Symptoms of a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

Winters in the Texas Panhandle can dip into the 20s, meaning you need your home’s heating system to work optimally. A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most common furnace issues customers face. This crucial component is made up of tubes and coils that heat the air when it enters a metal chamber by combusting gas to create heat. After the air is heated, it’s pushed through the ductwork and into the rooms of your home.

Understanding some of the most vital cracked heat exchanger symptoms helps you be more proactive about furnace maintenance. Read on to discover the most common signs to look for, how to spot a bad heat exchanger, and more. Once armed with this knowledge, you can stay on top of your furnace and keep your home warm all winter.

Cracked Heat Exchanger Symptoms To Look Out For

Here are some crucial signs of a cracked heat exchanger to look out for:

• No warm air: If your furnace stops producing warm air, it might be due to a cracked heat exchanger. Furnaces that continue producing warm air with a cracked heat exchanger could emit dangerous carbon monoxide, so it’s best to contact our professionals right away to confirm the cause.
• Cracks or corrosion: As your furnace expands and contracts, cracks can form over time. It may also cause vital components, including the heat exchanger, to corrode. Contact us if you see signs of cracks or rust in a heat exchanger or other parts.
• Flame colors change: All gas furnaces should create a blue flame. If your gas furnace’s flame is yellow or any color besides blue, it might be due to a damaged heat exchanger as oxygen enters the chamber.
• Loud sounds: Odd noises like popping, banging, scraping, or whistling coming from your furnace are not normal. These sounds could indicate a serious underlying problem, including a cracked heat exchanger.
• Carbon monoxide leaks: This odorless, colorless, toxic gas poses a threat to your safety. A cracked heat exchanger could cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. We recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you have a gas furnace.
• Soot buildup: Soot buildup inside your furnace may indicate a broken burner or a cracked heat exchanger. Soot accumulates when the furnace can’t adequately create combustion, and this means it needs attention right away.
• Unpleasant odors: Rotten egg-like smells coming from your furnace could be a sign of a gas leak. If you notice any unusual, unpleasant odors that seem to be coming from your furnace, contact us for help.
• Water leaks: Water collecting around the bottom of your furnace may be due to a leak caused by a cracked heat exchanger. 

How to Spot a Bad Heat Exchanger in Your Furnace

Now that you know the symptoms of a bad heat exchanger, here’s how to spot one in your furnace.

First, look for signs of water around your furnace. While mild or moderate condensation is normal, pools of water or visible leaking indicate a more serious problem that could cause your heat exchanger to rust and eventually crack. Also, look for dirt, dust, and debris accumulation inside your furnace. As this debris builds up, it can damage the heat exchanger and other components over time, causing them to crack or fall apart.

Another way to spot a bad heat exchanger is to schedule a professional inspection. A trained HVAC technician will thoroughly check your furnace for signs of damage to its components, including the heat exchanger.

Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger Is Dangerous

A cracked heat exchanger is dangerous because it can cause a carbon monoxide leak. This poisonous gas causes severe health problems. There’s no warning sign when you have a carbon monoxide leak except for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

A cracked heat exchanger can also cause your furnace to malfunction. These cracks interfere with the combustion process and usually cause the furnace to stop working altogether, leaving you in the cold. Flames can also roll out of the heat exchanger into the furnace control area and trip safeties or melt the control wires, resulting in a possible fire.

You shouldn’t operate your furnace if you suspect a cracked heat exchanger. We recommend you turn off your furnace immediately and contact Amarillo Air. The sooner we inspect and repair the furnace, the safer you’ll be.

When to Call a Professional for Furnace Inspection and Repair

A cracked furnace heat exchanger is just one reason to call a professional for furnace inspection and repair. Call a professional if you notice any of the following signs:

• Unusual or noticeable loud sounds coming from the furnace
• Uneven heating causing some rooms to be much warmer than others
• Flickering, yellow, or orange flames in your gas furnace instead of a steady blue flame
• The airflow in your home is noticeably weaker than normal
• A sudden spike in your monthly home heating bill
• A strong odor of gas near your furnace
• You or someone in your family is suddenly experiencing headaches, nausea, or dizziness when the furnace is running
• Visible signs of damage like rust, cracks, or leaks in your furnace or on various components
• The furnace is short-cycling or turning on and off rapidly
• Your furnace is between 15 and 20 years old and reaching the end of its lifespan

Contact Amarillo Air Today

Amarillo Air Conditioning is here to give you peace of mind when it comes to your home’s HVAC system. Whether you have a furnace issue, want to schedule a maintenance call, or need a new system installed, we’re here for you. With over 50 years of industry experience, our family-owned and operated business has served three generations of local families, and your satisfaction is guaranteed in writing.

Contact us to find out more or to schedule service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy of a furnace heat exchanger?

Most modern furnace heat exchangers last between 10 and 20 years, depending on maintenance and the overall quality of the furnace. Older furnaces made of heavy metals like cast iron tend to have heat exchangers that last longer, sometimes up to 40 years.

Can a cracked heat exchanger cause short cycling?

Yes, a cracked heat exchanger can cause your furnace to short-cycle. This occurs when the heat exchanger emits heat into other parts of the furnace and causes it to overheat. The furnace then shuts down before it adequately heats your home and tries to turn itself back on again to start the heating cycle over.