The heat exchanger is an extremely important part of any furnace, performing the vital function of separating hazardous fumes from the warm air that moves through your home.
As with any hard-working component of an HVAC system, the heat exchanger is prone to wear and tear over time, specifically cracking that could pose a health risk to you and your family. These are just a few of the signs that you might need heat exchanger repair.
Accumulation of Soot
If you see black residue inside your furnace, that could be a sign that you need heat exchanger repair. This could be due to a crack in the component that will lead to improper combustion. This, in turn, could result in noxious fumes being circulated throughout your home.
Corrosion and/or Rust
These are sure signs that there’s something seriously wrong with your heat exchanger. Over time, moisture can lead to the development of rust, which can eventually corrode your system. If you see any rust on the outside of the unit, that’s a very good indication that there’s corrosion on the inside. Get in touch with a professional as soon as possible to get it checked out.
Carbon Monoxide Warning
If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home (and everyone should), it might go off due to dangerous fumes coming through your vents. One of the more common reasons this occurs is a corroded or cracked heat exchanger.
While a heat exchanger repair is sometimes possible, in most instances a cracked component will need to be replaced. If your unit is relatively young it might be worth it, but you’ll probably be better off getting an entirely new furnace. Putting a new heat exchanger in an old furnace would be something like getting a new engine for an old car.
Talk to a professional with Burnside Air Conditioning, Heating & Indoor Air Quality if you would like to schedule a furnace inspection. Contact us online or call 972-215-7992 for more information.