When it comes to the safety of your HVAC system, your heat exchanger plays a pivotal role.
This integral component of your heating system contains the fumes produced during fuel combustion and keeps toxic gases such as carbon monoxide out of the air supply of your home.
It is imperative to constantly monitor your heat exchanger’s condition to address any problems that may develop promptly. Familiarizing yourself with heat exchanger problems and how to troubleshoot them may help you restore your heat exchanger in no time without having to call your HVAC technician, saving you money on repair bills. The first likely problem that your heat exchanger might experience is condensation-related corrosion. Issues with condensate drainage may lead to corrosion and malfunctions in your heat exchanger if you own a high-efficiency heating system with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating above 90%. The condensate that is created in your furnace is expelled through a drainage system under normal operations. If your drain is not flowing smoothly, condensation may accumulate in your heat exchanger, causing it to rust. Condensation-related corrosion can impact your standard efficiency furnace, too, particularly if the exhaust vent pipe isn’t large enough. Ensure your drain pan is empty and your drain lines free of clogs. Metal fatigue-related deterioration also causes cracks to form in the material. Heat exchangers are designed to endure continuous heating and cooling cycles over your system’s entire lifespan. However, over time, metal fatigue can creep in, deteriorating your system. Age-related deterioration is inevitable and may call for replacement.