Regardless of which type of heating system is installed in your home, it's essential for keeping the interiors of your home warm throughout the cold winter season. If you want to make sure that your heating system remains in great condition, it should be maintained at least once per year. Without maintenance, your system's heat exchanger could become damaged or cracked. When you request our maintenance services, we will work to catch an issue with your heat exchanger before it becomes a serious problem. If your unit's exchanger is cracked, there are some clear signs that you should be on the lookout for.
Primary Symptoms of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
Your HVAC unit’s heat exchanger is an important aspect of the heating and cooling process. During this process, heat is transferred from one fluid to another to warm your home up or cool it down. If the exchanger malfunctions or cracks, the efficiency of your furnace or HVAC system would likely be negatively impacted. One clear sign of a cracked heat exchanger in a gas furnace is the flame having a different appearance. When your gas furnace is operating correctly, the flame should be blue with a bright yellow tip. If, however, the flame has turned mostly yellow, there could be several things wrong with your furnace. It’s possible that the burner is dirty and requires cleaning. A more serious problem involves a cracked heat exchanger. If you detect this problem, a technician from Wingate Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can provide repair or replacement services. You should also be on the lookout for soot, which is a sign that the fuel isn’t burning correctly. This sign indicates that the heat exchanger is cracked or that the burner has been improperly adjusted. You should check the outer areas of your heating unit for any signs of rust or cracks. If a physical problem is present with the system’s external components, this might be a sign that the internal components have also been damaged. If you smell an odd formaldehyde-like scent in your home, this indicates that your heat exchanger is cracked. In the event that this problem persists, headaches and other health issues could develop. Cracked heat exchangers can potentially release carbon monoxide into the air. If the issue isn’t corrected, you could experience symptoms like disorientation, nausea, and eye irritation as well as more serious, even fatal, health concerns.
Why Heat Exchangers Crack
Likely the most common cause of a heat exchanger becoming cracked is the furnace overheating. This issue occurs because of poor airflow, which develops if the system isn't maintained regularly.
The filters in your furnace will accumulate dirt, dust, and other types of debris. Over time, the blowers and coils could become clogged. These problems may block airflow, which is required to maintain a specific internal temperature and make sure that excess heat is properly absorbed. Otherwise, the higher temperatures may result in a crack.
Another cause of a cracked heat exchanger is a worn-down control valve, which leads to high-pressure changes that a heat exchanger is unable to handle. Regular maintenance can resolve this issue early on.
Importance of Repairing a Cracked Heat Exchanger
Having a damaged exchanger can be a threat to the health and safety of your household. Many types of heating systems burn oil, propane, and natural gas. These fuels produce fumes during the burning process. The fumes that get into the air contain carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot, and water vapor, all of which can be harmful in larger doses. If you believe that your heat exchanger has been cracked, you can purchase a new HVAC system altogether or have the malfunctioning component replaced. Consider both of these solutions 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 reason for the issues you've been having. Here at Wingate Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, we can replace a cracked heat exchanger with a new one that you can rely on. Our heating and cooling services include maintenance and repair for all components in a furnace, cooling unit, or heat pump. We can install a new unit when you require an upgrade from an old or malfunctioning one. Residents in Cincinnati, OH can also request our comprehensive plumbing services, which include everything from drain cleaning and toilet repair to sump pump replacements. Call us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about the services we provide.
