subject: How To Prevent Cracks In Heat Exchangers [print this page] Working silently in the background, the furnace within our homes plays an important role in keeping us comfortable during the cold winters. The heat exchanger within the furnace helps to blow the hot air generated within the furnace out into your home. Over time, the metal surface of the heat exchanger can develop cracks because of wearing out and this is potentially dangerous because it can cause the leaking of toxic carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into your home. Here are some steps you can take to prevent the cracking of your heat exchanger.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
At least once every year, have a heat exchanger repair solutions provider inspect your furnace. As far as possible, it is best to use a firm that works independently of the gas utility company so as to get a genuine opinion. Ensure that the technician uses not just visual inspection but also other methods such as a flashlight along with a telescoping mirror. Have him inspect the pattern of the flame when the blower of the furnace begins operating and also ask for a carbon monoxide leak detection instrument to be used. This may be an expensive procedure but is definitely worth the cost because it can help you detect problems early on and solve them, so you do not have to spend on replacing your furnace.
Clean Air Filters
When the technician inspects your furnace, have him also carry out a cleaning of the air filters that regulate the flow of air into the furnace. As the filter gets dirty with time, it can get clogged and this significantly reduces the amount of air reaching the heat exchanger. As a result, the heat exchanger retains much more heat and this can lead to stresses that cause the development of cracks.
Prevent Blocking of Vents
Have the heat exchanger maintenance expert look at the condition of the vents that allow for removal of the combustion products from within the furnace. Sometimes, these vents may be closed or blocked by dust; at other times, if your home furniture may be unknowingly positioned in a way that causes the return vents to be blocked. All these circumstances can prevent the correct air flow within the furnace unit and this puts pressure on the system, causing it to age and develop cracks prematurely.
Ensure Temperature Sensors Work
Most modern gas furnaces come with an in-built temperature sensor that works to detect the air temperature within the furnace. Any time that this sensor finds this temperature is above a certain preset value, it causes the system to shut down until such time as it cools down sufficiently. Only a temperature sensor that is functioning right can perform this function and therefore, it is vital you ask the heat exchanger maintenance technician to check it and replace a malfunctioning sensor.
Several companies providing heat exchanger repair solutions also perform preventive maintenance inspections. Make sure you have your furnace inspected by a reliable company on a regular basis to avoid the problems of a cracked heat exchanger.
