Your home's furnace is reliant on fuel combustion to produce the heat required to keep your interiors at a comfortable temperature. This combustion takes place in a closed chamber to ensure any toxic fumes produced during the process are redirected out of the home. While there is an array of components that make up your furnace, the heat exchanger is a crucial component that functions as a shield between the combustion chamber and the ductwork around your home. Hence, it is vital for ensuring the flue gases produced during combustion do not infiltrate your home. Nonetheless, heat exchangers are not invulnerable to damage. Cracks, in particular, tend to be a leading concern due to the high temperatures that this component is exposed to. So how can you tell if this component needs replacing? Below are a couple of symptoms of a cracked heat exchanger warranting immediate heating repairs.

You notice a pungent smell each time you turn on the furnace

As mentioned above, the heat exchanger is responsible for ensuring the noxious gases generated during the combustion process in your furnace do not seep out of the heating system and into your home. Bearing that in mind, any weird odors permeating around your residence whenever you turn on the heating system should have you be concerned about a cracked heat exchanger. Take note, though, that these gases are not merely disgusting to inhale. Instead, if left unchecked, these flue gases can lead to health problems in your household, such as nausea, recurring headaches, and so much more. To ensure that you are not putting your loved ones at risk, you must hire heating repair services to get to diagnose the underlying issue and replace the cracked heat exchanger if need be.

You can hear banging noises each time you turn on the furnace

A common reason why some homeowners do not think their furnace's heat exchanger will be susceptible to damage is that this component is manufactured from metal, but this is grossly incorrect. Certainly, heat exchangers are designed to withstand severe temperatures. However, over time, the constant exposure to high temperatures will cause the heat exchanger to expand and contract. This expansion and contraction will cause a cracked heat exchanger to make loud noises, which should alert you to an underlying issue with your furnace. Take note, that loud banging noises could also be indicative of loose connections in the ductwork. Regardless, hiring heating system maintenance services is advisable.   

For more information, contact a local company like Cool Comfort Services.

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