5 Warning Signs of a Cracked Heat Exchanger in Cedarburg, WI

A functioning furnace gets you through frigid winters in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. However, finding yourself with a cracked heat exchanger opens up several potential problems, from weird smells to the furnace not heating correctly. 



Can you recognize cracked heat exchanger symptoms early enough to prevent the carbon monoxide poisoning that could be just around the corner? You might want to entrust this task to a reliable furnace repair technician in Cedarburg, WI, like Professional Services. 

Let’s take a look at some common cracked heat exchanger signs and what to do about them so that you and your family can stay safe.

#1 Flu-like Symptoms

The heat exchanger is a set of metal coils. This mechanism moves heat throughout your home without the exhaust fumes that usually come with these processes. Heat exchangers are a crucial component that must work perfectly to keep you safe because cracks may let carbon monoxide leak into your home.

If there’s carbon monoxide issues at home, you may experience these flu-like symptoms:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Vision problems
• Loss of consciousness or even death

If carbon monoxide leaks slowly out of your heating system, you may experience the above symptoms over the course of a few days. If you connect the dots between your "flu" and cracked heat exchanger symptoms, the first step is to immediately leave your home. Then, dial 911. 

#2 Weird Smells

It's normal for your furnace to have a bit of a smell when it first turns on as the air heats up and disperses through your home. However, strange odors akin to formaldehyde could mean trouble. Call 911 if you smell something like this – you may have a gas leak. 

As mentioned, carbon monoxide leaks are very serious and should be treated as an emergency. However, this gas is colorless and odorless. If you smell anything off, it's likely from another type of gas in the furnace, but these leaks can be just as dangerous.

#3 No Heat For Your Cedarburg, WI, Living Space

Modern furnaces have safety features that cause them to stop working when flames escape the chamber. If your furnace isn't turning on, and you know it has safety features, that's one of the classic cracked heat exchanger symptoms. Deal with it quickly, as there is always a possibility of a carbon monoxide leak.

If the furnace is working but the air doesn't seem as hot as it should be, check for soot buildup. If gasses aren't completely combusting, you'll soon have a carbon monoxide leak (if there isn’t one already). You may also notice the furnace cycling, which is when it turns on and off too frequently.

#4 The Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off

There’s a reason carbon monoxide is called a silent killer. Since you can't see or smell carbon monoxide, you need an alert system to safeguard your home and family members. 

Experts like Professional Services recommend that you leave a carbon monoxide detector near the furnace so that it can alert you when it detects fumes. These detectors sometimes misfire and go off for no reason, but if they don't stop chirping, you should leave your home and call emergency services to check. If you’ve been breathing in carbon monoxide for some time, you could be in great danger, even if you feel fine.

#5 The Pilot Light Isn't Blue

The pilot light, or the flame that ignites in the furnace, should be blue when it burns. A yellow furnace flame indicates the gas isn't combusting completely. In this case, you might see some soot near the furnace or get increased energy bills as your furnace works harder to keep your house warm.

This is one of the easier cracked heat exchanger symptoms to spot – you can actually see it. Carbon monoxide is still a potential danger in this situation, so be vigilant.

Contact Professional Services in Cedarburg, WI

There are several cracked heat exchanger symptoms to look for if you would like to ensure your family and home remain safe. Even if the symptoms are noticeable, like yellow flames or some flu-like symptoms, it’s very easy to overlook them. After all, you probably don't think of the furnace as a reason you’re feeling under the weather!

Whether you need help with a cracked heat exchanger or suspect you need a boiler repair, just call Professional Services in Cedarburg, WI, or visit our website! The team can answer questions and will respond quickly to your call to keep you safe.