Cracked Heat Exchanger Inspection in Sandy, UT
Professional furnace inspections, honest recommendations, and your family’s safety comes first.
A furnace heat exchanger transfers heat into your home’s air and keeps combustion gases separate from the air your family breathes. When it cracks, the combustion gases can leak through and potentially create a carbon monoxide safety hazard. If your furnace is making unusual noises, showing signs of damage, or raising concerns during an inspection, Jaeger Plumbing, Heating, Air can help determine what’s happening. Our experienced and qualified technicians inspect the heat exchanger and related furnace components, explain their findings, and recommend the appropriate next steps for your system.
Signs Your Furnace May Have a Cracked Heat Exchanger
Many symptoms associated with a cracked heat exchanger may also indicate there are other furnace problems, so you can’t rely on symptoms alone. A technician at Jaeger Plumbing, Heating, Air can confirm whether the symptoms are related to the heat exchanger or another furnace issue.
Some of the potential warning signs you can look out for include unusual furnace odors or changes in how the furnace operates, frequent furnace shutdowns or safety-control trips, soot or other signs of abnormal combustion, or a carbon monoxide alarm going off. A carbon monoxide alarm is a good security measure, but doesn’t replace a furnace inspection. During an inspection, our team will look for visible damage or corrosion during the inspection process to confirm the cause. Inspecting or repairing a furnace is not a DIY job. Trying to do this on your own could result in further damage or unsafe living conditions.
Important safety note: Carbon monoxide is odorless, and a cracked heat exchanger does not always produce noticeable symptoms. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, everyone should leave the building immediately and call 911 or the local emergency number from outside. Do not re-enter until emergency responders say it is safe.
What Causes a Heat Exchanger to Crack?
Several factors can contribute to a cracked heat exchanger, including age, repeated temperature changes, overheating, and corrosion. Over time, these conditions can weaken the metal and increase the risk of damage.
Age and thermal stress: Every time your furnace runs, the heat exchanger heats up and expands. When the furnace shuts off, it cools and contracts. This repeated expansion and contraction can place stress on the metal over many years. As a furnace ages, normal wear and tear can make its components more susceptible to damage.
Overheating and restricted airflow: When a furnace cannot circulate enough air, the heat exchanger may become excessively hot. Several issues can restrict airflow, including furniture or rugs blocking vents, dirty air filters, or a malfunctioning blower motor. Dust and debris can also accumulate in the system and interfere with airflow. Additionally, poorly designed or restricted ductwork can prevent the furnace from moving air efficiently, potentially contributing to overheating. Replacing your furnace filter regularly and scheduling annual furnace maintenance can help identify and address these problems before they cause further damage.
Corrosion and moisture buildup: Moisture and corrosive combustion byproducts can deteriorate metal components over time. When natural gas burns, it produces water vapor along with other combustion byproducts. If the vapor cools enough, it can condense into liquid water. High-efficiency furnaces are designed to manage this condensate using corrosion-resistant components and a drainage system. However, blocked drains, leaking connections, or improper venting can allow moisture to accumulate where it shouldn’t. In conventional furnaces, condensation in areas not designed to handle it can also contribute to corrosion.
If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, our team can inspect the furnace, determine whether the heat exchanger is damaged, and identify any underlying issues contributing to the problem.
What to Do If You Suspect a Cracked Heat Exchanger
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or anyone has symptoms of possible CO exposure, leave immediately and call 911 or the local emergency number from outside. If there is no immediate emergency but a crack is suspected, turn the furnace off and call us at (801) 509-9331. Do not continue operating a furnace that has been identified as unsafe. One of our qualified technicians will assess the heat exchanger and related combustion, airflow, and venting components. We will inform you of our findings and if a component repair or replacement is recommended to keep your family safe. We’ll provide the price prior to us beginning the work.
Can a Cracked Heat Exchanger Be Repaired?
Due to the safety concerns, a cracked heat exchanger is always replaced, not patched or sealed. Trying to improvise a repair or weld it yourself is not recommended. Your furnace needs to meet safety standards to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home. If another furnace component needs repairing or replacement, our technician can take care of that. We have several parts in our van and can likely take care of it same-day.
Cracked Heat Exchanger Repair vs. Furnace Replacement
Having a cracked heat exchanger doesn’t always mean you need a new furnace. If your furnace is in otherwise good condition, a replacement part is available, or the repair cost is reasonable compared to the remaining expected service life, replacing the cracked heat exchanger would be the best option. A furnace replacement makes more sense if the furnace is older and is experiencing additional problems, the part is unavailable and difficult to source, or the repair cost is high relative to the cost of a new heating system.
The cost of a new heat exchanger is dependent on your furnace’s make and model, the part’s availability, if you have a warranty, and the complexity of installing the new part. Our team will inform you of your options and the pricing prior to any work being done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked heat exchanger cause carbon monoxide to enter my home?
A crack can compromise the separation between combustion gases and circulating air, potentially creating a carbon monoxide hazard. The actual risk depends on the damage and operating conditions. If your CO alarm sounds, leave immediately and call 911 from outside.
Can I run my furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?
Do not continue operating a furnace that has been identified as having a cracked heat exchanger or deemed unsafe. Arrange a professional evaluation and follow the technician’s safety instructions.
How do HVAC technicians check for a cracked heat exchanger?
Our experienced and qualified technicians at Jaeger Plumbing, Heating, Air visually inspect the parts and use diagnostic methods based on the furnace design and suspected problem.
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired instead of replaced?
A cracked heat exchanger generally requires replacement of the damaged component using an approved part and procedure. The available options depend on the furnace model and manufacturer requirements.
Is it better to replace the heat exchanger or the entire furnace?
It depends on the repair cost, furnace condition, age, parts availability, warranty, and expected remaining service life. Our technicians can compare both options for your system to help you make a decision.
How long does heat exchanger replacement take?
The time depends on the furnace design, parts availability, and complexity of the repair, but our team at Jaeger Plumbing, Heating, Air will complete it same-day if possible.
Schedule a Furnace Inspection
If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, don’t ignore the concern or continue running a furnace that may be unsafe. Jaeger Plumbing, Heating, Air can inspect your system, explain the findings, and help you understand your options. Call or book online to schedule your service.