Question 1

What is a heat exchanger in a furnace?

Accepted Answer

A heat exchanger is a metal chamber inside your furnace that transfers heat from combustion gases to the air circulating through your home. It keeps dangerous combustion gases separate from your breathing air while allowing heat transfer.

Question 2

How does a heat exchanger work?

Accepted Answer

Hot combustion gases flow through the heat exchanger chambers, heating the metal walls. Clean air from your home passes over the outside of these heated chambers, warming up before being distributed throughout your house via ductwork.

Question 3

What materials are heat exchangers made from?

Accepted Answer

Heat exchangers are typically made from steel, stainless steel, or cast iron. High-efficiency furnaces often use stainless steel for better corrosion resistance, while older units commonly use aluminized steel.

Question 4

Are there different types of heat exchangers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are primary heat exchangers (handle main combustion) and secondary heat exchangers (in high-efficiency furnaces that capture additional heat from condensation). Some furnaces have multiple heat exchanger sections.

Question 5

What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs include: unusual odors, yellow or flickering flame, soot buildup, carbon monoxide detector alarms, visible cracks during inspection, and reduced heating efficiency. If you notice any of these, shut off your furnace and call us immediately.

Question 6

Why do heat exchangers crack?

Accepted Answer

Heat exchangers crack due to repeated heating and cooling cycles (thermal stress), corrosion from moisture and combustion byproducts, poor maintenance, oversized furnaces that cycle frequently, and normal wear over time.

Question 7

Is a cracked heat exchanger dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, extremely dangerous. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home's air supply, which is potentially fatal. Never operate a furnace with a known cracked heat exchanger.

Question 8

Can you smell a cracked heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. You might notice unusual odors like a metallic smell, formaldehyde-like chemical odor, or other strange smells when the furnace runs. However, carbon monoxide is odorless, so don't rely on smell alone.

Question 9

What causes heat exchanger corrosion?

Accepted Answer

Corrosion is caused by moisture from combustion, poor ventilation, dirty air filters restricting airflow, oversized equipment, and in coastal areas like Vancouver, salt air exposure.

Question 10

How long do heat exchangers last?

Accepted Answer

Heat exchangers typically last 15-25 years with proper maintenance. High-efficiency units may last longer due to better materials, while units in harsh environments or with poor maintenance may fail sooner.

Question 11

How often should heat exchangers be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Heat exchangers should be inspected annually as part of regular furnace maintenance. In Vancouver's coastal climate, we recommend inspection every 12 months due to increased corrosion risk.

Question 12

Can heat exchanger life be extended?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through regular maintenance: annual cleaning, proper air filter changes, ensuring adequate airflow, proper furnace sizing, and addressing humidity issues. Professional maintenance can significantly extend heat exchanger life.

Question 13

What maintenance do heat exchangers need?

Accepted Answer

Regular cleaning to remove soot and debris, inspection for cracks or corrosion, ensuring proper combustion air supply, checking for proper drainage (in high-efficiency units), and maintaining clean air filters.

Question 14

Do new furnaces have heat exchanger problems?

Accepted Answer

New furnaces can have heat exchanger issues due to manufacturing defects, improper installation, poor maintenance, or operating conditions. Most manufacturers provide warranties covering heat exchanger defects.

Question 15

Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Heat exchanger cracks cannot be safely repaired due to the high temperatures and pressures involved. Attempted repairs often fail and create safety hazards. Replacement is typically the only safe option.

Question 16

Should I replace just the heat exchanger or the whole furnace?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the furnace age, overall condition, and cost comparison. If the furnace is over 15 years old or the heat exchanger replacement costs more than 50% of a new furnace, replacement is usually recommended.

Question 17

How much does heat exchanger replacement cost?

Accepted Answer

Heat exchanger replacement typically costs $1,500-$4,000 depending on the furnace type and complexity. We provide upfront pricing after inspection. Sometimes a new furnace is more cost-effective.

Question 18

Is heat exchanger replacement worth it?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your furnace age and condition. For newer furnaces (under 10 years), replacement may be worthwhile. For older units, investing in a new high-efficiency furnace often provides better long-term value.

Question 19

How long does heat exchanger replacement take?

Accepted Answer

Heat exchanger replacement typically takes 4-8 hours depending on furnace type and accessibility. Complex installations may require a full day. We'll provide a time estimate after inspection.

Question 20

Do Lennox heat exchangers have common problems?

Accepted Answer

Lennox heat exchangers are generally reliable, but older models may experience corrosion issues in coastal climates. Their newer stainless steel heat exchangers perform well in Vancouver's environment.

Question 21

Are Trane heat exchangers durable?

Accepted Answer

Trane heat exchangers are known for durability, especially in commercial applications. However, like all heat exchangers, they require regular maintenance and can develop cracks over time.

Question 22

What about Carrier heat exchanger reliability?

Accepted Answer

Carrier heat exchangers are generally reliable, but some older models had issues with premature cracking. Their newer Infinity series units have improved heat exchanger designs.

Question 23

Do Goodman heat exchangers last as long?

Accepted Answer

Goodman heat exchangers can last as long as other brands with proper maintenance. They're more budget-oriented, so regular maintenance is especially important to maximize lifespan.

Question 24

What should I do if I suspect a cracked heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

Immediately turn off your furnace, ensure adequate ventilation, evacuate if you feel unwell, and call us for emergency service. Don't attempt to operate the furnace until it's been professionally inspected.

Question 25

Can I use my furnace with a small crack?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Any crack in a heat exchanger is a safety hazard that can leak carbon monoxide. Even small cracks can rapidly expand. Never operate a furnace with any heat exchanger damage.

Question 26

How quickly can you respond to heat exchanger emergencies?

Accepted Answer

We provide 24/7 emergency service with 30-45 minute response times in Metro Vancouver. Heat exchanger safety issues are our highest priority.

Question 27

Will my carbon monoxide detector catch heat exchanger problems?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices, but they may not detect small leaks immediately. Regular professional inspection is essential for early detection of heat exchanger problems.

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