A furnace is almost always a background player at home, keeping you warm during the cold winter months. It regularly won't be noticed until a malfunction appears.
One cause could be that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. It can potentially be hazardous, so it’s worthwhile to learn the signs of a cracked heat exchanger and what to do if you believe that might be the problem.
What Is a Heat Exchanger in a Furnace?
A heat exchanger helps move heat from the combustion chamber inside your furnace to the air that flows through the ventilation. It usually accomplishes this via coils or tubes that heat up the air while functioning as a barrier to keep gas produced in the combustion chamber, called flue gasses, from leaking out into your home.
Is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Dangerous?
Because of its important role, it isn't surprising that a cracked heat exchanger can pose a risk. A damaged heat exchanger can permit dangerous gasses – like carbon monoxide, which can be lethal – to circulate throughout your home.
For that reason, don't ever run your heater if you suspect it has a cracked heat exchanger, as doing so could make the entire family ill. Reach out to an HVAC professional immediately if you think your heating has a cracked heat exchanger that should be repaired.