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A Cracked Heat Exchanger is a Major Concern

01/17/2022

What is a Heat Exchanger?

A furnace’s heat exchanger is the component that actually heats the air. It is a set of metal tubes or coils positioned between the blower and combustion chamber. As fuel is burned, the exhaust byproducts travel through the heat exchanger to the exhaust outlet. This heats up the metal surfaces that in turn heat the air blowing across them.

To function correctly and prevent poisonous gases from escaping, the heat exchanger needs to be sealed airtight. Over time, they can crack if continually overheating or corroding.

Overheating Furnace

Overheating is most often caused by a lack of airflow. Blocked airflow can occur for a number of reasons, but all of them can be prevented with routine maintenance servicing. Dust, dander, and dirt can build-up to the point of clogging blowers, coils, and filters.

In addition to lack of airflow, there are other reasons a system will overheat including problems with the blower motor and wheel, limit switch, or gas regulator. If a system is overheating, it will short cycle (provided the limit switch is working properly) and potentially emit a burning odor or make a humming sound.

Common signs of a malfunctioning heat exchanger:

  • Strong, strange odor reminiscent of formaldehyde
  • Carbon Monoxide detected in the air (by a CO detector)
  • Rattling, popping, or banging noises
  • Visible cracks
  • Exterior rust
  • Soot accumulation
  • Red, orange or yellow flame color

Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?

A cracked or otherwise damaged heat exchanger needs to be replaced. Repairing it is very rarely worth the cost to do so, and in many cases, the furnace is towards the end of its years. Most often, the best choice is to replace the heat exchanger or replace the entire unit.

Furnace Need Major Repair? Save 20% Now!

If your furnace needs major repairs, take advantage of Hage Energy’s new year offer:

2022 Savings

Major Furnace Repair Savings

20% OFF

Save now any furnace major part repair.

Offer ends February 20th, 2022

Certain restrictions apply. Must "Claim" this promotion before February 20th, 2022 and use the promotion by March 20th, 2022. Service must be scheduled with Hage Energy by March 20th, 2022. Cannot be used or combined with any other offers, coupons, or promotions.

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Save now on getting your furnace repaired!

Claim this promotion now!

Once we receive your promotional claim submission we will be in touch to schedule your appointment.

Furnace Safety PSA

If you suspect a crack in your heat exchanger for any reason, call an HVAC professional right away.

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious safety concern. The system won’t be able to properly combust fuel, and risks leaking carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, into your home’s air.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

CO is a poisonous gas that is not detectable by scent or sight. Fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, and coordination problems, are all symptoms of exposure to CO. Per [CDC data](https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm), each year more than 20,000 Americans go to the emergency room, over 4,000 are hospitalized, and 400 die, from unintentional CO poisoning that is not linked to fires.

CO Detectors Save Lives

Be sure to install a battery-powered CO detector on every level of a home, and check batteries every year. Some are dual purpose with a smoke alarm, but many alarms are for detecting only one or the other, so check yours to make sure.

Preventing Damage to a Heat Exchanger

Age and overheating are the main sources of damage to a heat exchanger. While we can’t prevent aging, there are a couple of things that can be done to help prevent cracks from developing: regular servicing and clean filters.

Furnace Maintenance

During annual inspections, a technician will check for any signs of corrosion to the heat exchanger itself, as well as for issues with other parts of the system that pose a risk of overheating.

Replace Air Filters

Change your air filter frequently, at least every 4 to 8 weeks for 1-inch filters, and 5 to 6 months for 4-inch filters, depending on the type of the filters. Monthly replacement is needed in some circumstances, such as excessive contaminants or humidity outside. Clogged filters make systems have to work harder, and the added stress can result in a heat exchanger crack, short-cycling, and other heater malfunctions.

The good news is that between clean filters and regular servicing, furnaces and HVAC systems are likely to work at optimal capacity for many years to come.

Furnace Repair, Installation, and Maintenance in the Houston Area

For quality and affordable air conditioning and heating services, you can trust Hage Energy. Be sure to check out the benefits of our Preventative Maintenance Memberships and the savings, priority service, and system safeguarding they provide.

Furnace Need Major Repair? Save 20% Now!

If your furnace needs major repairs, take advantage of Hage Energy’s new year offer:

2022 Savings

Major Furnace Repair Savings

20% OFF

Save now any furnace major part repair.

Offer ends February 20th, 2022

Certain restrictions apply. Must "Claim" this promotion before February 20th, 2022 and use the promotion by March 20th, 2022. Service must be scheduled with Hage Energy by March 20th, 2022. Cannot be used or combined with any other offers, coupons, or promotions.

White Logo

Save now on getting your furnace repaired!

Claim this promotion now!

Once we receive your promotional claim submission we will be in touch to schedule your appointment.

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