A gas furnace can be dangerous when the combustion area is malfunctioning. When you notice unusual sounds or if your furnace is malfunctioning, call a furnace repair company right away.

A number of things could be wrong with your furnace. Some problems are easy to repair and don't cost too much. However, one of the biggest problems a furnace can have is when the heat exchanger cracks. That can be a costly repair. Here's more information about the heat exchanger in your furnace.

The Heat Exchanger Helps Warm Your Home

The heat exchanger is made of metal, and it's where heat from combustion collects in the furnace. The heat then transfers to the air that's circulated through your house. The exchanger is part of the combustion area of your furnace, so it's essential it is in good working order or carbon monoxide could escape and pose a danger in your home.

The Heat Exchanger Can Crack Or Corrode

The heat exchanger should last the life of your furnace, but sometimes it doesn't. Circumstances can cause the metal to corrode and develop holes, or the metal can crack. When this happens, carbon monoxide might escape and your furnace may begin to malfunction. A furnace repair technician might see the damaged area on the heat exchanger or they may have to run tests to see if it has a leak.

Signs The Heat Exchanger May Have Damage

One thing you may notice when the heat exchanger has a crack is that it makes noise. This happens because the heat causes the metal to expand and contract, and if the metal is cracked, one side of the cracked area can rub against the other side and make noise. If carbon monoxide escapes due to the crack, your alarm should go off and alert you that something is wrong with your furnace.

You might also notice an odd odor around your furnace when the heat exchanger is cracked. There may also be a lot of soot in the combustion area. If you have reason to suspect a problem with the heat exchanger, you may want to turn your furnace off and wait for the furnace repair technician to check it out to see if the furnace is safe to run.

A Bad Heat Exchanger Has To Be Replaced

Once the furnace repair technician determines the heat exchanger is bad, they'll discuss the repair options. A heat exchanger usually isn't repaired since the repairs might fail and that could make your furnace dangerous. The furnace repair technician will probably advise you to replace the heat exchanger if your furnace is fairly new or replace your entire furnace if the furnace is near the end of its life.

The heat exchanger is an expensive part, and it is difficult to replace. Many of the other parts have to be taken apart to get to the exchanger to pull it out, so the replacement takes a long time. That's why the expense may not be worth it if you need to get a new furnace anyway in a few years. If your furnace is still fairly new, it may be worth replacing the heat exchanger, especially if the warranty helps pay for it.

Contact a local heating repair service to learn more.