Why do heaters 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.
Can a cracked furnace be repaired?
The best way to repair a cracked heat exchanger is to remove it and put in a new one. This doesn’t require replacing other parts of the furnace. However, it’s an expensive repair. Often a repair that’s too expensive compared to having a new furnace put in.
What does a crack in the furnace mean?
If the heat exchanger has a crack or rust hole in it, the fumes (including carbon monoxide) enter the air that comes out of the supply registers into your home or office. This is why a “cracked” furnace can be so dangerous.
Is it safe to run a 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 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 a cracked heat exchanger cause a fire?
When a mixture of gas and air combust in the heat exchanger, uncombusted gas builds up until it reaches a high enough volume to be explosive. When it becomes explosive, it combusts and forces flames and air pressure out of any accessible hole, such as a cracked heat exchanger.
How much does it cost to replace a cracked heat exchanger?
from $2,000 to $3,500
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 signs of a cracked 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.
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?
However, when your heat exchanger cracks, the contaminated air can pass through the crack and into your home’s air supply, causing the chemical odors that you’ve been noticing. But what is most worrisome is the carbon monoxide that may be leaking into your air. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas.