A Crack In Your Furnaces Heat Exchange


A heat exchanger is a device built for efficient heat transfer from one medium to another, the media are separated by a solid wall so The Indoor air and Flue Gases never mix.(unless you have a crack in your Exchange which will leak flue gases into indoor air) They are widely used in Residential Furnaces.

A cracked heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the house. "A furnace with a cracked heat exchanger can still be working, and usually is, which means the gas will be circulated throughout the house--silently. and over a period of time." In addition to the heat exchanger, an Command Service Technician must check flue pipes to be sure they are not blocked, causing inadequate draft that allows the carbon monoxide to flow back into the house. "Flue blockage can be caused by a number of things, including a squirrel or bird's nest, or even cement from sloppy construction workers."

The Hidden Dangers of Carbon Monoxide


(ARA) - With the bitter cold weather comes the danger of deadly carbon monoxide, also known as CO. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CO poisoning sends more than 15,000 people to the hospital each year.

Because you can not see it, smell it, or taste it, you or your loved ones could be exposed to CO without even knowing it. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent product safety certification organization, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urge families to INSPECT, PROTECT and DETECT when it comes to CO safety this winter:

1. Have a qualified technician INSPECT fuel-burning appliances at least once a year.
* Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves require yearly maintenance.

2. PROTECT your home by purchasing and installing a CO alarm.
* Purchase and install UL-Listed CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

*If you already have CO alarms installed in your home, make sure to test them frequently and replace the battery at least once a year.

3. Be prepared should your CO alarm DETECT a problem.
We use "state of the art" imaging devices to look for cracks in your heat exchanger.
Heat exchanger cracks come in different sizes and places.
An orange colored flame indicates a dirty burner therefore producing carbon monoxide and loss of your furnace efficiency.


A Different crack.
Simple Diagram of a cracked exchange.

Why A yearly furnace Clean and Check is so important

When your furnace is cleaned and check we do a 33 point inspection on the furnace and flue pipe. Checking for cracks in the heat exchanger and a varity of other inpections. A clean and check insures you that your furnace is safe to run all winter and isn't producing any carbon monoxide into your home.

  Flame "roll out" due to improper flue venting or cracked heat exchanger.