As a homeowner, one thing you don’t want to hear is that there’s a crack in your furnace’s heat exchanger. If you do hear those words, the professional technician will most likely recommend replacing the whole furnace rather than trying to replace or repair the cracked heat exchanger.

Why Do Heat Exchangers Crack?
The heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that actually heats the air. It’s continually expanding and contracting, and after decades of use, it’ll eventually wear out and crack. By this point, it makes more sense to upgrade to a higher efficiency furnace than try to replace the most expensive part of your heating system.

If the heat exchanger cracks prematurely, it’s likely due to a lack of regular unit maintenance. When furnace filters get clogged, air flow is restricted and the unit can overheat. Continually overheating your furnace causes undue strain and can lead to a cracked heat exchanger.

Help Prevent Cracked Heat Exchangers
The best way to help prevent cracking the furnace’s heat exchanger is by scheduling annual furnace service and tune-ups. During these professional inspections, a licensed technician will clean your system, ensure all furnace parts are working as they should and they can provide recommendations on the type of filter you should be using and how often you can expect to change it.

Cracked Heat Exchanger Dangers
The biggest danger associated with a cracked heat exchanger is the possibility of carbon monoxide leaking into the home. This highly toxic gas is colourless and odourless, making it especially dangerous.

Make sure you do everything possible to protect everyone living in your home. Have your furnace tune-up completed every year to help ensure your system is running both efficiently and safely and to help extend its lifespan.

If you have any questions about your furnace or would like to schedule your furnace maintenance service—contact us today—we’re always happy to help.

Since 1967, Fahrhall Home Comfort specialists has been providing reliable heating, cooling, plumbing and air quality service and installation to customers in Windsor-Essex & Chatham-Kent.

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