Fall is here, which means it won’t be long before colder temperatures sweep through Asheville and the surrounding area. Homeowners throughout the region will rely on furnaces to provide reliable, comfortable heat this winter. However, a furnace with a cracked or damaged heat exchanger could potentially be more of a source of danger than comfort. Read on to see you should have Sheer Comfort replace your cracked heat exchanger before winter.
Causes of a cracked heat exchanger in Asheville, NC
A heat exchanger is one of the most essential components of a heating system. Heat exchangers facilitate the flow of heat energy between streams of return air and warm exhaust air produced by the furnace. This is what actually heats the air that circulates through your home, so a damaged heat exchanger is no minor issue. Although heat exchangers are ideally meant to last as long as the furnace itself, which in many cases is over 15 years, wear and tear can cause cracks or holes to appear prematurely. This is particularly true in the Asheville region, where harsh winters see furnaces undergo thousands of heating cycles. Dirty filters and undersized units can also contribute to damaged heat exchangers.
Carbon monoxide protection with Sheer Comfort
Cracks and holes in a heat exchanger can potentially pose serious threats to your family’s safety. The burning of natural gas or propane produces carbon monoxide during normal furnace operation. A crack in a heat exchanger will allow the carbon monoxide to leak into living spaces and air that is meant to be breathed. This can be extremely dangerous as carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that is toxic in large enough quantities. Symptoms include headaches and nausea, but carbon monoxide poisoning can potentially be lethal if left untreated. While not every little crack will result in deadly amounts of carbon monoxide being emitted, cracks and holes can expand with time, increasing the hazardous conditions in your furnace. The safest course of action is always to have the heat exchanger replaced as soon as it shows damage. This will also keep your furnace and HVAC system operating more efficiently, enhancing comfort and cutting down on energy costs. In addition, installing carbon monoxide detectors will safeguard your family from any other source of carbon monoxide in your home.
Damaged heat exchangers are not always easy to notice right away. That’s why it’s crucial to have your furnace inspected by a professional. At Sheer Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, our qualified team of technicians perform comprehensive inspections to ensure your HVAC equipment operates safely and efficiently all winter long. Call to schedule your fall furnace inspection today!