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Does Your Furnace Have a Damaged Heat Exchanger? 7 Signs to Look For

May 09, 2023

A heat exchanger is a vital component in a gas furnace because it separates the combustion process and the breathing air in your home and protects you from harmful gases. If the heat exchanger cracks, it could let carbon monoxide into your house. Discover the signs of a faulty heat exchanger below.

1. Strange Odors

A well-functioning furnace with a good heat exchanger doesn't produce odors. If your furnace suddenly releases unusual smells, something is seriously wrong with the heating system. The smell caused by a cracked heat exchanger is similar to that of formaldehyde. The odor is quite distinct, and you should have a heating expert check your furnace immediately.

2. Unusual Sounds

While a furnace makes some noise during regular operation, loud banging and rattling sounds indicate a problem with your heating system. The heat exchanger is made of metal, and when it heats up, any cracks expand and contract and generate loud noises.

A furnace with a cracked heat exchanger is also bound to make more noise during the flow of air and gas. You may even notice the furnace vibrating more than usual when it runs.

3. Soot Buildup

Soot is a byproduct of incomplete combustion that occurs due to cracks in the heat exchanger. Over time, the soot accumulates in and around the furnace burners, so a black carbon layer is a sure sign of a cracked heat exchanger.

However, you can only see the buildup if you disassemble the furnace and remove various key components to reach the gas chamber. You should leave this job to an HVAC professional because a clogged furnace burner is a fire hazard. The expert also knows how to correctly disassemble and assemble your heating system without causing additional damage.

4. Poor Heating

If you always rely on your furnace to supply heat, you may be frustrated if the heating system doesn't blow enough warm air or heat your home consistently. Poor heating occurs due to various reasons, and a damaged heat exchanger is often to blame because it reduces furnace efficiency. In turn, the furnace uses more energy than usual to heat the house, leading to high utility bills.

5. Water Pools Around the Furnace

The cause of water pooling around the furnace largely depends on your kind of furnace. Standard-efficiency furnaces with only one heat exchanger shouldn't have water anywhere. If you suddenly see water leaking from the heating system, the heat exchanger is likely failing. When water pools around high-efficiency furnaces, the draining system has a problem and needs the attention of an HVAC expert.

6. Yellow Flame Color

A steady blue flame indicates that the heat exchanger functions properly. You should be alarmed if the flame turns yellow or orange since it indicates that the heating system is combusting fuel inefficiently. Don't ignore a yellow flame, as you may be exposing your family to hazardous gases. Instead, have an HVAC specialist check the furnace promptly.

7. Carbon Monoxide Alarms Go Off

If you have a gas furnace, your home must have working carbon monoxide detectors. A cracked heat exchanger leaks carbon monoxide into your house, causing the alarms to go off.

Since failed or damaged detectors can fail to detect the presence of the harmful gas, be alert when family members experience flu-like symptoms like headaches, chest pain, weakness, and dizziness. If the gas furnace leaks carbon monoxide, these symptoms only occur in your home or near the heating system and disappear when you leave the house.

If you notice any signs of a damaged heat exchanger, you need to turn off your furnace, leave your home, and call an HVAC technician to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

A cracked heat exchanger presents a safety threat to your family, and you shouldn't conduct DIY repairs. Rather, contact us at Alexander Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., for prompt and specialized heating services.

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When It's Time To Say Goodbye: Signs That You Need To Replace Your Heating System

16 Feb, 2024

As the temperatures begin to drop, your heating system becomes essential to maintaining your home's comfort. But what if your heating system is struggling to keep up? Should you repair it or replace it entirely? It's a common question among homeowners, and the answer isn't always straightforward. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that your heating system may need to be replaced instead of repaired. By knowing these signs, you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether it's time to say goodbye to your old heating system. Your Heating System is Over a Decade Old One of the most significant signs that your heating system may need to be replaced is its age. Generally, heating systems have an average life span of about a decade and a half. Beyond that point, your heating system's efficiency will start to decline, and it will likely start to require more frequent repairs. If your heating system is over a decade old, it may be time to consider a replacement. Your Heating Bills are Skyrocketing A sudden and significant increase in your heating bills could be a sign that your system is struggling to keep your home warm. Older systems are less energy-efficient, and as they age, they require more energy to function correctly. If you've noticed that your energy bills are significantly higher than usual, it may be time to replace your heating system with a newer, more energy-efficient model. There's a Strong Odor Coming from Your Heating System If you notice a strong odor coming from your heating system, it could be a sign of a potentially dangerous problem. A smell like rotten eggs could indicate a natural gas leak, while a musty smell could mean your ductwork has mold or mildew growth. Either way, you should have your heating system inspected by a professional immediately. Depending on the severity of the issue, it may be more cost-effective to replace your system entirely. Your Heating System is Making Strange Noises If your heating system is making strange noises like banging, popping, or screeching, it's likely that something is wrong with the system. These noises could be a sign of a range of issues, including a faulty blower fan, a clogged air filter, or a loose part. Some of these problems can be repaired, but if your heating system is making a persistent, loud noise, it may be time to replace it. Your Home is Not Heating Consistently If you're having trouble maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home, even after repairs or maintenance, it could be a sign of a failing heating system. If you've noticed cold spots in your home or fluctuating temperatures from room to room, it may be time to replace your heating system with a new, more efficient model. A new system can heat your home evenly and consistently, providing you with the comfort you need during the cold winter months. If you've noticed any of the signs we've discussed in this blog post, it may be time to replace your heating system instead of repairing it. While replacing your heating system can be a significant investment, it can also provide you with increased energy efficiency and cost savings in the long run. A new system can also provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that your home is safe and comfortable all winter long. If you're still unsure about whether to repair or replace your heating system, contact our office today. Our heating professionals can discuss your options and help you determine the best one for your home and your budget.