One of the main components of the furnace is the heat exchanger, which plays a vital role in warming the inside of a home or building. The heat exchanger is a collection of coils or metal tubes that prevent combustion fumes getting trapped inside the furnace, and to make sure that they are released properly through the exhaust pipe. When problems with the heat exchanger occurs, toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide and other harmful gas can get trapped inside the air ducts. This is then later distributed throughout the home or building. There are three common problems that occur with the heat exchanger and Agape Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing will share what they are and how you can prevent problems that occur with your furnace this winter.
Rust & Corrosion on Furnace Heat Exchanger
It is very common for the heat exchanger to rust or begin to erode mainly because furnaces often accumulate condensation as time goes on. This problem mostly occurs in High-Efficiency Condensing Furnaces. When the drainage system is working properly it should expel the condensation from out of the drain. However, when the drain gets partially clogged or blocked, the condensation accumulates around the heat exchanger which in turn causes the rusting or erosion.
Aging Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger withstands repeated cycles of hot and cold temperatures. Even though heat exchangers are built to withstand these cycles, once advanced aging occurs the heat exchanger may begin to fail. Because of the constant expanding and contracting, the metal eventually becomes fatigued and small cracks will develop, which is a common problem when furnaces reach a certain age.
Early Metal Fatigue of Heat Exchanger
When certain conditions are just right, early metal fatigue will take place within the heat exchangers. Certain conditions such as airflow or burner abnormalities cause overheating of the heat exchangers and the metal weakens at a quicker rate.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Premature Heat Exchanger Failure?
Since heat exchangers go through vigorous usage it is expected for the heat exchanger to wear out or need repair or replacement over time. The best way to prevent these common problems from occurring is to have your furnace regularly inspected and maintained by a professional HVAC technician. During a routine inspection and maintenance visit, the technician will inspect the heat exchangers and the drainage system. They will repair or replace failing or broken components that they find during the inspection. The drainage pipes are usually cleaned out to prevent future clogs and are inspected for signs of erosion.
Emergency Furnace Repair, Replacement & More in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
As furnaces age it becomes more important to be even more vigilant on inspecting and maintaining the furnace. It is recommended that you inspect furnaces at the beginning of the fall season or before you will need to start using your furnace to heat your home or building. If you need to have your furnace repaired or serviced, contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing. We will perform an inspection of the furnace or boilers to ensure you stay comfortably warm all winter. Agape Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing can handle all your plumbing and HVAC system needs. Contact us today!