You may have heard news stories about people passing away in their sleep or suffering from brain and heart damage due to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the “ Silent Killer” as it’s known by many, can be prevented if you are proactive and aware of the steps you can take to protect yourself. Something as simple as a cracked heat exchanger can be a threat.

To you, replacing a cracked heat exchanger is another part of your residential or commercial property upkeep. However, you might not realize just how important it is to have routine maintenance performed on your furnace in the cold season. A damaged exchanger can allow the odorless gas to leak into your living space, and this can have a tragic outcome. Here’s how you can keep your house warm and safe this winter.

Understanding your furnace

When you turn on your furnace this year, pay a little more attention to the working parts. The heat exchanger plays a major role when releasing hot air from the flue to the warm air you breathe inside. The metal of the exchanger is durable, but thin and undergoes constant expansion and contraction as the furnace flames are turned up and then cooled down.

Over time, the heat exchanger’s integrity will wear out and eventually crack. When properly maintained, this part of your furnace can last twenty years. But as it reaches twenty-five, you should have it replaced regardless of condition. This is also a part of your furnace that you’ll never want to repair. A brand new heat exchanger will be necessary to ensure the safety and proper functionality of your furnace.

Prevention methods

If the heat exchanger in your furnace has been replaced recently or is not cracked, then there’s some preventative maintenance you should be implementing.

First, take the time to clean out filters and vents on a regular basis. Download our app for regular reminders, put it on your calendar, or tie a string around your finger. Use whatever method will help you remember to keep the air flow clean, so the system doesn’t get overworked. This will give your unit a longer life (and save you money on repairs and replacement). 

Second, pay attention to how much moisture is in the area of your furnace. Too much condensation will cause rusting, and this can wreak havoc on a furnace (and cost you a lot of money in the future).

Third, make sure that the burners work properly so gas combustion occurs the way it should. If it doesn’t, the heat exchanger has to work even harder, and this will cause issues.

Bring in a professional

Whether you need a second opinion, a heating inspection, or a replacement furnace, don’t hesitate to bring in one of the experienced and qualified HVAC contractors at SSI. By taking the time to care for your unit, you’ll actually be saving money in the long run. But more than that, you’ll be protecting the safety of those who breathe the air in your home. Schedule a service call today before the winter months are in full swing.