- Strange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde.
- Soot Build-up. …
- Corrosion & Cracks. …
- Change in the flame appearance. …
- Audible Sounds. …
- Presence of Carbon Monoxide.
Can you fix a furnace heat exchanger?
Unfortunately,
heat exchangers cannot be repaired
. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts through it must be replaced. Because the heat exchanger is at the center of the furnace, nearly the whole furnace must be disassembled. Even if the parts are covered under warranty, the labor and freight will start around $500.
How much is a heat exchanger for a furnace?
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 long does a furnace heat exchanger last?
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
.
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.
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%.
Should I replace a cracked heat exchanger?
If your heat exchanger is cracked, your furnace is probably nearing the end of its life (18-20 years). If that’s the case, then it’s usually not worth the money to replace the heat exchanger. No matter who you ask, replacing a heat exchanger will be expensive.
Are heat exchangers worth it?
The benefits of installing a heat exchanger in a home include
improved moisture removal
, decrease in the potential of structural damage, elimination of harmful pollutants, and reduced energy costs. The resulting improved indoor air quality can affect the home occupants and their health in a positive manner.
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.
How do you inspect a heat exchanger?
Inspect the interior of heat exchanger with
mirror and flashlight
check for evidence of water indicating a crack, rust perforation or crimp leak. Then there may be times you just need to pull the heat exchanger and fill it with water just to verify where the leak is at.
How do I know if my heat exchanger is leaking?
- Whistling and kettling noises. When limescale deposits build up, they become overheated, which can result in the production of steam and bubbling, causing a familiar whistling noise, referred to as kettling.
- Leaking heat exchanger.
Can a heat exchanger get clogged?
Cracked Heat Exchanger Causes
The filter, coils, and blower get clogged
, and the air cannot flow as it should. Air is needed to maintain the internal system temperature and absorb excess heat. With the airflow blocked, the internal temperature increases. This overheating can, in turn, cause the heat exchanger to crack.
How much does it cost to replace a 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.
Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger can lead to a carbon monoxide leak, so this isn’t something to put off getting repaired. There are only two signs you might notice if your heat exchanger is cracked: You don’t have heat in your home, or your carbon monoxide detector is
beeping
.
Can furnaces cause carbon monoxide?
Every winter when the temperature drops, your furnace can become a silent killer.
Gas- and oil-burning furnaces produce carbon monoxide
(CO). CO is an invisible, odorless, poison gas that kills hundreds every year and makes thousands more sick. Follow these steps to keep your family safe this winter.
