What are signs of a cracked heat exchanger?

One of the most dangerous problems that can develop in a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger. A healthy, safe heat exchanger should be fully sealed to adequately vent gases created during the combustion process while simultaneously warming the air outside of the heat exchanger that contacts the sealed, warm metal. 

When heat exchangers crack, they can release toxic fumes into your home like carbon monoxide. Exposure to such gases can be fatal. Consequently, furnaces with cracked heat exchangers need replaced as soon as the problem is noticed.

So what signs can you watch to ensure you and your family are safe this winter in Wendell, North Carolina?

Visible cracks

This might sound obvious, but if you can see cracks in your heat exchanger, you need to shut off the furnace, turn off the gas or fuel lines, and call a pro immediately. Likewise, if you notice corrosion, it’s best to get the unit looked at, as corrosion can indicate that an exchanger is cracked and toxic chemicals are damaging the exterior. 

Bad smells

Cracked heat exchangers can (but will not always) emit pungent fumes. If you’ve ever smelled formaldehyde, that’s a good smell to be vigilant for. If you haven’t smelled formaldehyde, always be on the lookout for smells that are different from your furnace’s normal, especially if it smells like pungent chemicals.

A sputtering or non-blue ignition flame

Look at your burners in action. They should always burn blue, and they should always burn steadily. If your flames are flickering or yellow, or otherwise deviant from the normal, it’s a reliable indicator that something is wrong.

Flu-like symptoms

Symptoms like nausea, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness can be signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur with a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace. If you suspect you’re being poisoned, you need to turn off the furnace and its gas supply as soon as possible.

Water on the floor

Water under any appliance is usually undesirable and indicative of a malfunction. Water under a furnace can occur with condensate drain issues, but otherwise often indicate a cracked heat exchanger.

Call a pro immediately

It is crucial that you call a pro immediately if you suspect a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace or notice any of the above signs of a malfunction. It could literally be a matter of life and death for you and your family. At All Hours, we’re always on the clock in Wendell, NC to answer your concerns and provide emergency repairs and replacements as fast as possible. Give us a call!