A furnace comprises various parts, and proper functioning ensures efficient cooling and heating in your home. The heat exchanger is a unique component worth mentioning. It plays a major role in heating and transfers heat to the surrounding air. It mainly features coils, plates, and metal tubes, and damage to the heat exchanger will affect the overall functioning of your furnace.
A faulty heat exchanger can lead to a breakdown in the entire furnace. It requires prompt attention by a professional technician and is costly to repair. Although you may want to ignore some issues with the heat exchanger necessitates help from an emergency furnace repair technician.
Signs of a faulty heat exchanger that you should know
A furnace heat exchanger can last for years but may malfunction at times. This is mostly when the device is too old, or the parts are damaged. You should know the signs of damage to spot them before it’s too late and have the unit fixed promptly. These include;
- Abnormal flames& soot buildup
The burner flames should produce a steady blue color during operation. But you may sometimes notice yellow or orange flames, and this happens when oxygen gets into the combustion chamber due to a crack in the heat exchanger.
You may also notice soot buildup around the burners, which indicates incomplete combustion or faulty burners. The soot may seep through the crack and discolor the exchanger’s metal and Furnace Repair Calgary services can help determine the issue.
- Odd smells
When you turn on the furnace, you may notice pungent smells. These can mean gas leaks due to a damaged heat exchanger. This can increase the risk of explosions and fires in to your home which can be dangerous. If you notice pungent odd smells in your home, contact an emergency furnace repair technician immediately.
- Weird sounds from your furnace
Rattling sounds are another cause for concern. After turning on your furnace, watch out for odd sounds; these may indicate a problem with the heat exchanger. There may be expansion and contraction in the heat exchanger split metal. Also, the sounds could originate from loose internal components in the furnace, thus the need for professional examination.
- Corroded parts
A damaged heat exchanger can corrode other parts of your furnace. It can also damage other parts of the furnace since the unit will work harder to heat or cool your home. You will notice inefficient heating and high energy bills.
Why is repairing the heat exchanger so costly?
The heat exchanger is the most expensive furnace component to repair.
The reasons are;
- Manufacturing complexity– The heat exchange is an intricate part of the furnace that requires precision during repairs.
- Safety concerns: A crack in the heat exchanger can be dangerous. It can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, and the repairs require stringent safety standards.
- Pricey parts: Heat exchangers feature high-grade materials such as stainless steel and heat-resistant alloy, which can be costly to source.
Regular furnace maintenance can spot signs of a damaged heat exchanger, allowing for early fixes. In case of repairs and replacements, only work with a skilled technician to ensure safety and proper handling of the furnace.
