Symptoms of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
If you have a gas furnace, you should be aware of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide into your home, which can be dangerous. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger and what you can do about it.
Your furnace is making loud noises.
If you’re noticing an increase in noise from your furnace, there’s a good chance that it’s because of a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can cause the furnace to make loud noises as the air and gas flow through it. You may also notice that the furnace is vibrating more than usual. These vibrations will only contribute to the noise output from your furnace. Typically, any homeowner will hear their furnace kick on and off. However, if the noise level is higher than normal, the heat exchanger may be the cause.
The furnace isn’t heating your home properly.
If you’re noticing that your furnace is not heating your home properly, it could be a sign that your heat exchanger is cracked. A cracked heat exchanger can lead to decreased heating efficiency and can even cause your furnace to break down.
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a furnace that’s not heating properly. First, check to make sure that the furnace filter is clean and that the furnace is properly sized for your home. You can also check the pilot light to make sure it’s lit. If none of these things seem to be the problem, it’s likely that your heat exchanger is cracked and needs to be replaced.
If you’re experiencing poor heating, it’s important to have your furnace inspected by a professional to determine if the heat exchanger is cracked.
Your furnace is leaking gas.
If you smell gas around your furnace, it’s likely that you have a gas leak. This is a sign that your furnace’s heat exchanger could be cracked. A gas leak is extremely dangerous and can cause an explosion. If you smell gas, you should immediately evacuate the area and call the gas company. Do not try to fix it yourself. Let the professionals do it to ensure everyone’s safety and that it’s corrected properly.
Soot is building up around the furnace.
Soot buildup is a common sign of a cracked heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger is cracked, carbon monoxide and other combustion gases can escape from the furnace and into your home. This can cause a variety of health problems, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It can also cause damage to your furniture, carpets, and other belongings.
If you notice a buildup of soot around your furnace, it’s essential to have the heat exchanger checked by a professional as soon as possible.
The furnace is overheating.
If your furnace is overheating, it can be another sign that your heat exchanger is cracked. This can cause extensive damage to your furnace, and can even lead to a fire. If your furnace is getting too hot, call a technician to have it inspected for a cracked heat exchanger.
If you’re unsure whether your furnace is overheating, there are a few ways to tell. One is to check the furnace’s external casing. If it’s unusually hot to the touch, that’s a sign. Another sign is if the furnace is making strange noises. If it’s making a loud humming noise, that could be a sign that it’s getting too hot. Finally, if the furnace is emitting a strange odor, that could also be a sign.
What do you do if you have a cracked heat exchanger?
If you have a cracked heat exchanger, you may be wondering what to do. First and foremost, you should call a professional to come and take a look at it. They will be able to tell you whether the crack is severe enough to require replacement of the heat exchanger, or if it can be repaired.
If the crack is not too severe, the professional may be able to repair it. However, if the crack is too severe, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced. In either case, it is important to have a professional come and take a look, as faulty heat exchangers can be dangerous.
Keep an eye on your furnace.
There are many symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger. Keep an eye out for loud noises, poor heating, gas escaping, soot buildup, and your furnace getting overly hot. These are all signs of a cracked heat exchanger that warrant calling a professional to inspect your furnace.