during the combustion process. Vapors that enter the air contain carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot and water vapor, which can be harmful in large doses.

If you suspect your heat exchanger has a crack, you can purchase a new HVAC system or have the failed component replaced. Consider these two options carefully before making your decision. One of our HVAC experts can perform an inspection of your system to determine if a cracked heat exchanger is the cause of your problems.

FAQs about signs that your heat exchanger is cracked:

Q: What are the signs that my heat exchanger is cracked?

A: There are a few signs that your heat exchanger is cracked, including:

• Your furnace is not producing hot air.
• Your furnace is making strange noises.
• Your furnace is leaking water.
• Your furnace is not heating evenly.
• Your furnace is not producing enough heat.

Q: What are the dangers of a cracked heat exchanger?

A: A cracked heat exchanger can be a serious safety hazard. If the crack is large enough, it can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Other dangers of a cracked heat exchanger include:

• Fire hazard: If the heat exchanger is cracked, the hot air can escape and come into contact with flammable materials, such as wood or fabric. This could cause a fire.
• Corrosion: The hot air can also cause the metal in the heat exchanger to corrode. This can weaken the heat exchanger and make it more likely to crack.
• Repair costs: Repairing a cracked heat exchanger can be expensive.

Q: What should I do if I think my heat exchanger is cracked?

A: If you think your heat exchanger is cracked, you should have it inspected by a qualified HVAC technician as soon as possible. The technician will be able to determine if the heat exchanger is cracked and, if so, recommend the best course of action.

Q: How can I prevent my heat exchanger from cracking?

A: There are a few things you can do to help prevent your heat exchanger from cracking, including:

• Have your furnace inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.
• Keep your furnace in good working condition.
• Avoid overloading your furnace.
• Inspect your furnace for any signs of damage.

At Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. we can replace a broken heat exchanger with a new one you can count on. Our heating and cooling services include maintenance and repair of all components of a furnace, cooling unit or heat pump. We can install a new device if you need an upgrade from an old or faulty device. Dayton, NJ residents  Call us today to make an appointment or to learn more about the services we offer.