How to Fix a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger
- Check the Furnace Heat Exchanger. Before you can do any repairs, you should make sure that you check over your furnace heat exchanger thoroughly.
- Make the Repair. Once you are ready to begin the repair itself, put on your safety glasses and gloves. ...
- Aftercare. Now that you have fixed the heat exchanger, replace it in the furnace. ...
What are the warning signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
- How a heat exchanger works
- Signs of a cracked heat exchanger
- Possible reasons a heat exchanger would crack
- Potential dangers of a cracked heat exchanger
- What to do if your furnace’s heat exchanger cracks
Is heat exchanger replaceable if cracked?
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?
How serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
When your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, the chances are high that it will fail. Besides, it will expose your family to several health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning. You can prevent that from happening by maintaining the furnace regularly. But if the heat exchanger develops cracks, you should replace it immediately.
How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?
What To Do If Your Heat Exchanger Is Cracked
- Do not use the furnace. You’re putting yourself at greater risk if you continue to use the furnace despite showing signs of a cracked heat exchanger. ...
- Replace the part. If your heat exchanger is cracked, you will need to replace it since you cannot repair it. ...
- Call a professional. ...
Can you weld a cracked heat exchanger?
NO! Cracked heat exchangers should not be welded or repaired. Repairing a cracked heat exchanger requires welding both sides of the crack to ensure stopping all leaks. In most residential and small commercial heating units, this is not possible.
How serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger poses a serious threat to the safety of your home. If there's a crack in one of the cells of the heat exchanger, the gases being burned – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide – could leak into your home, causing illness or, in extreme cases, death.
Can I run my furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?
Rule #1: If your Heat Exchanger has been deemed cracked by a HVAC professional you should NOT be running it. Unfortunately, some owners will attempt to run their furnace even when a cracked heat exchanger has been detected.
Should I replace a cracked heat exchanger?
If your heat exchanger is cracked, your furnace is probably nearing the end of its life (18-20 years). If that's the case, then it's usually not worth the money to replace the heat exchanger. No matter who you ask, replacing a heat exchanger will be expensive.
Can heat exchangers be repaired?
Unfortunately, heat exchangers cannot be repaired. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts through it must be replaced. Because the heat exchanger is at the center of the furnace, nearly the whole furnace must be disassembled.
How much does it cost to repair a heat exchanger?
from $2,000 to $3,500Unfortunately, the cost of replacing a heat exchanger isn't the most affordable choice. The cost of replacing a heat exchanger ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. Replacing your furnace's heat exchanger would be a good route to take if your furnace is fairly new.
Can a cracked heat exchanger cause a fire?
The Furnace Flame Looks Yellow However, if the furnace produces a yellow flame, it can mean that your burner is dirty or your heat exchanger has cracked. But if the flame is yellow and also flickers, the chances are high that there are more damages in the furnace.
How long does it take for a heat exchanger to crack?
Heat exchangers usually last 25 years or more, but there are a few factors that can lead to a premature crack, including: Improper Air Flow.
What causes a heat exchanger to leak?
The faulty heat exchanger in the furnace. Another common reason for water is the secondary heat exchanger is causing a water leak. Unfortunately, this is an expensive repair, and if your unit is older, you may need to replace the furnace rather than endure the costs of this repair.
How do you check for a cracked heat exchanger?
0:152:21Simple Furnace Heat Exchanger Test | Lennox Learning SolutionsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we can simply do a standing match test to see if the flame is blown around extinguished orMoreAnd we can simply do a standing match test to see if the flame is blown around extinguished or distorted in any way.
How long do heat exchangers last?
15 to 25 yearsIn the past, heat exchangers were often built with heavy metals, such as cast iron. These exchangers can last as long as 30 or 40 years, much longer than the steel exchangers most manufacturers build today. Modern stainless or aluminized steel heat exchangers typically have a life span of 15 to 25 years.
How long does a furnace heat exchanger last?
about 15 yearsIn most cases, the heat exchanger determines how long your furnace will last. The heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air that circulates through your home in the winter. Heat exchangers usually last about 15 years. If you invest in maintenance, yours might even last 20.
How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked?
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.
Can a broken heater cause carbon monoxide?
While carbon monoxide is a normal byproduct of the combustion heating process, furnaces are designed to keep this gas enclosed and vent it outside the home. A broken furnace can allow carbon monoxide to mix with the home's indoor air supply, creating a potentially deadly situation.
How do I know if my heat exchanger is leaking?
A cracked or damaged heat exchanger could release an unusual smell similar to that of formaldehyde. This chemical smell can cause headaches and other symptoms, such as watery eyes.
What to do if your furnace heat exchanger cracks?
Once you’ve verified the furnace heat exchanger crack symptoms, you need to contact a professional HVAC contractor to inspect the furnace.
How much does it cost to replace a heat exchanger?
To replace a new heat exchanger, you need around $600-$1,200 to buy and install the replacement. 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.
Why does my furnace have water on the floor?
Water Collects on the Floor around the Furnace. If your furnace doesn’t have any condensation issue and you find some water on the floor at its base, the chances are high that the heat exchanger is the issue. You’ll need to contact a professional HVAC contractor to determine the root cause of the problem.
How does a heat exchanger work?
How a Heat Exchanger Works. A heat exchanger is one of the components in a gas furnace that heats air to warm your home during cold days. The system comprises a series of coils and tubes that consistently loops to heat air that flows through it.
What happens when a furnace ignites?
When ignited, the furnace will channel hot combustion gases into the heat exchanger chamber to heat the metal walls. Meanwhile, return air ducts in the system will suck the cold air in your home and pass it along the heat exchanger to warm up the air.
Why does my heating system smell so bad?
The System Produces a Strong Smell. If your heating system produces a strong and unpleasant smell, it could be that the heat exchanger has cracked. Notably, the fumes usually smell like formaldehyde and are highly toxic to your body when inhaled.
Why is my furnace 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.
What Is The Cracked Heat Exchanger Scam?
It’s important to remember that cracked heat exchangers are real but easily exploited. A dishonest HVAC tech will tell you the heat exchanger in your furnace is broken and leaking carbon monoxide into your home.
What Is A Cracked Heat Exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger is a critical break in one of your furnace’s most essential components. The heat exchanger is a ceramic housing. Inside it, your heater’s fuel — natural gas or oil — gets burned to create heat.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
First, be wary of any HVAC company that cold-called you with an offer for a free or discounted tune-up. Yes, you should keep your system maintained. But, always go with a licensed, certified company with a physical address and history of work in the area.
Emergency Furnace Repair In Havertown, PA
You can feel secure calling John Cipollone, Inc for emergency furnace repair. We’ve served Havertown, PA, and nearby towns in DelCo and Montgomery County for more than half a century. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, an outstanding reputation in the area, and plenty of five-star reviews confirm it.
Furnace Replacement In Wynnewood, PA
John Cipollone, Inc has been the trusted name for furnace replacement in Wynnewood, PA and across the Main Line since 1953. If you have a cracked heat ex changer, or your system has broken down for good, we’ll get your home warm again as quickly as possible. And, we’ll do the installation right the first time.
