Most heat exchangers have a clamshell set of tubes and coils that loop through the inside of your furnace. So, with all that in mind, what i want to know is how can i tell if my heat exchanger is cracked. In order for this to happen, the furnace must be producing high levels. It should be blue if you have a regularlyfunctioning gas furnace. The heat exchanger in your furnace heats air traveling from one end to the other. All too often, furnaces are grossly oversized or used incorrectly which causes the heat exchanger to fail prematurely. Natural gas combustion produces water as one of its byproducts. Is the crack deep enough to leach carbon monoxide co. A heat exchanger is made of thin metal, and as it heats up from the combustion of the furnace, it transfers the heat to the air being distributed through the house by the blower 3.
One of the most common reasons a gas furnace can be taken out of service, is when the repair technician finds to a cracked heat exchanger. To determine if you have a cracked heat exchanger, an hvac contractor should use a combustion. A crack in your heat exchanger is no trivial matter. Signs the heat exchanger in your home furnace is cracked. Checking and adjusting the outlet gas pressure going to the burner tubes on a gas furnace. A gas furnaces heat exchanger is the furnace component that actually heats the air. What are the causes of a cracked heat exchanger in a gas. The heat exchanger is a metal container inside the furnace that collects hot combustion gas from the burners. A furnace s heat exchanger uses some type of fuelair mix to burn inside of it, creating heat and getting very hot. Furnace heat exchangers what is a heat exchanger in a furnace. We are working in a municipal building in ny where we found a cracked heat exchanger in one of the furnaces. The tracer gas test all openings in the heat exchanger are sealed, a methane tracer gas is injected into the heat exchanger, and a combustible gas leak detector passed around the outside looking for areas where the tracer gas is escaping. The combustible gas will become hotter as it accumulates in the exchanger.
A gas furnace s heat exchanger is the furnace component that actually heats the air. If the heat exchanger is cracked, byproducts of the combustion process that takes place within the. The american gas association has even put this in writing they say any visible crack or hole is reason for requiring replacement of the heat exchanger or furnace. The heat exchanger is an expensive and vitally important part and if it cracks, youll have to replace the furnace unless the exchanger is under warranty. If your furnace is poorly maintained or installed improperly, heat exchanger cracks can develop much quicker. Signs and symptoms of a cracked gas furnace heat exchanger. Over time, the heat exchanger can crack or separate, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the house. Unfortunately, many homeowners do something that can cause the heat exchanger to crack. So here are my suggestions on how to find cracked heat exchangers and other furnace safety issues. Its the most common cause of excess carbon monoxide in a home. If a heating contractor finds a cracked heat exchanger and says the furnace needs to be replaced, theyre not pulling a scam unless theyre just outright lying to you about finding a crack. My issue is that youre being lied to, and at the same time, most mechanics walk past the things that might kill you and your family. Not only is furnace performance an issue, but heat exchanger malfunctions can pose serious health and fire risks.
Signs and symptoms of a cracked gas furnace heat exchanger change in flame appearance. Bob not only knows why cracks in heat exchangers sometimes develop, but he also knows what homeowners should do when this problem occurs as well as how regular maintenance can. A furnace with a cracked heat exchanger will definitely produce carbon monoxide. If you notice a clicking sound from the furnace after the blower shuts off, you. Beware of an unethical technician who finds a crack with a camera on a furnace that seems to be running just fine. The reaction between the combustion gas and metal over time may create this weakening of metal. The most likely cause for a crack in the heat exchanger is corrosion. Any change is an indication of a heat exchanger leak. Often when cracks are present in a heat exchanger, soot from the combustion process will seep through and discolor the metal. The heat exchanger in a furnace is the primary component in a furnace.
