What Should You Expect if the Furnace Heat Exchanger Cracks?

If your furnace acts differently, emits a smell you cannot explain, or changes in your stock fuel, it may be a crack in the heat exchanger. Read on to discover what can happen when a furnace heat exchanger cracks and when you need furnace repair in Brooklyn and Staten Island.

It is challenging to determine whether a heat exchanger has cracked without planning for heat exchanger repair. Furnace repair services often include checking for breaking in the heat exchanger.

Symptoms of Cracked Heat Exchanger in Furnace

Strange Smells

Air quality is another factor since one of the first indications that you have a cracked heat exchanger is strange odors emanating from the vents. These might smell like gas, smoke, or something burning. It means combustion gases escape through the crack to the ductwork instead of the chimney. These smells suggest a safety hazard; do not disregard them.

Increased Utility Bills 

If you discover your gas or electric bills are gradually increasing without any apparent explanation, there’s a chance that your furnace is straining. A defective heat exchanger allows the furnace to continue providing heat for the home and, hence, utilizes more energy and cost.

Loud, Unusual Noises

Your furnace will probably start to make odd sounds over time—banging, whistling, squeaking, etc. When you hear sounds like those produced by two metals hammering against one another, it is essential to examine your heat exchanger for damage. Loud or unusual noises coming from the furnace should be met with the shutdown of the furnace. 

The Heat Exchanger – A System Danger

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A damaged heat exchanger dramatically raises the risk of carbon monoxide leaking into your house. Since carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and poisonous, only a carbon monoxide detector will detect it.

Fire Risk

A heat exchanger crack is also a fire hazard to your home. In other cases, combustion gases may find their way out and, on contacting other materials, explode or cause a house fire. A small crack can expand and leak poisonous gas or flames into the home as it grows. Cracks and unusual smells in your furnace are not things you should be risking.

When should you call for furnace repair?

Should your heat exchanger break down, turn off the furnace immediately and have an expert look at and fix it. Even tiny dents and big damage require replacing the entire heat exchanger. Efficient companies like those dealing with furnace repair in Staten Island and Brooklyn have qualified personnel who can determine whether the heat exchanger needs replacement or not. Take your time because a cracked part will compromise your safety over time.