Can A Furnace Heat Exchanger Be Replaced?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You can't repair or replace a heat

because there's too big a risk of carbon monoxide leaking into your home. It's also cost-prohibitive. That's why you need to replace the entire .

How much does it cost to replace a furnace heat exchanger?

Replacing a furnace heat exchanger costs

$1,500 on average

with a typical range between $1,000 and $2,000. Most have a warranty of 10 to 20 years, which usually only covers the price of the exchanger, which typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. Labor alone runs an average of $500.

How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is bad?

  1. Strange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde.
  2. Soot Build-up. …
  3. Corrosion & Cracks. …
  4. Change in the flame appearance. …
  5. Audible Sounds. …
  6. Presence of Carbon Monoxide.

What is the life expectancy of a heat exchanger?

In most cases, the heat exchanger determines how long your furnace will last. The heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air that circulates through your home in the winter. Heat exchangers usually last

about 15 years

. If you invest in maintenance, yours might even last 20.

Can I run my furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?

If it is your heat exchanger,

you cannot run your furnace

, even if it seems to be running fine. The gases will continue to seep into your home's air. Many companies, upon finding a cracked heat exchanger, will shut your furnace down so you cannot run it.

Is it worth it to replace a heat exchanger?

Replacing your furnace's heat exchanger would be a good route to take if your furnace is fairly new. However,

it is not worth spending your money

on replacing your heat exchanger when it is near the end of its life span, which is ten years or more.

What happens if I put my furnace filter in backwards?

By installing your filter backwards,

air will have a harder time flowing through the filter and your air handler will have to work harder to make up for the loss of airflow

. This could lead to higher utility bills and possibly damage your furnace or air conditioner.

What happens when heat exchanger fails?

If the heat exchanger is compromised by a crack or rust,

flue gases and carbon monoxide will leak into the home resulting in illness

and possibly death of the occupants.

How much does a new furnace cost?

How Much Does a Furnace Cost? A new furnace costs

$1,500 to $6,500

, depending on the model you choose. The average cost of installing a mid-efficiency furnace is $1,500 to $2,500. Mid-efficiency furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% to 89%.

How often should you replace your HVAC system?

The Department of Energy recommends homeowners replace their HVAC system

every 10 to 15 years

. Modern air conditioners are durable, but their major components will begin to deteriorate after around ten years depending on how often you use and maintain them.

Can HVAC last 30 years?

Typical HVAC Life Spans

Furnaces – With proper maintenance,

gas furnaces typically last 20 to 30 years

, or even longer. … Boilers – Boilers often last slightly longer than furnaces, with an average life span of 20 to 35 years.

How long will furnace last?

A well-maintained furnace can last at

least 15 to 20 years

, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

Can a cracked heat exchanger cause a fire?


Carbon monoxide poisoning

is not the only possible danger a cracked heat exchanger presents. If combustible gas builds up in your heating unit and is released into your home through a fracture, it can lead to a potentially deadly furnace fire.

Can a cracked heat exchanger cause carbon monoxide?

A cracked heat exchanger is a potential danger because it can put

off carbon dioxide

, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in serious health issues and even death. As an invisible gas that has no odor, carbon monoxide is especially dangerous as it is undetectable by humans.

What causes flame rollout on a furnace?

How Does It Happen? Flame rollouts in gas furnaces and boilers are caused by

a high concentration of combustion gases inside the combustion chamber

. Normally, these inflammable gases are exhausted from the furnace through the flue passageways in the heat exchanger, then up the vent to the exterior of the home.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.