Maintaining the furnace in your Hayes, VA home will help the furnace last longer. One problem you definitely want to avoid is a cracked heat exchanger. Here are some warning signs that could indicate your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger.
The Furnace Flame Is Not Blue
A gas furnace normally has a blue flame. When the flame is blue, you know the furnace is working properly. But there’s cause for alarm if the flame changes color.
A dirty burner can cause the flame to burn yellow. But if the heat exchanger has a crack, that also can cause a yellow flame. Contact an HVAC professional for maintenance as soon as possible.
The Furnace Stinks
When a heat exchanger has a crack, it emits a bad smell. Some homeowners say the pungent smell similar to vinegar, pickles, or formaldehyde. Inhaling the odor can cause headaches, so it’s important to repair the furnace as soon as possible.
Soot in the Furnace
Soot typically develops when a furnace has an accumulation of carbon. But a heat exchanger with a crack can also make soot develop. Another possibility is the burner needs adjusting.
An HVAC technician can determine why there’s soot in the furnace. If the heat exchanger doesn’t have a crack, then the furnace might need a simple cleaning.
Cracks or Corrosion on the Furnace
Are there cracks or rust on the outside of the furnace? If so, that can indicate a problem with the heat exchanger. Cracks or rust on a furnace often mean there’s internal damage.
Water Pooling Around the Furnace
If the furnace has condensation issues, this could explain why there’s water at its base. But if condensation isn’t an issue, the heat exchanger is possibly the problem.
Contact Comfortable Climate Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to repair or replace your furnace. We can also help by providing additional cooling and heating services.
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