Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger is a Serious Problem

When your dishwasher stops working, you may have to return to hand-washing all of your dishes for a while. However, problems with the heating system might be even more severe. It has the potential to be a safety hazard.

Your furnace has a 15- to 20-year lifespan with proper maintenance. An aging furnace's heat exchanger often cracks and causes problems. If you know what the signs are, you can plan maintenance or a replacement before the problem gets worse. Keep your family warm and safe this winter by calling a furnace repair service in Washington County.

What does a heat exchanger do?

The combustion of gas in your furnace generates heat. Combustion byproducts are harmful to human health and must be kept out of ventilation systems. The heat exchanger instead absorbs the combustion gases. They cause the metal heat exchanger to get hotter. The hot metal is cooled by air circulating the heat exchanger. After the heat exchanger removes the harmful gases from the air, the blower fan distributes them outside via your home's duct system. These measures ensure the comfort and security of the house's inhabitants.

Even small cracks can create havoc

When a heat exchanger breaks, harmful gases escape into the atmosphere. When you turn on the fan, poisonous air is distributed throughout your home. This occurs even with relatively minor breaks. Repeated heating and cooling causes the heat exchanger to expand and compress, causing tiny cracks to grow over time.

Your heater may be releasing polluted air without your knowledge. Carbon monoxide is poisonous but undetectable in smell. A carbon monoxide detector in your house will alert you to potential dangers. When the carbon monoxide detector goes off, you should get everyone out of the house and phone 911.



Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide are two other possible hazardous gases. These emit foul odors that can't be ignored.

What are the warning signs of a cracked heat exchanger?

A cracked heat exchanger can be avoided with routine maintenance. It is not uncommon for corrosion to be the root cause of cracks. When the gases touch the heat exchanger's metal, a chemical reaction occurs. Corrosion develops over time and compromises the integrity of the heat exchanger. A thorough assessment by your HVAC specialist should reveal the problem. You can replace your heating system before it breaks down.

If soot is visible, it means the combustion was not complete. Similarly, if you notice any unusual sounds whenever your furnace begins or ends a heat cycle, you should have a professional inspect the heat exchanger. Hissing noises are prevalent when expanding and contracting a heat exchanger that has cracks.

If you find a crack in the heat exchanger, turn off the furnace immediately, even if it seems to be operating OK.

A cracked heat exchanger is dangerous and should be replaced without delay, regardless of how it happened. Even though it's an inconvenience, the alternative is considerably worse. If your heat exchanger is broken, call Best Owner Direct HVAC. We service heating systems all across the Washington County area and beyond.