During cold weather, your furnace’s heat exchanger may encounter operational challenges and show signs of deterioration, which could require repair or replacement.
How the heat exchanger operates?
The furnace’s heat exchanger activates when the temperature in your home drops. Gas flows into the heat exchanger’s chamber and ignites, heating the exterior walls of the heat exchanger. The blower motor draws in cold air, which the heat exchanger warms before circulating throughout your home via air ducts. When the set temperature is reached, the furnace switches off.
How to prevent heat exchanger issues?
Regular inspections of your HVAC system contribute to its seamless operation and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. It is recommended to schedule an annual pre-winter inspection and consistently replace filters to ensure your heater functions optimally when needed. However, if regular maintenance is neglected, you may encounter one of the following issues.
The right size of the furnace is important
A common misconception is that a bigger furnace is always better. A too big furnace for a small home can cause more problems, leading to short cycles and causing the furnace to switch on and off quickly, thinking it is heating a larger area. This constant on-off cycle increases fuel consumption as the system expends more energy to deliver intermittent bursts of warm air. Furthermore, it accelerates the wear and tear on the heat exchanger components, resulting in higher utility bills and more frequent and costly repairs for your disproportionately large furnace.
How to fix fouling issues in the heat exchanger?
Fouling is a common problem with heat exchangers, regardless of the size or brand. Over time, various substances and contaminants can build up on the surface of the heat exchanger. These deposits, which can range from tiny particles like grains of sand to algae or dirt, obstruct heat transfer. As a result, the heat exchanger makes more effort to heat the air, leading to higher utility bills due to increased fuel and energy consumption. In severe cases, excessive fouling can damage the heat exchanger, leading to complete system failure. Regular maintenance and cleaning can reduce fouling problems and ensure that the heat exchanger operates optimally.
How to fix cracks in the heat exchanger?
Heat exchangers typically develop cracks due to repeated overheating and cooling, which causes the metal components to deform and crack at stress points. A furnace mechanic can detect a crack in a heat exchanger by certain signs.
- Accumulation of soot within the furnace
- Visible cracks or holes in the exchanger
- Flickering flames in the burner
- Water pooling at the base of the furnace
- Emission of strong odors throughout the house
Prompt detection and resolution of cracked heat exchangers are essential to prevent further complications and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the heating system. Regular professional inspections can help to detect and repair cracking problems at an early stage.
Superior HVAC Service has a team of professionals ready to help you determine if your heat exchanger or furnace needs to be replaced. Our team has vast experience in furnace installation and repair and is committed to providing quality service. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or arrange a smooth installation!
