What is the cause of heat exchanger cracks? Overheating causes nearly all premature heat exchanger cracks. When a furnace cannot get enough airflow, the heat exchanger overheats and suffers excess stress from expansion and contraction. Over time, the heat stress causes cracks near weak areas such as bends or welds.
- How often does a heat exchanger crack?
- How do I keep my heat exchanger from cracking?
- What happens if heat exchanger is cracked?
- What are the four causes of a cracked heat exchanger?
- How do you stop a heat exchanger from cracking?
- How serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
- What is one of the most common symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger?
- What causes cracked heat exchanger?
- Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?
- How long does it take for a heat exchanger to crack?
How often does a heat exchanger crack?
Heat exchangers, made of metal, go through continuous expansion (as it heats up) and contraction (as it cools). Over a span of time, this will simply cause the metal to fatigue and crack. Manufacturers recommend a service life of a gas furnace to be between 15-20 years.
How do I keep my heat exchanger from cracking?
Your Best Defense Against Cracks The best way to monitor your furnace and identify any problems with your heat exchanger is by scheduling annual furnace tune-ups. HVAC technicians are trained to inspect every part of your furnace when performing yearly maintenance and can ensure that your family is safe.
What happens if heat exchanger is cracked?
A cracked heat exchanger poses a serious threat to the safety of your home. If there's a crack in one of the cells of the heat exchanger, the gases being burned – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide – could leak into your home, causing illness or, in extreme cases, death.
Cracked Heat Exchanger Symptoms? Plus What Does A Cracked Heat Exchanger Look Like?
What are the four causes of a cracked heat exchanger?
- Years of normal wear and tear. Believe it or not, cracks can develop in most furnaces after years of normal use. ... - Poor airflow. ... - Incomplete combustion. ... - Oversized furnace. ... - Undersized furnace.
How do you stop a heat exchanger from cracking?
Consistently change your air filter. By always keeping a fresh filter installed in your furnace, you will prevent major airflow issues that would otherwise cause your heat exchanger to overheat and crack.
How serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger poses a serious threat to the safety of your home. If there's a crack in one of the cells of the heat exchanger, the gases being burned – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide – could leak into your home, causing illness or, in extreme cases, death.
What Causes A Crack In My Heat Exchanger?
What is one of the most common symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger?
- Strange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde. - Soot Build-up. ... - Corrosion & Cracks. ... - Change in the flame appearance. ... - Audible Sounds. ... - Presence of Carbon Monoxide.
What causes cracked heat exchanger?
What is the cause of heat exchanger cracks? Overheating causes nearly all premature heat exchanger cracks. When a furnace cannot get enough airflow, the heat exchanger overheats and suffers excess stress from expansion and contraction. Over time, the heat stress causes cracks near weak areas such as bends or welds.
Causes Of A Cracked Heat Exchanger | Hvac Tips
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?
Unfortunately, heat exchangers cannot be repaired. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts through it must be replaced. Because the heat exchanger is at the center of the furnace, nearly the whole furnace must be disassembled.
How long does it take for a heat exchanger to crack?
Heat exchangers usually last 25 years or more, but there are a few factors that can lead to a premature crack, including: Improper Air Flow.