Detecting Heat Exchanger Problems

Detecting Heat Exchanger Problems

The heat exchanger in your furnace is a key part of keeping the air in your home warm.heat exchanger heater It separates the combustion gases that come out of your burners from the air that circulates in your house, preventing harmful combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide from entering your air stream. Over time, however, wear and tear can cause this heat exchanger to crack or develop other problems that could pose a threat to your safety. Detecting any issues with your heat exchanger early is critical to avoiding costly repairs down the road.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

Heat exchangers are found in a wide variety of applications, including space heating (in forced-air furnaces), refrigeration and cooling, power stations, and chemical processing.heat exchanger heater These heaters are designed to safely transfer heat using one of several methods, including convection, condensation, and radiation. Heat exchangers can be made from a wide variety of materials, depending on the application and process temperature.

Typically, the inside of the heat exchanger is lined with a steel material such as stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion.heat exchanger heater This is particularly important in applications where the heat exchanger will be exposed to corrosive materials or chemicals, such as those used in sewage treatment plants.

When your furnace is operating, hot gasses from the combustion chamber flow through and around the tubes in the heat exchanger.heat exchanger heater The hot gases heat the metal walls of the exchanger and the resulting hot surface transfers that heat to the surrounding cool air. This hot air is then circulated throughout your home and into different rooms via your ductwork.

Over time, the continual heating and cooling of the heat exchanger can cause the metal to crack or develop other problems.heat exchanger heater In some cases, this is caused by corrosion from exposure to corrosive byproducts of combustion. Other times, the cracks may be caused by stress from expansion and contraction of the metal as it heats up and cools down.

A cracked heat exchanger can also create a risk of carbon monoxide leaks. This is especially dangerous, since carbon monoxide is a poisonous and colorless gas that can be difficult to detect without the help of specialized equipment such as carbon monoxide detectors. If you notice that your heat exchanger is leaking, it is vital to shut down the furnace immediately and to seek professional assistance.

What Are the Signs of a Failing Heat Exchanger?

While there are many reasons for a heat exchanger to fail, the most common reason is that it will begin to crack or develop other problems as it age and is exposed to the corrosive byproducts of combustion. In this situation, it is essential to have your heat exchanger regularly inspected and maintained by qualified professionals.

The most obvious signs that your heat exchanger is failing are any visible cracks in the surface or physical defects in the metal coils. Other signs include:

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