8 Signs of a Damaged Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is one of your furnace’s most essential parts. When it becomes damaged through corrosion or cracking, it creates a serious issue that affects your home’s safety and comfort. It can release hazardous gases into the air, affecting your family’s health.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

The heat exchanger helps provide warm air to your home. It consists of tubes and coils that heat air as it enters the metal chamber. Combustion of gases inside this chamber creates heat. Once the air is heated, it disperses through the ductwork and into your home. The heat exchanger shields toxic flue gases, which are gas and combustion fumes containing carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases from entering the blower. To prevent these gases from escaping, the heat exchanger must have an air-tight seal. In a properly working heat exchanger, the combustion gases flow into the chimney flue and outside your home. Cracks and corrosion in a heat exchanger breach the seal, which is why damaged heat exchangers are dangerous.

The following signs may indicate that your heat exchanger is damaged.

1. Unusual Odors

If you have odd smells coming from your furnace, have a professional technician investigate the source as soon as possible. Odd smells can signify various issues, but musty smells can indicate a problem with the heat exchanger.

2. Formaldehyde Odors

This smell necessitates more scrutiny as it definitively indicates a damaged heat exchanger. Contact an HVAC professional if you detect this smell.

3. Corrosion and Cracks

These are the most common and dangerous signs of problems with your heat exchanger. Corrosion can lead to cracks, and both can lead to breaches that weaken or compromise the heat exchanger’s structural integrity.

4. Change in the Flame’s Appearance

Furnace flames should be blue or almost entirely blue. If you see red or yellow coloring, you may have a problem. Orange flames can indicate that the heat exchanger is damaged and emits toxic fumes. If you see such changes, you will have cracks and need to replace the heat exchanger immediately.

5. Soot Accumulation

Soot accumulation is a byproduct of an incomplete combustion process. It results in soot collection on or near the furnace, especially on interior walls.

6. Water Accumulation Near the Furnace

This sign indicates that heated air has escaped and is responsible for heated air condensing near the furnace, most commonly on the floor. This situation needs examination by a professional as it can significantly lower your HVAC efficiency.

7. Audible Sounds

Cracks in a heat exchanger often produce rattling sounds when your thermostat turns on the unit. Metal expansion occurs when the system turns on, causing rattling, popping or banging noises.

8. Carbon Monoxide Detected

If your carbon monoxide detector indicates a high level of this gas, take notice. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas that is dangerous to your health. A damaged heat exchanger can leak it into your home. The presence of carbon monoxide in your home at higher levels indicates a severe problem with the heat exchanger that needs immediate attention.

What Can You Do About These Problems?

Virtually any problem with a heat exchanger requires replacement of this component. In some cases, only the affected cell inside a damaged heat exchanger may require replacement. However, other components may have also sustained damage, resulting in an expensive repair that may not be cost-effective. In these instances, you may need to replace the furnace.

Replacing a heat exchanger is not a DIY job for homeowners because of the danger of dealing with gas and the possibility that welding may be required. Augmenting this issue is the fact that homeowners often can’t see issues like cracks. HVAC professionals have special tools to detect microscopic cracks and determine if the heat exchanger or another part is at fault. The best action is to call an HVAC technician to examine your heat exchanger.

Maintain Your HVAC With Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc.

Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. is a full-service heating and cooling company serving residential and commercial customers in Downers Grove, IL, and nearby Chicago suburbs. Our technicians provide furnace and central air conditioning repair, maintenance and installation services. We can also install and maintain hybrid heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems and indoor air quality products.

Contact Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. today to schedule a repair appointment or consultation for another service.