Many hvac contractors find cracked heat exchangers using visual analysis and use the results to recommend furnace replacement. Can you repair a cracked heat exchanger on a gas furnace. Furnace heat exchanger replacement costs 2020 costimatesfurnace. If your heat exchanger has cracks, these cracks cause your furnace to perform inefficiently. The american gas association has even put this in writing they say any visible crack or hole is reason. This is a requirement, is part of the fuel gas codes and is ultimately not negotiable. Oct 14, 2016 this one is about a crack i found in a heat exchanger that caused no symptoms. Furnace heat exchanger leak standards, hole sizes, permitted leakage allowances. Dec 03, 2018 when you suspect the system may have an exchanger leak you can place a manometer probe in the exchanger and seal off the inletoutlet of the exchanger as best you can with the gas shut off obviously.
Dec 02, 2014 i wrote a blog post many years ago discussing that topic, and the gist of my blog post was the same as whats stated on the comyths web site. The heat exchanger on a furnace is the section that keeps the combustion chamber and the breathing air separate. Heres why your furnace heat exchanger cracked heating. Even though your furnace may look and seem fine, dangerous gases could leak into your home and seriously affect, even kill, your family members. In the video above the furnace techs says the oxygen reading could rise as high as. If you find that your furnace heat exchanger has trouble getting enough heat and power, then you may find that it has developed a crack or hole. This is because air is leaking through the crack in the heat exchanger into the combustion chamber. When a furnace first lights, the flame impinges on the cold heat exchanger and. The hot combustion gas in the heat exchanger heats up the metal walls. The cause can be anything from tilted burners to cracks in the heat exchange itself. If it is your heat exchanger, you cannot run your furnace, even if it. I also know that even a tiny crack can kill a heat exchanger. The reaction between the combustion gas and metal over time may create. If you remove the furnace face and see a black carbon buildup on.
If you have a heat exchanger crack, you need to replace the heat exchanger or the furnace. Learn how your furnace develops cracks in its heat exchangers and what that. How do you detect a crack heat exchanger in a furnace. Your natural gas furnace is designed to have the appropriate safety switches and settings to provide your home with safe heating. Furnace design some furnace were designed with making repairs easier in mind. The heat exchanger is aptly named it collects air through the ventilation system and exchanges it to heat with the help of the furnace burners.
If you answered yes to either question, you should consider completely replacing your furnace. Weve met with lots of homeowners looking for a second opinion about a supposedly cracked heat exchanger. There are certain signs to look for to determine if the heat exchanger has been. Simply put, the furnace heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that actually heats the air.
The reason a crack in a heat exchanger is such a cause for concernand reason to think about replacing a furnace is because it creates a major health hazard. Other than this, there really isnt anything else that can definitively give you an answer. It is important that the heat exchanger is taken care of as hazards can build from a faulty exchanger. If your heat exchanger is most likely the issue, its time to call in a professional. Dec 19, 2019 furnace size the size is based on the btu capacity of the furnace. The cause of cracked heat exchangers avoid this common scam. Dec 30, 2019 if the furnace has a soot buildup inside of it, then chances are that the heat exchanger is damaged. My concern is not that you have a heat exchanger crack, and i dont mean to imply that heat exchanger cracks are ok to live with. Next, turn on the blower and see if there is a change in the exchanger. Many companies use infrared light to detect cracks, but a flashlight is sufficient for more noticeable cracks. This is a sign that the burner is not burning properly and needs to be fixed. How to determine if a furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. The air passes over absorbing heat off the surface conditioning it to warm air. The heat exchanger is a key part of the furnace and is responsible for the actual heating of air.
The blower fan of the furnace then comes on and sends air around the exchanger, where it picks up the heat from the furnace wall, then continues into the ducts. Your blower motor aka your fan then blows air over this heat exchanger. A heat exchanger acts as a collection station for combustible gas and allows the gas to make the air reach a boiling hot temperature. Most problems with a gas furnace can be repaired, though the repair cost is. Older furnaces can develop major issues, such as a cracked heat exchanger. The appearance of a black carbon buildup on the furnace. But the decision to repair or replace a heating unit can be difficult. Does my furnace have trouble heating my home are there hot and cold spots. This video is part of the heating and cooling series of training videos made to accompany my websites. When we pointed it out to the powers that be the local building inspector, who also happens to be a local plumber, said he would just weld it shut. Combustion test to determine if the heat exchanger is cracked. A warning about cracked heat exchangers in gas furnace. The reason a crack in a heat exchanger is such a cause for concernand reason to think about replacing a furnaceis because it creates a major health hazard.
