Heat exchangers are vital furnace components. They can also be dangerous if something goes wrong with them. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to have a basic understanding of what heat exchangers are and how they work.
What is a heat exchanger?
A heat exchanger consists of a set of metallic coils or tubes that are wound through the airflow inside a furnace. They serve the primary purpose of heating your home’s air. The shape of the coils varies from one furnace to another depending on the model and the fuel it uses.
How does it work?
The heat that furnace burners produce is directed up the interior part of the heat exchanger. As combustion gases flow through the exchanger, they heat up its walls. The inside walls make the outer surface extremely hot as well.
The blower motor then blows air from your home past the outside of the heat exchanger. The air picks up heat from the exchanger outside walls and is driven to your ductwork for distribution throughout your home.
What happens when it has an issue?
Part of your heat exchanger’s work is to securely contain combustion gases. The exchanger runs every time your furnace runs. This implies that it warms up and cools regularly. This cycle can strain the metal and make it brittle over time, making it develop cracks. When this happens, combustion gases such as the dangerous carbon monoxide can leak into your home. At high levels, these gases can be very harmful to your family.
How can you avoid heat exchanger issues?
The best way to avoid the dangers that a cracked heat exchanger brings is by scheduling preventive furnace maintenance each year. Your HVAC contractor will inspect your exchanger and take care of problems that could make it develop cracks down the road. It’s also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
By maintaining your furnace properly, you’ll ensure your heat exchanger serves you for a long time. For more information on heat exchangers, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We serve the Yuma area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat exchangers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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