When to Start Worrying about a Cracked Heat Exchanger
If someone says you have a cracked furnace, what they really mean is you have a cracked heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger has any crack at all, no matter how small, your furnace should not be used. In fact, if area inspectors find out your heat exchanger is cracked, your furnace will be shut down. Should you consider ignoring the warning, you could be setting you or your family up for serious health consequences.
Signs Your Heat Exchanger May Have a Crack
It will cause your furnace to exhibit specific signs. If you notice any of the following, contact Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric immediately.
- Water on the floor around the furnace. While this symptom doesn’t always mean the heat exchanger is cracked, have a professional from Armstrong check your furnace to be sure.
- External signs of wear and tear. When the outside of your furnace begins to show signs of corrosion or cracking, it is likely that the inside of the unit has some damage, too, compromising its operation.
- You notice a yellow flame. If you have a gas furnace, the flame is usually blue. It may cause the flame to have a yellow glow.
- Your furnace is producing an unusual amount of soot.
- You notice a strong smell coming from the furnace.
Dangers of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
When you operate your furnace with this problem, you are exposing you and your family to possible health issues.
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are gasses emitted when fossil fuels such as gas and oil are burned. It allows these gasses into the living spaces of your home, putting your family at risk.
Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Over the long term exposure can lead to cardiac or respiratory diseases. Other leaking gasses, such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide, can cause disorientation, eye and nose irritations or even flu-like symptoms.
What to Do if You Have This Issue
If you suspect your heat exchanger is cracked, never attempt to fix the problem yourself. You should power down the unit and contact Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric. One of our highly trained technicians will thoroughly inspect your furnace to ensure it is operating correctly and safely.
Call Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric for all your heating system concerns.
