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.
Can a heat exchanger be repaired?
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.
Are heat exchangers expensive?
Unfortunately,
heat exchangers are expensive to replace
because the part itself is expensive and it can take up to 10 hours for a tech to replace it. In Michigan, the cost to replace a furnace heat exchanger ranges from $700 to $2,000.
Can you replace just the heat exchanger in a furnace?
If parts and labor are still under warranty, you can probably replace just the exchanger for now
. If you're covered for parts but not labor, you can further discuss the pros and cons with your HVAC professional.
Can I run my furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?
Rule #1:
If your Heat Exchanger has been deemed cracked by a HVAC professional you should NOT be running it
. Unfortunately, some owners will attempt to run their furnace even when a cracked heat exchanger has been detected.
What happens when heat exchanger fails?
A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often
create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde
. Soot Build-up. White soot build-up in or around the burners of your furnace. Corrosion & Cracks.
How long do heat exchangers 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 serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
There are so many things that can go wrong with your heating system, but a cracked heat exchanger is the worst of them all.
A crack in this vital piece of equipment will cause it to malfunction and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or even death
.
Can heat exchangers get clogged?
How do you repair a cracked heat exchanger?
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.
How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?
- Visible Damage. You may be able to see cracks in the heat exchanger when you visually inspect the furnace. …
- Soot. The presence of soot on the heat exchanger or on the furnace's interiors is a warning sign of incomplete combustion. …
- Abnormal Flame. …
- Noticeable Odors. …
- Water on the Floor.
How do I know if my furnace has a cracked heat exchanger?
If your furnace produces a steady blue flame, it's clear that the furnace's heat exchanger is functioning efficiently, and there's nothing to worry about. However,
if the furnace produces a yellow flame
, it can mean that your burner is dirty or your heat exchanger has cracked.
How do I know if my heat exchanger is leaking?
What does a cracked heat exchanger flame look like?
Normally, your gas furnace has a steady blue flame. If your burner has a moving yellow flame, it could be dirty or have a cracked heat exchanger.
Flames that flicker, lean, dance around or change when the fan comes on
, are possible signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
How often do heat exchangers fail?
A gas furnace heat exchanger should last a good
10-20 years
, but it will eventually fail. That's because of the way your furnace works. Metal expands when it's heated and contracts when it cools. Over time, the cycle of expansion and contraction can cause metal fatigue.
What would cause a heat exchanger to crack?
When HVAC contractors do come across a heat exchanger with a crack, it may be because it
over-heated from lack of airflow
. This happens when the central air system has gone too long without any type of maintenance work. Dirt and buildup can accumulate, blocking filters, clogging blowers and coils.
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.
Can you weld a cracked 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. In most residential and small commercial heating units, this is not possible.
