A cracked heat exchanger can cause problems with your furnace, and it’s important to know how to inspect it and what to do if it’s cracked. There are a few different causes of a cracked heat exchanger, and each has its own symptoms. If you’re unsure about cracked heat exchanger symptoms, we’re here to help. Today, we’ll explore some of the most common symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger.
The air coming from your vents is much hotter than it should be.
If the air coming from your home’s vents is much hotter than it should be, it could be a sign that you have a cracked heat exchanger. For example, if the air coming out of the vents is more than 40 degrees hotter than the room temperature, you may have a problem with your heat exchanger.
You may feel flu-like symptoms.
If you or any of your household members have been feeling sick more often than usual, it’s possible that a cracked heat exchanger is to blame. This component of your heating system can leak carbon monoxide (CO) gas, which can cause all sorts of nasty symptoms, such as constant headaches, flu-like symptoms, and even chest pain.
The furnace has rust and corrosion.
Your furnace contains many different components, all of which need to be in good condition in order for your furnace to run properly. If you see corrosion or rust developing quickly, it may be a sign that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can release toxic gases over a long period of time, which can be damaging to metals.
Water is pooling on the floor around your furnace.
If you see water pooling on the floor near your furnace, it could be a sign that the heat exchanger is cracked. A cracked heat exchanger can cause condensation issues and can lead to water leaking on the floor. If the furnace doesn’t usually have condensation issues, this could be a sign that the heat exchanger is cracked.
Your furnace has a build-up of soot inside.
A build-up of soot within your furnace can indicate a cracked heat exchanger. If this is the case, your furnace will not be able to generate heat efficiently, resulting in high energy bills and a decrease in comfort. If you notice a build-up of soot, be sure to have a qualified technician inspect your furnace for a potentially cracked heat exchanger.
You’re hearing strange noises coming from your HVAC unit.
If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, it could be a sign that the heat exchanger is cracked. When this component cracks, it can cause a number of noises to be emitted from the furnace. Some of the more common noises that can be heard are described as rattling, popping, or sizzling.
Your energy bills are higher than expected.
A cracked heat exchanger can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. This is because the cracked heat exchanger will allow conditioned air to escape from your home, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder in order to maintain the desired temperature. So, keep a check on your utility bills to ensure that a cracked heat exchanger isn’t making you pay extra.
Keep an eye on your furnace.
If you have a furnace, it is important to keep an eye out for any of the symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger. If you notice any of these symptoms, call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your furnace as soon as possible. A cracked heat exchanger can be dangerous and lead to a number of problems, including a house fire and other problems with your HVAC system.
