Cracked Heat Exchanger
Furnace Problems & Carbon Monoxide Threat
There are many different problems a furnace could have, especially older ones. Most heating system repairs homeowners encounter are relatively minor and don’t pose a significant concern. However, a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger is a potentially dangerous problem.
A crack in your heat exchanger could let carbon monoxide escape from your system, which means carbon monoxide could seep into your home. That is why this is a problem that needs to be addressed right away.
What is the Carbon Monoxide Risk?
A cracked heat exchanger does put you at risk for carbon monoxide, but it does not always mean that CO is being leaked into your home. A heat exchanger can have a crack, but it is NOT causing a carbon monoxide leak.
This is not a chance you should take. Because a cracked heat exchanger can always leak carbon monoxide, you should immediately have a professional HVAC technician address it.
This is a potential hazard that you should not turn your furnace on again until it is fixed. Here in Michigan, it is required by law that an HVAC professional who detects a crack will shut your furnace down. That way, we can ensure it cannot be turned on again, risking the safety of everyone in the home.
Leading Causes of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
The main cause is from overheating. If a furnace does not get enough airflow, the heat exchanger can get too hot and crack under the pressure of constantly expanding and contracting.
How does airflow get restricted? A dirty air filter is often the reason. That is why having a clean furnace filter is essential maintenance for your heating system. This basic task is vital in preventing such problems as cracked heat exchangers. However, other issues, like a furnace that is too large or too small for your home, can cause a heat exchanger to crack.
Does this Crack Always Require Repair?
Yes. A cracked heat exchanger is always a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. The repair is to have your heat exchanger replaced. You may also choose to get your entire furnace replaced, especially if it is more than ten years old.
How To Tell if a Heat Exchanger is Cracked
You may be able to see the crack yourself during a visual inspection of your furnace. Sometimes, it is not easy to spot.
Other signs to look for:
- Cracks on other parts of the heating system
- Soot build-up inside of the furnace
- Irregular or rolling burner flames
Often, a crack cannot be detected with a simple visual inspection by the homeowner. Special tools and devices may be needed to detect cracks that non-professionals cannot see independently.
If you suspect you have a dangerous problem like a cracked heat exchanger, call Just Right immediately at 816-436-8475. We will send a heating repair technician to test your unit for cracks accurately.
Repair Cost
Replacing an exchanger is usually between $600 and $1200. If your furnace is rather old, you may want to replace the whole furnace instead of just the heat exchanger.
Our technicians are experienced in repairing and replacing heat exchangers. We also install new furnaces throughout the Kansas City Metro area. We can provide you with the information you need to determine if a new heating system is your best option.
Cracked Heat Exchanger Repair Scams
If someone has told you that your heat exchanger is cracked, but you have reason to doubt their finding, contact Steve’s Heating & Cooling for a free second opinion. We pride ourselves on providing fair and excellent service and pricing. You can read testimonials from the many satisfied customers who recommend Steve’s Heating & Cooling.
Call Steve’s Heating & Cooling for a free 2nd opinion at 816-436-8475.
Avoid Furnace Dangers
Because improper airflow can cause cracks in your system, the best way to prevent problems is to change your air filter regularly. You can also get a carbon monoxide detector to notify you if your home has a CO leak.
Also, have seasonal maintenance on your heating system to identify problems before they harm your home and family. Steve’s Heating & Cooling provides professional maintenance on heating systems. Contact us before the cold season to have us perform maintenance and safety inspections on your home’s heating system.
Call Steve’s today to learn more about how we can take the work and worry of handling your home’s HVAC maintenance. Call us at 816-436-8475.
