Carbon Monoxide and Heat Exchangers
Carbon monoxide, the poisonous, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas responsible for more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room every year, can pose a danger from unexpected sources in your home, including fireplaces.
What is a heat exchanger and why is it important?
A furnace’s heat exchanger is a metal component that transfers heat from the fuel being burned while preventing the air in your home from mixing with the furnace exhaust. Sometimes the heat exchanger fails, either from cracks caused by constant expansion and contraction due to heating and cooling of the metal, or from rust. When a heat exchanger fails—under certain conditions—the exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, can mix with the air in the house. A properly operating furnace should not produce significant levels of carbon monoxide; however, a cracked or leaking heat exchanger can pose a safety hazard.
What are the dangers associated with a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger could allow exhaust gas from the furnace to contaminate the household air with exhaust gases including carbon monoxide. In order for this to happen, the furnace must be producing high levels of carbon monoxide and the exhaust gas must be mixing with the household air. This could lead to serious illness and even death.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
Beyond a visual inspection to identify a crack, there are a few indicators of a potential problem with your heat exchanger that you may notice. If you turn the heat on and the flames flicker and appear devilish, this could be a sign that circulated air from the furnace is getting into the combustion area and you should have it inspected by an HVAC technician. Although you certainly hope it doesn’t reach this point, other signals of trouble include carbon monoxide detectors sounding and you or your family members feeling sick, lightheaded or nauseous. To ensure the safety of all occupants, all homes should have a working carbon monoxide detector and batteries should be replaced regularly.
How can I be sure that my heat exchanger really has failed?
Service Experts’ ACE-certified technicians have received specialized training in identifying a cracked heat exchanger. As standard practice and in addition to physically observing the presence of a hole or crack, cameras are used. Whenever possible, the technician will show customers the failed heat exchanger—or at least a photo of it—so they can see for themselves. Additionally, an expert technician will test both the home and furnace for carbon monoxide. A properly operating furnace should not produce significant levels of carbon monoxide. The technician will then warn the customers of the dangers associated with the failed part and provide professional advice regarding next steps.
What happens after an HVAC technician identifies a cracked heat exchanger?
Once you have a confirmed diagnosis from an expert, your first question will likely be whether the part can be repaired or if replacement is the only option. Unfortunately, the industry standard is that the heat exchanger must be replaced. In fact, the American Gas Association advises that any visible crack or hole is reason for requiring replacement of the heat exchanger or furnace.
If my heat exchanger has failed, do I have to replace the furnace?
While it may end up making sense to replace the furnace instead of only the heat exchanger, that is not always the case. Furnace warranties can vary—most furnaces have a 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger, while some are covered for 20 years or even for the life of the furnace. Our technicians will help you investigate the warranty on your heat exchanger and provide all the information you need to decide if replacing the heat exchanger or the entire furnace is right for you.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing suggests changing your carbon monoxide detectors every five years and checking your carbon monoxide detectors each month to make sure the batteries and alarm are working efficiently. And by keeping up with the regular maintenance of your equipment, you will have peace of mind knowing that it’s going to be safe. If you suspect a problem with your heat exchanger or need to have an analysis of carbon monoxide levels in your home, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at 866-397-3787 or schedule an appointment online.
-
A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March
You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to brush off the cobwebs of winter and throw open the windows. Amid the flurry of decluttering and cleaning, don’t neglect your... Continue reading
-
7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As chilly winter days become rarer and the mild warmth of early spring takes hold, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your living space cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hotter... Continue reading
-
Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring
As the weather warms this spring, your focus shifts from home heating to air conditioning. Preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC professionals at Service... Continue reading