What is a cracked heat exchanger, and why does it matter in Faribault winters?

The heat exchanger is the metal component inside a gas furnace that transfers heat to your home's air while keeping combustion gases separate. Over years of heating and cooling cycles, especially the heavy demand of Faribault's long, cold winters, the metal can develop cracks. That's serious because a cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, into the air you breathe. In older Faribault homes with aging furnaces, this is one of the safety items we take most seriously. During the inspection we examine the furnace operation, look for visible cracks and signs of corrosion or flame disturbance where accessible, and check for proper venting and the presence of working carbon monoxide detectors. Because much of the heat exchanger is hidden inside the unit, when we see warning signs we recommend a licensed HVAC technician perform a closer evaluation, sometimes with a camera. If a furnace has a confirmed cracked heat exchanger, it typically needs to be replaced rather than repaired. Don't take chances with CO. To have a furnace checked, call us or build a free instant quote online.