Thousands of homeowners across North Carolina face the silent danger of carbon monoxide poisoning each year. In many cases, this serious issue is avoidable by taking preventative measures to keep your furnace components, like your heat exchanger, in good condition. Learn more about the importance of heat exchanger repair and how the team at Thermo Direct can help you take preventative measures to keep you safe.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called “the invisible danger” or “the silent killer” because this gas is completely odorless and colorless, making it practically impossible to detect. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:
- Immediate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
- Severe long-term health issues including memory problems, changes in vision, balance issues, and sleep disorders.
- In extreme cases, carbon monoxide poisoning results in death.
So, where does carbon monoxide come from? This gas is a byproduct of gas-powered appliances. If the heat exchanger is damaged, the gas will seep out and leak into your home. CO exposure from furnaces is one of the most common causes of CO poisoning in the home.
Understanding the Role of the Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is one of many vital components of gas furnaces. The heat exchanger moves heat from combustion gases to the air inside your home by transferring thermal energy between two fluids without allowing them to mix and then passing the heat through a separate barrier. Most heat exchangers use a system of plates or tubes where one fluid flows through, while the other flows around them, transferring the heat through the walls. Cracks or corrosion can cause damage to the heat exchanger, allowing dangerous gases like CO to leak and escape.
You should never use your furnace if you suspect that the heat exchanger is broken or cracked. Here are some important signs of a faulty heat exchanger:
- Strange, strong odors coming from your furnace or the vents
- Visible signs of soot buildup
- Yellow pilot light flame
- Your furnace has stopped working altogether
- Frequent system short-cycling
Warning Signs Your Furnace May Be Putting You at Risk
It’s important to know which cracked heat exchanger warning signs to look for. Once you’re aware of these signs, you’ll be able to take proactive steps to keep you and your family safe.
- The pilot light is flickering, weak, or yellow instead of blue and steady
- You notice excess moisture on the windows and walls near the furnace
- The furnace is suddenly making loud, unusual noises
- High readings are coming from your carbon monoxide detector
- Your energy bills are suddenly higher without an obvious cause
The Importance of Timely Heat Exchanger Repair
One of the best ways to practice carbon monoxide and furnace safety is to get your furnace’s heat exchanger repaired by the professionals at Thermo Direct as quickly as possible. Here’s why getting timely heat exchanger repair is so important.
- You’ll protect your family’s health.
- It maintains your furnace’s efficiency
- You can avoid replacing a damaged heat exchanger, which can be costly
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Fortunately, preventing CO leaks in your home is possible. Take these steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance: Have your furnace inspected annually by the certified HVAC technicians at Thermo Direct. An annual furnace heat exchanger inspection is one of the best ways to prevent problems from becoming much more serious and expensive later.
- Install and test carbon monoxide detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and place them near bedrooms and common areas. Test the detectors often and check the batteries monthly.
- Keep the area around your furnace clear: Don’t place furniture, rugs, or other items over or near the furnace’s air intake and exhaust vents so you maintain good airflow throughout your home.
- Recognize the early warning signs: Understand and know how to recognize the early warning signs of a CO leak, and know when to call a professional for repairs.
Professional Heat Exchanger Repair: What to Expect
Here’s what to expect when you call us for repair services.
- Inspection and diagnosis: The experienced HVAC technicians at Thermo Direct will carefully inspect your heat exchanger and other parts to look for signs of cracks or other damage. Once we identify and diagnose the problem, we’ll give you more details about the estimated cost and the next steps to make the appropriate repairs.
- Repair or replacement decisions: Most cracks in a heat exchanger cannot be repaired effectively enough to prevent future leaks or other issues. We’ll go over the different options with you to help you determine whether repairing or replacing the heat exchanger is right for you.
- Safety testing after repairs: Whether you repair or replace your furnace’s heat exchanger, our technicians will carefully test the system and ensure that it operates safely without any dangerous CO leaks.
Cost Considerations: Repair vs. Replacement
There are a few things to consider when deciding between the repair or replacement of your heat exchanger.
- When to repair: Some small cracks or minor signs of corrosion may be mild enough to constitute a simple repair.
- When to replace: if you have an older furnace with significant wear and tear, or you’ve had multiple failures in the past, it might be time to replace either the entire heat exchanger or the entire furnace itself.
- Long-term savings: When you replace your furnace, you’ll get reduced energy bills and peace of mind knowing your home now has a safe, more efficient system.
Contact Thermo Direct Today
If you suspect you have an issue with your furnace’s heat exchanger, it’s important to get it repaired right away. As your local Trane Comfort Specialist, Thermo Direct is here to assist with all of your furnace repair needs. Contact us today to schedule a repair service today!
