A cracked heat exchanger in your home’s furnace is not the sort of problem to ignore. Though it can be one of the more difficult furnace issues to repair, a cracked heat exchanger can also be one of the most dangerous if left unaddressed. Annual furnace maintenance by a certified technician can help you avoid this costly problem, but it’s also important that homeowners can recognize the symptoms on their own.
- Soot buildup – Soot can accumulate in furnaces as a result of improper combustion, and a crack in the heat exchanger is one possible reason for soot buildup. If your heat exchanger is cracked, soot will usually build up on the internal components of the furnace near the location of the crack.
- Abnormal flame – The burner on your furnace should burn steadily with a clear, blue flame. If the flame appears yellow or orange in color, or if it flickers and jumps, you may have a problem with your heat exchanger. Burner problems become more likely as your heating system gets older, and there are a few possible causes, so it’s a good idea to stop using the furnace and have it serviced if you see an abnormal flame.
- High carbon monoxide levels – One of the most dangerous things about a cracked heat exchanger is that it may allow carbon monoxide gas to escape into your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and potentially deadly, so it is essential that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, including the room where your furnace is located. If the alarm sounds, turn off the furnace, open the windows, and leave your home immediately before calling the gas company and/or 911.
- Cracks and rust – Visible cracks, rust and damage to the metal parts of your furnace are among the most obvious signs of a cracked heat exchanger, and if you can see a crack, you should contact a technician to inspect your heating system before you turn it on.
To learn more about the dangers of a cracked heat exchanger, or to schedule your heating system for maintenance, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide expert service throughout Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat exchangers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area