A furnace is usually a background player at home, keeping you warm during the cold winter months. It often doesn’t get noticed until something breaks down.
One source might be that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. It can be a safety risk, so it’s worthwhile to learn the evidence of a cracked heat exchanger and what to do if you suspect that may be the problem.
What Is a Heat Exchanger in a Furnace?
A heat exchanger helps move heat from the combustion chamber of your furnace to the air that moves throughout the air ducts. It usually handles this through coils or tubes that heat up the air while acting as a barrier to keep gas created in the combustion chamber, called flue gasses, from leaking out into your home.
Is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Dangerous?
Thanks to its central role, it’s no surprise that a damaged heat exchanger can be very dangerous. Cracks in the heat exchanger can allow dangerous gasses – like carbon monoxide, which can be lethal – to be distributed across your home.
For that reason, never turn on your heater if you think it has a cracked heat exchanger, as doing so could make the entire household sick. Call an HVAC profession