The heat exchanger is a set of coils or tubes typically located above the blower and below the plenum, where the pilot light starts. He or she can use a combustion gas analyzer to determine if it is your heat exchanger or not. The cracked heat exchanger because the metal of the heat exchanger expands and then contracts as it heats and cools, the stress may eventually cause a crack to form on the exchanger. Be good to your heat exchanger inside a heat exchanger is fire, soot, and carbon monoxideall substances that can. More commonly, the cause of a cracked heat exchanger is misapplication or poor maintenance of the furnace. As air is taken into the furnace to be warmed, gas is turned on in the burners of. When a heat exchanger becomes damaged and the combustion fumes and gases mix with the clean air, serious consequences can result. Cracked heat exchanger deciding to repair or replace depending on the age of your furnace, a cracked heat exchange probably means you need a new system. Read our blog to learn what to do if this happens to you. Should i replace my heat exchanger or buy a new furnace. The your heat exchanger is cracked so your furnace must be replaced scam.
Dont worry though, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid your heat exchanger failing before the lifespan of your furnace is up, including. Referenced above, soot can leak out of a cracked heat exchanger. This one takes apart the ruudrheem heat exchanger to inspect the. If an hvac company says i have a cracked heat exchanger in. Located in the center of the furnace, it is where fire, gas and heat connect. The heat exchanger is the furnace component that heats air.
This can cause a fire or burned wiring and should trip the roll out switches, which are temperature sensors located near the front and above the burners. That said, their are circuit boards, motors and other components that can also fail regardless of the age of the heat exchanger. Rust sometimes condensation occurs with gas furnaces. Mar 11, 20 i am, however, going to say that every single cracked heat exchanger does need to be replaced, either through a complete furnace replacement or changing out the heat exchanger. If a heatexchanger is cracked, air forced into the combustionchamber will cause the oxygen reading in the furnace s exhaust to rise to abnormal levels. If i can go back to my cancer analogy, you would never expect a doctor to say yeah, we found some cancer, but its really in a noncritical area and youre feeling just. Cracks in the heat exchanger are a serious problem and one that should not be ignored both for the safety of your home and for the longevity of your furnace. I know that one of the most important parts of my furnace is the heat exchanger and i know that mine is just about at the end of its average lifespan. Even if the hx is under warranty, the associated parts and labor are no. A cracked heat exchanger could allow exhaust gas from the furnacetocontaminate the household air with carbon monoxide.
Dirty air filters and closed or blocked air registers are a few examples of problems that can slow airflow to your heating system. Home warranties and cracks in your furnaces heat exchanger. Indianapolis hvac cracked heat exchanger diagnosis furnace. Were you recently told that your furnace heat exchanger is cracked and needs to be replaced. Corrosion because of reaction between the combustion gas and the metal often because of improper venting can also weaken the metal to the point where cracks form. A heat exchanger crack in a residential furnace large enough to cause trouble usually upsets a steady flame orcauses the burner flames to roll out the front of the burner openings. This trips a safety switch and shuts down the furnace. At its outset, a cracked heat exchanger is a problem that will go unnoticed by most homeowners. Brian schutt december 21, 2011 chances are if youre reading this, youve had a technician out to your home and theyve told you you have a crack or rupture in your heat exchanger.
Broken and leaking heat exchangers are responsible for about 1,500 deaths per year in the united states, and many more people are poisoned by exposure to toxic gasses that go unfiltered by defective heat exchangers. Cracked heat exchanger diagnosis for your furnace in indianapolis by. Depending on the furnace design, it might only be possible to examine 10% of the entire heat exchanger. The most typical that leads to a service call is the furnace shutting down. A look at a heat exchanger crack that cant be found youtube. My question is this is it legal to weld a crack in the heat exchanger. The shape varies depending on the type of model of your furnace system. This will be detected with a combustion gasses tester. In this way, the combustion gas heats the air without the gas having ever to come in contact with it.
