You’re probably familiar with the term ‘furnace’ and its role in keeping your house warm. But did you know that a furnace contains several components that work together to heat your home? One such component is the heat exchanger. It’s an essential piece in your gas furnace that allows heat exchange. When this part of your furnace starts to fail, it can be an expensive repair if left untreated. So let’s take a look at how this part works and what to do if it begins to fail.
How Heat Exchangers Work in Gas Furnaces
A heat exchanger is an integral part of your gas furnace that enables the exchange of heat for you to get warm air inside your home. This is where combustion gasses are released from the burners and funneled through several tubes or channels surrounded by metal fins. The fins absorb the heat from the gasses, allowing them to exit out of the other side while they transfer their warmth into the air that will eventually flow through your home’s airflow system.
Signs That Your Heat Exchanger is Failing
Some of the tell-tale signs that your heat exchanger is failing include:
- Strange sounds are coming from your furnace.
- There is discoloration on walls near the furnace.
- There is excess humidity in some areas.
- There is soot around vents or registers near the system.
If you suspect something is wrong with your heat exchanger, have a professional inspect it immediately!
What To Do If Your Heat Exchanger is Failing
If you suspect that your furnace’s heat exchanger has begun to fail, contact a professional HVAC technician for an inspection right away. Since this component works so closely with natural gas, attempting repairs yourself could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if done incorrectly. An experienced technician can diagnose any issues and provide solutions for repair or replacement of the system if necessary.
When there are issues with this component, it can be replaced rather than repaired. In some cases, manufacturers will even offer coverage under warranty if certain conditions are met.
Your Heating Experts
If you suspect your furnace’s heat exchanger is failing, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at Prestige Air Heating & Cooling, LLC. Our highly trained technicians have the knowledge and skill to fix or replace your furnace so you can stay comfortable all winter long. Contact us today! (973) 755-2210