How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked?

How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked?

Six Signs Your Furnace Heat Exchanger May be Cracked

1. Strange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde.
2. Soot Build-up.
3. Corrosion & Cracks.
4. Change in the flame appearance.
5. Audible Sounds.
6. Presence of Carbon Monoxide.

How do I find a cracked heat exchanger?

Flame Displacement One of the oldest ways to check for heat exchanger cracks is to simply observe the flame when the blower starts. Most furnaces will have a blower delay to get the furnace up to temperature before moving air over the exchanger.

How do you know if you have a bad heat exchanger?

A gas furnace that is functioning will have a stable blue flame. If you notice your burner has a yellow flame that moves, it means that either your burner is dirty or that the heat exchanger is cracked. Note: Flames that flicker or bend more when you turn on the fan are a good indicator of a cracked heat exchanger.

What are the four causes of a cracked heat exchanger?

5 common causes of a cracked heat exchanger

• Years of normal wear and tear. Believe it or not, cracks can develop in most furnaces after years of normal use.
• Poor airflow.
• Incomplete combustion.
• Oversized furnace.
• Undersized furnace.

  What causes a heat exchanger to go bad?

  The most common cause of an overheated heat exchanger is as simple as a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace, overheating the heat exchanger, and eventually resulting in stress cracks. An over-sized furnace can also cause overheating and heat exchanger cracks.

  When do you Know Your furnace exchanger is cracked?

  This can be an indication of a cracked heat exchanger. Another one of the symptoms of the cracked heat exchanger is to inspect the furnace as a whole unit. If the furnace is older or has been used excessively over the years, wearing will naturally take place. This can break down on the internals of the furnace.

  Is it worth it to fix a cracked heat exchanger?

  So, fixing a new heat exchanger in an old furnace will not be worth the price. Otherwise, the furnace can break down when the heat exchanger is still new. Whether you plan to replace your cracked heat exchanger or buy a new furnace, you should consult a professional HVAC technician.

  How does a heater exchanger work in a furnace?

  What is a Heater Exchanger? A heat exchanger is a series of tubes inside (or a coil) inside your furnace that loops through the air through the furnace, causing it to heat and then be disbursed through the house. This part of the furnace is integral to the actual heating of the air that goes through your house.

  What does it mean when your heat exchanger is blue?

  A typical furnace flame should be blue. If your furnace produces a steady blue flame, it’s clear that the furnace’s heat exchanger is functioning efficiently, and there’s nothing to worry about. However, if the furnace produces a yellow flame, it can mean that your burner is dirty or your heat exchanger has cracked.

  How can you tell if your furnace heat exchanger is cracked?

  It is impossible to determine if a heat exchanger is cracked solely by visual inspection, but these signs and symptoms can give you an idea of whether you should call a professional to inspect your furnace’s heat exchanger. A normally operating gas furnace has a steady blue flame.

  Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired or replaced?

  Once your heat exchanger has been cracked, it cannot be repaired; it must be replaced. Because the exchanger is located in the middle of the furnace, it will need to be disassembled for the new exchanger to be put in. How much does it cost to replace a cracked heat exchanger?

  What are the symptoms of a cracked furnace?

  This odor alone can cause severe headaches and other physical symptoms in humans. If you smell a formaldehyde-like odor, you should immediately call a professional for a furnace inspection. Combustion gases leaking from a cracked heat exchanger can cause frequent headaches as well as flu-like symptoms.

  What is a Heater Exchanger? A heat exchanger is a series of tubes inside (or a coil) inside your furnace that loops through the air through the furnace, causing it to heat and then be disbursed through the house. This part of the furnace is integral to the actual heating of the air that goes through your house.