If you have a gas furnace, you probably aren’t too worried about how you’ll fare during the coldest days of winter. After all, gas furnaces are still in use for a reason. They’re powerful and reliable, no matter the temperature outside.
However, that reliability can also lead to some risk.
Let’s be clear: gas-powered furnaces are made to meet the best in safety standards. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be allowed in homes anywhere. But age and use take their toll and can lead to a repair that can be dangerous to ignore—a cracked heat exchanger.
In this blog post, we will explain what your furnace heat exchanger does and why a crack in this component requires a call for timely furnace heating repair in West Kelowna.
What Is the Heat Exchanger For?
A gas furnace heats your home by burning natural gas. The combustion gases that are created when the gas is burned enter the heat exchanger, which is a metal component that then heats up. Air passes over the heat exchanger and is heated by the metal while the combustion gases are then vented out of the house.
Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger Is Bad News
As we just explained briefly, the heat exchanger is going to be filled with combustion gas while your furnace is in operation. These combustion gases can actually be harmful as they may include things like carbon monoxide. If your heat exchanger develops a crack over time, it can allow those gases to escape the system and enter the air that flows into your home. This can be both harmful to your comfort and your health.
How to Determine You Have a Cracked Heat Exchanger
Regular maintenance of your furnace heater can help to detect a crack in this component early on. However, if this issue develops later on, in between services, you’ll need to know the warning signs so you can get it fixed quickly. Watch for warning signs like:
- Reduced heating
- Hissing and buzzing sounds
- Sulfur or rotten egg smells
- Increased energy bills
How to Address The Issue Safely and Effectively
When it comes to addressing a problem like a cracked heat exchanger, the sooner the issue is addressed the better. The longer this issue goes on undetected, the worse it will get and the more unsafe your heater will be to use.
So, how do you fix the problem?
The best choice is to reach out to a professional technician if you suspect a crack. A technician has special equipment – like mirrors and remote cameras – that will help them to thoroughly check your system. If a crack is found, the technician will be able to advise you on your options to ensure you have a safe, effective heating system in your home.
A professional technician will be able to fix your furnace effectively and safely. Make sure you work with a team you can trust to get this job done right!
Are you comfortable? Make sure that you contact Comfort Tech Heating & Cooling so you can say, “Yes!” We guarantee your comfort with every job we do.