Do you have a faulty furnace that struggles to heat your home? Cracks in the furnace’s heat exchanger are a major cause for concern since this component helps supply your home with reliable and safe heat. This begs the question: Can a cracked furnace be repaired?
The experts at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, the best heating and cooling company in Tulsa, are here to explain everything you need to know about this issue. Learn what causes cracks in the heat exchanger and how HVAC technicians resolve the problem in this helpful guide.
What Is a Furnace Heat Exchanger?
Before we answer the question “Can a cracked furnace be repaired?” let’s go over the heat exchanger’s purpose. This essential piece of your heating system aptly helps transfer the heat from the combustion chamber toward the motor fan so the hot air will circulate through your vents.
The heat exchanger acts as a shield against the combustion chamber. All of the gases burning inside the chamber produce harmful flue gases along with the heat. The purpose of the heat exchanger is to absorb the heat and filter out the flue gases so your vents fill with warm air instead of dangerous chemicals.
Heat exchangers should operate normally if you have a new furnace and follow proper maintenance protocols. Excess heater stress cracks the shield, especially if the furnace is older and has a good amount of wear and tear. Corrosion and frequent heat cycling can add to the system’s stress and damage this critical piece.
Dangers of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is a huge part of furnace safety. It prevents dangerous gases from entering your home’s vents by keeping them inside the combustion chamber. Any cracks or damage to the heat exchanger can have major consequences, including the following issues.
Greater Carbon Monoxide Risk
The slightest hole in a furnace heat exchanger can send carbon monoxide and other toxic gases throughout your home. This is extremely dangerous for your health and may cause you to feel nauseous or disoriented. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you likely won’t know you’re breathing it in unless you have a working detector or start to feel ill.
Can a cracked furnace be repaired so you no longer have to live with this risk? Yes, repairs are possible and must happen immediately for your safety.
Decreased Furnace Efficiency
When heat escapes through holes in the exchanger, your furnace must work harder to reach your desired temperature. The efficiency of the system will suffer, and you’ll have higher energy bills despite your furnace failing to heat your home. Modern heating systems with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating of 90% to 98.5% contain two heat exchangers to seal the combustion process and save you money.
How Can a Cracked Furnace Be Repaired?
HVAC technicians usually recommend two courses of action for fixing cracked heat exchangers: replace the heat exchanger or the whole furnace. Experts will come to your home and perform an inspection to determine which route is best for you.
If you’ve had your unit for more than ten years and are nearing the end of the average furnace lifespan, it’s in your best interest to replace the entire system. The heater will likely experience further problems down the road and be less efficient than it once was. You can save money on repair costs and your monthly energy bills by installing a brand-new heater.
Furnaces under ten years old will benefit from a heat exchanger replacement. The rest of the system should work fine for several more years as long as you perform regular maintenance.
When To Call a Professional Technician
When should you call a heating repair company to inspect your furnace? Contact a specialist if your carbon monoxide detector goes off or you start feeling sick because of flue gases. This issue often stems from damage to the heat exchanger.
Other warning signs to look out for include:
- Foul odors from the furnace
- A yellow furnace flame
- A build-up of dust or debris near your vents
- Large amounts of soot inside the furnace
- An unexplained increase in energy bills
A contractor will assess the condition of your furnace and determine whether the heat exchanger is to blame. During their inspection, they may notice additional issues with the HVAC system, such as leaky ducts or a clogged air filter. Technicians will address any issues that arise so you can safely heat your home.
How To Prevent Damage to Your Heat Exchanger
Not only can a cracked furnace be repaired, but you can also prevent it from happening in the first place. Experts suggest the following measures for optimal heating performance.
Book Professional Installation
If you install a furnace without the proper qualifications, you face the risk of mechanical issues, including a cracked heat exchanger. Licensed HVAC contractors know how to install gas furnaces correctly, so they work without issue.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Furnace tune-ups prevent the need for part replacements and repairs. This saves you money in the long run and keeps your furnace running efficiently for lower utility costs. Have a professional heating technician inspect your furnace once a year, ideally during the fall, to keep your system in excellent condition.
Regular maintenance involves cleaning internal components, checking for damaged parts, and tightening loose connections. You’ll have peace of mind when you have a trusted expert perform routine maintenance.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection With Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Can a cracked furnace be repaired?” If you experience the signs of a cracked heat exchanger or have other problems with your furnace, contact the specialists at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We can answer all your burning questions, such as “How long do gas furnaces last?” and restore your faulty furnace components.
Call (918) 262-5245 or use our online contact form to request immediate service in Tulsa and the surrounding areas.
