Broken Heat Exchanger: All You Need To Know

Some HVAC system issues have dire consequences. For example, a broken heat exchanger can cause more than mild discomfort when Sheboygan, Wisconsin’s chilly temperatures hit. In fact, this essential component going wrong may quickly turn your home into a danger zone without immediate professional repairs. 



Fortunately, Professional Services, a highly-rated furnace repair contractor in Sheboygan, WI, can help. Below, the team outlines what heat exchangers do and how to handle it when they malfunction.

What Exactly Does a Heat Exchanger Do?

Home heating systems, such as furnaces, contain heat exchangers to move warmth out of the exhaust gasses and into your property’s ductwork. The exchanger also removes toxic substances that might enter this heat through the airtight seals that filter the waste gasses. 

Some systems have two exchangers for this purpose. The primary heat exchanger removes the hottest gasses. Then, the heat travels through a secondary exchanger, which creates water vapor and generates even more heat to make your home cozy. 

The process’s efficiency can reliably warm each room to your preferred temperature. Still, as you might guess, the sole heat exchanger constantly contracts and expands as it draws in and releases heat, and the metal materials can fracture. Unfortunately, a faulty heat exchanger is a dangerous one that could even cause health problems for your family. 

How To Tell if You Have a Broken Heat Exchanger

Homeowners should never take heat exchanger failure lightly – it’s an emergency. You might physically feel the effects before you see them in your HVAC system’s performance. That’s why waiting to contact a technician or ignoring the signs below could have deadly or life-changing consequences.

You Hear Something Trigger Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

A cracked heat exchanger leaks carbon monoxide alongside other potentially toxic waste gasses. If you have a carbon monoxide detector installed, you might hear it warning you of the poisonous gas infiltrating your breathing space. 

If you don’t have one in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, you’ll want to purchase and install a CO detector in your home – it could save your life. A broken heat exchanger and a leaky gas line are the primary reasons this device goes off.

Your Sheboygan Household Suffers From Flu-Like Symptoms

If you don’t own a CO detector yet or your current one isn’t working properly, it’s vital to stay vigilant about your family members’ health. Are multiple people suffering from flu symptoms at the same time? They might not have a contagious virus at all. 

Check for these carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms that can be similar to the flu:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea 
• Blurry vision

You should know that prolonged exposure to CO can cause people to pass out or collapse – the frightening symptoms just before death. You might also notice your pets displaying signs of illness or potted plants beginning to wilt and die from exposure. Carbon monoxide affects people, plants, and pets equally, so prevention and early detection could make all the difference.

Your Home Stays Cold

Believe it or not, a complete furnace failure is your best-case scenario following a heat exchanger malfunction. While you might feel cold and uncomfortable until you fix it, you won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide toxicity in that scenario. 

Frigid temperatures during a Wisconsin winter aren’t ideal, but they beat prolonged CO exposure by a mile! 

You Notice Sensory Cues on Your Furnace

You might discover some other warning signs before anything dramatic occurs. Some additional signs you have a broken heat exchanger include the following:

• Burning or acidic smells: Broken heat exchangers emit off-putting odors that smell similar to formaldehyde. If you don’t know what that smells like, imagine burnt matches mixed with vinegar. 
• Excessive soot: Check your furnace burners for soot coatings. Lots of burnt debris could indicate heat exchanger problems. 
• Fractures in other components: When a heat exchanger cracks, it might divert excessive pressure to other furnace components, like the diverter box. Check for signs of external wear and tear. 
• Rattling sounds: A damaged exchanger might rattle around when the system starts cycling. Listen for rattling as the furnace clicks on and starts running. 
• Odd flame color: The flame of the pilot light should look blue. If it turns yellow or orange, its new hue could signify danger. 

Get Professional Services in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on the Job

Does a broken heat exchanger require immediate heat exchanger repair? Do gas furnaces have filters? Find out all this and more from Professional Services in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, by calling for emergency assistance today!