A furnaces heat exchanger is a set of tubes or coils that are looped repeatedly through the air flow inside your furnace for the purpose of heating air. Cracked heat exchanger deciding to repair or replace. Although not every crack in a heat exchanger means you will be sick with carbon monoxide poisoning, the crack has the potential to get bigger and cause sickness or death. A warning to you cracked heat exchangers dont get scammed. A normally operating gas furnace has a steady blue flame. Even though your furnace may look and seem fine, dangerous gases could leak into your home. Having a cracked heat exchanger can have a very adverse effect on the overall performance of your home heating equipment. Ambient carbon monoxide one of the first things you should do is measure ambient co in the conditioned space while the heat is running with either a combustion analysis tool or a personal co detection device.
If the burners on your furnace arent combusting the gas properly, they could burn hotter, heating up the metal of the heat exchanger to higher temperatures, causing cracks. When a furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, can it be. How to tell if your heat exchanger is cracked cowboys air. A cracked heat exchanger in a gas furnace is a serious safety issue. If you have a cracked heat exchanger, you need to replace it. If you answered no to both, you should just replace the heat exchanger.
If you are inspecting your heat exchanger for cracks, check the bends or weld areas first. This video is about the your heat exchanger is cracked so your furnace must be replaced scam. Air and gas are separated within the heat exchanger to prevent mixing and exposure to harmful combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide. If it cracks after the warranty is up, usually at least 20 years, consider replacing the entire furnace. I had an hvac person come out to check my air conditioning and he happened to look at my furnace and he believes that i have some cracks in my heat exchanger.
Jan, 2020 combustible gas collecting in the heat exchanger rises in temperature to increase the temperature of the indoor air. My concern is the fact that mechanics walk past other potential carbon monoxide poisoning issues to get to heat exchanger inspection. And what did it mean if the camera revealed a crack. If the heat exchanger is cracked, the oxygen reading will change a lot when the blower turns on. Heat exchanger cracks are a serious furnace repair issue. It is a set of metal tubes or coils that connects to the burner assembly and ends at the vent or flue pipe. Dec 02, 2015 diagnosis of a heat exchanger crack typically starts with a no heat service call. The extra air will cause the oxygen reading to change notably. If the heat exchanger is cracked or if the burner is dirty, youll see a moving yellow flame. Signs your heat exchanger is cracked romaniuk edmonton. Through this crack, combustion fumes can escape from the exchanger, and can build up in the room. The furnace heat exchanger is the one of the main components inside the gas furnace and its used to transfer the heat from the gas burner to the warm air thats blown into your home. In the same way, a cracked heat exchanger needs to be replaced. Danger of a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger servicemax.
They observe that their furnace is running just fine and was doing so before. If a heat exchanger becomes cracked, then your heating system will not perform as it should. When the burners in the furnace turn on, they generate hot combustion gas thats collected inside the heat exchanger. A damaged heat exchanger in a gas furnace is potentially dangerous to a homes occupants and should not be ignored. This is why its something to watch out for in an old furnace. What shape these coils take is dependent on what model of furnace you have, as well as what. That amount of air is based on the heat output of the gas burners and is a. Furnace heatexchanger crack signs your furnace has one. Jan 09, 2017 be good to your heat exchanger inside a heat exchanger is fire, soot, and carbon monoxideall substances that can escape if it cracks. Needless to say, visual heat exchanger analysis provides woefully inadequate answers to these very important questions. The american gas association has said that if a heat exchanger is cracked, it must be replaced. Even a small crack is an issue, since it will stretch wider as the heat exchanger turns hot and expands. A cracked heat exchanger allows air from the furnace blower to interfere with the flame causing it to flutter or even roll out. The your heat exchanger is cracked so your furnace must be.
1617 7 474 971 1495 742 458 685 964 585 1454 404 830 978 729 1045 1628 115 69 874 1380 1401 1356 176 341 1402 1157 759 758 1231 245 542 119 1437 1325 175