5 Signs of a cracked heat exchanger

How does a 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. When your furnace calls for heat it begins the combustion process and starts to heat up the metal walls. While the fan is circulating air throughout your homes ductwork the air passes by the metal walls of the heat exchanger. In that process heat is transferred from those metal walls to the air you breathe in your home.

1

Soot

If you see evidence of soot, which is actually a black carbon buildup, on the inside of the furnace, it’s a sign your furnace isn’t burning cleanly. Incomplete combustion usually causes an increase in soot. The cause can be improperly adjusted burners or a cracked heat exchanger

2

Corrosion

When other external parts of your furnace start showing signs of wear and tear, it’s highly possible that the internal parts are also beginning to wear. Stress cracks are pretty common and can happen with the expanding and contracting of components during heating and cooling. Also, components can become corroded with the exposure to fumes emitting chloride or moisture from other sources.

3

Strange smells

Often a malfunctioning heat exchanger creates a strong and unpleasant odor similar to formaldehyde. It can cause you headaches as well as other physical symptoms. If you smell anything similar to formaldehyde, contact Paramount Heating and Cooling immediately. We will send one of our experienced technicians to evaluate your heat exchanger.

4

Water on floor

If you find water on the floor at the base of your furnace, and you don’t have a furnace condensation issue, there’s a strong likelihood it’s your heat exchanger. Only a professional HVAC technician can help determine the source of the issue.

5

No heat

Depending on your furnace, it may shut off once a flame rolls out of the burner chamber. It is important to note that this does not happen in every case of cracked heat exchangers. This is only the second best-case scenario; (the first-best option is to get annual furnace maintenance on your unit so that your technician catches the cracks before any issues can surface)

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