Inspect Your Heat Exchanger for Cracks — 4 Signs of Problems
If the heat exchanger in your home’s furnace starts developing cracks, not only will the repairs be expensive, with a full furnace replacement likely to be required, but it can also lead to serious safety issues, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or even a fire. To keep your family as safe as possible, at least once a year you should have a professional HVAC contractor inspect your heat exchanger, and between inspections, you should watch for the following symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger, so that you know when you need to have the system checked.
Excess soot deposits
If the burners and surrounding areas start to become covered in black soot, or if you notice black smoke rising from the flames, it is an indication of poor combustion, which can be caused many problems, including a cracked heat exchanger. Have a professional determine the source of the problem.
Irregular flame
When the furnace is running the flames should be blue in color, and they should be relatively steady with no noticeable smoke. Yellow or orange flames, or flames that are sporadic and unsteady can be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger, or simply a maladjusted flame. Contact a professional to be sure.
Visible corrosion or cracks
If there is corrosion or cracks on any of the metal components inside the furnace, it is likely that the heat exchanger may also be affected. Have a professional inspect your heat exchanger as soon as possible.
High carbon monoxide levels
If you have a carbon monoxide detector and it has indicated a problem, a cracked heat exchanger may be the culprit. Shut the furnace off and have it checked immediately. If you are having furnace problems and need a professional to inspect your heat exchanger, contact our team at Sobieski Services for an appointment today.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.
Photo Credit: graphia via Compfight cc