Table of Contents
How do I know if my furnace has a broken heat exchanger?
Six Signs Your Furnace Heat Exchanger May be Cracked Strange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde. Soot Build-up. Corrosion & Cracks. Change in the flame appearance. Audible Sounds. Presence of Carbon Monoxide.
How do I know if my secondary heat exchanger is clogged?
It is important to spot the signs that may indicate that your secondary heat exchanger is plugged: The condensate in your condensate drain pan is brown or black. Your carbon monoxide alarm goes off. A Pungent Odor. Water Leaking from the Furnace.
How long do furnace heat exchangers last?
In 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.
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.
How do you inspect a heat exchanger?
Inspect the interior of heat exchanger with mirror and flashlight check for evidence of water indicating a crack, rust perforation or crimp leak. Then there may be times you just need to pull the heat exchanger and fill it with water just to verify where the leak is at.
How much does it cost to replace a furnace heat exchanger?
Replacing a furnace heat exchanger costs $1,500 on average with a typical range between $1,000 and $2,000. Most have a warranty of 10 to 20 years, which usually only covers the price of the exchanger, which typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. Labor alone runs an average of $500.
How do you unclog a heat exchanger?
Remove any dirt or debris from the heat exchanger block by using a wire brush. Also, use the brush to loosen any of the black soot or scale from each chamber in the heat exchanger. A damp cloth with cleaner specifically for gas furnaces, can also be used to remove any soot or scale.
Can you clean a secondary heat exchanger?
The secondary heat exchanger or “reheat coil” is almost always located directly above the blower making them prone to collecting more dust and debris than air conditioning coils. This is why it is imperative to access, inspect and clean these coils in order to properly clean the system.
Can you replace just the heat exchanger in a furnace?
If parts and labor are still under warranty, you can probably replace just the exchanger for now. If you’re covered for parts but not labor, you can further discuss the pros and cons with your HVAC professional.
Can you replace a furnace heat exchanger?
You can’t repair or replace a heat exchanger because there’s too big a risk of carbon monoxide leaking into your home. It’s also cost-prohibitive. That’s why you need to replace the entire furnace.
How do I know if my heating element is bad in my furnace?
The easiest way to check this is to turn the heating element on and inspect the temperature of the air coming out of your heating system. If the air is insufficiently heated, very close to, or at room temperature, there is probably something wrong with the heating element.
Is it worth replacing heat exchanger?
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. However, it is not worth spending your money on replacing your heat exchanger when it is near the end of its life span, which is ten years or more.
What are the dangers of a cracked heat exchanger?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not the only possible danger a cracked heat exchanger presents. If combustible gas builds up in your heating unit and is released into your home through a fracture, it can lead to a potentially deadly furnace fire.
How does a gas furnace heat exchanger work?
A furnace heat exchanger works by literally exchanging (or transferring) the heat created in the combustion chamber to the exterior of the unit, where it is then blown through the ductwork throughout the house. The hot combustion gases enter into the chamber of the heat exchanger, where they heat up the metal walls.
What causes a heat exchanger to crack?
What is the cause of heat exchanger cracks? Overheating causes nearly all premature heat exchanger cracks. When a furnace cannot get enough airflow, the heat exchanger overheats and suffers excess stress from expansion and contraction. Over time, the heat stress causes cracks near weak areas such as bends or welds.
What is the difference between a furnace and a heat exchanger?
Furnaces. Furnaces generate heat by combustion of natural gas or via electrical resistance. A heat exchanger in the system transfers this heat to air that is then distributed throughout the house via a system of ductwork.
How long should a furnace last?
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
