The heat exchanger in your furnace heats your Vestavia Hills, AL home’s air. It’s comprised of metal coils that connect with the burner assembly, the flue pipe, and the vents. Air is separated from gas within the exchanger to prevent mixing and exposure to dangerous combustibles. The combustion process creates heat that warms the exchanger’s surface. A motor blows air over the exchanger to warm the air. The warm air is then distributed through your home by way of ductwork.

Beware of Heat Exchanger Cracks

Exchanger cracks should be repaired immediately. Cracks allow combustion byproducts that accumulate in the exchanger to escape. A cracked exchanger can also allow carbon monoxide gas to seep into your home. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and disorientation. Here are some signs of heat exchanger cracks:

  • Rusted exchanger element
  • Soot inside the furnace
  • Puddles around the bottom of the furnace
  • Formaldehyde odor
  • Flickering burner flame

Never Skip Annual Furnace Maintenance

Furnaces should be serviced early in fall every year. Preventive maintenance and other HVAC services can extend the lifespan of your equipment and help it to function optimally. While inspecting your furnace, your technician will examine the exchanger for cracks. If cracks do exist, they can be repaired before they cause trouble.

Protect Your Exchanger With Regular Filter Changes

Clogged ductwork, dirty filters, and blocked vents can all severely damage an exchanger. They can create air flow problems that could crack the exchanger by causing it to overheat. Make sure that the vents in your home are open and not blocked by furnishings. Don’t close the vents to save on heat. Doing so can create air flow issues that can severely damage the exchanger and other furnace components.

To learn more about our HVAC services in Vestavia Hills, AL, visit One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating’s website. You can also call us directly at (205) 690-4145.