In the furnace or heating system there is the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is the component that creates the heat that is later circulated into the home. When looking at a heat exchanger you will see a curved tube or coils. Inside this tube or coil there are different liquids that heat the air. When heating the air within the tube, small combustion occurs. As the furnace ages, these small combustions can cause the tube of the heat exchanger to crack. When the heat exchangers crack gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide or nitrous oxide can be released into the home. These gases can cause serious illness and even death. Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share the signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
Soot & Black Dust from Furnace on Walls
If you notice that your furnace is developing black carbon buildup or soot this is often a sign the furnace is no longer burning cleaning. When the furnace is contaminated it can develop the black soot stains, often this is due to a crack in the heat exchanger. In some cases it can also be an improper burner setting.
Rust & Corrosion in Furnace Heat Exchanger
If the heat exchanger have a crack they will have corrosion or visible cracks on the tubing. As the gases and emission are pushed through the crack it will often leave its mark on the heat exchanger, which makes the crack easy to locate.
Strong Odor from Furnace Exhaust
If the heat exchangers is cracked often a nasty odor can be detected. This odor resembles formaldehyde, along with the odor your may develop headaches and other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fevers. When this odor is present, shut of the furnace and open up all of the windows in the house. You may also want to stay outside for an hour or until the odor is gone.
Furnace Leaking Water in Winter
When you inspect the furnace and you discover water a pool at the base of furnace it may be the heat exchanger has cracked. The heat exchanger contain liquids, when the heat exchangers crack the liquid will drip out leaving behind a puddle near the base of the furnace.
Is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Dangerous?
Breathing in the gases from a cracked heat exchanger can cause a number of physical sign or illness. When exposed to the gases a person can feel like they have the flu. They can develop fevers, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sleepiness which can leave a person unconscious. It is essential to get out of the house if these symptoms appear.
Furnace Maintenance to Prevent a Heat Exchanger from Cracking
It is recommended to have a carbon monoxide detector installed inside the home. Additionally, if signs of a cracked heat exchanger arise have the furnace inspected by an HVAC technician. They can repair or replace the heat exchanger or if necessary replace the entire furnace. To prevent a heat exchanger from cracking it is recommended to have the furnace inspected and serviced once a year. Stress from a neglect furnace often causes the cracks to develop. With proper maintenance the furnace should have less stress.
Furnace Heating Repair Services & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
Shutting down a furnace is often called “red-tagging”. It is characterized by the installation of a red tag on the heating equipment, stating that it has been shut down and is dangerous to operate unless repaired or replaced. If you require HVAC service this winter season contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing and schedule our services today. Call us for all your HVAC needs.
