The best way to repair a cracked heat exchanger is
to remove it and put in a new one
. This doesn't require replacing other parts of the furnace. However, it's an expensive repair. Often a repair that's too expensive compared to having a new furnace put in.
What if my heat exchanger is cracked?
A cracked heat exchanger is pretty serious, as far as safety for your home goes. If there's a crack in this component, the gases being burned off, such as
carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide
, could leak into your home, causing illness or, in extreme cases, death.
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. … Heat pumps can heat and cool your home.
How much does it cost to replace a cracked heat exchanger?
The average costs for replacing your exchanger is
about $1,500
. However, it can cost as little as $500 or as much as $3,500. If the heat exchanger is cracked or malfunctioning before you would typically expect it, there may be another issue with your HVAC system.
Can you weld a cracked heat exchanger?
Can you weld a heat exchanger? NO!
Cracked heat exchangers should not be welded or repaired
. Repairing a cracked heat exchanger requires welding both sides of the crack to ensure stopping all leaks.
How much is it to replace a heat exchanger?
The cost of replacing a heat exchanger ranges
from $2,000 to $3,500
. 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.
How long does it take to replace a carrier heat exchanger?
In fact, replacing a furnace heat exchanger can take
up to 8 hours
and can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500.
How long should a 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
. If you invest in maintenance, yours might even last 20.
How do I find a cracked heat exchanger?
Here are some signs that may indicate your issue is a cracked or malfunctioning heat exchanger:
Soot
If you see evidence of soot, which is actually a black carbon buildup, on the inside of the furnace, it's a sign your furnace isn't burning cleanly. Incomplete combustion usually causes an increase in soot.
Is a cracked heat exchanger covered by insurance?
Keep in mind a warranty only covers the cost of parts and not the labor to install a heat exchanger. Note: There is
no
way to repair a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace. It must be replaced, or the entire furnace needs to be replaced.
How do you weld a furnace?
Furnace welding is
pre-heating the entire part to the proper temperature
, doing all the welding while at the desired temperature then post heating the entire part until everything is the same temperature and finally turning off the heat and allowing everything to cool down slowly, producing a product that is basically …
Why is my furnace leaking water in the winter?
The creation of condensation is a standard process within the function of a furnace. …
If the drain becomes clogged at any point
, this means condensation will collect in the condensate pan and overflow. This causes your furnace to leak water. In winter, a frozen pipe is a common cause of drainage pipe clogging.
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 I replace my air exchanger with a heat pump?
Most home builders do not install fresh air exchangers with heat pump systems
as part of new home construction. These are considered aftermarket improvements that would need to be made by the homeowner.
How do you diagnose a bad secondary heat exchanger?
- Cracks. A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most basic and common symptoms, and also often the most drastic sign of a damaged heat exchanger. …
- Discoloration. Sometimes a cracked heat exchanger has cracks that are simply too small and thin to be directly observed. …
- Odd Furnace Flame Behavior.
