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Cost Of Heat Exchanger For Furnace:
By this time of year, you likely are prepared for the cooler temperatures of fall. You probably have had your heating system inspected. And though you expected it to be in tip-top shape, ready to keep you and your family warm, maybe you discovered a problem: your furnace is on the fritz due to a cracked heat exchanger. So, now what? Should you buy a new heat exchanger? Or should you replace your entire furnace?
WHAT IS A HEAT EXCHANGER?
First, you should know some details about heat exchangers. A heat exchanger is a component of your furnace that allows your system to heat the air that is circulated through your home. It is a gas-to-air heat transfer mechanism that shifts thermal energy from fuel burned by your furnace to the air. It is the component through which the combustion products (i.e. toxic gases) created during furnace fuel combustion pass and are collected, before being released by way of a ventilation exhaust component. A crack in your heat exchanger is extremely dangerous because toxic gases (e.g. carbon monoxide fumes) can leak into the air from the crack and fatally poison you and your loved ones.
CAUSES OF CRACKS
A heat exchanger can crack due to usage. Repeated heating and cooling as the furnace turns on and heats the metal heat exchanger causes expansion and contraction. This constant cycle stresses the metal component, eventually causing it to crack. The risk of cracks forming in a heat exchanger can increase for other reasons during usage, for example, poor airflow or incomplete combustion within the furnace that can result in overheating. While these issues can be avoided to some extent with regularly scheduled maintenance, the possibility of cracking is always present.
A heat exchanger can also crack due to age. The normal wear and tear that comes with use can result in cracking of the heat exchanger. If your furnace is over ten years old, it is at least halfway to the end of its operational lifespan; and the heat exchanger wears out as your furnace system ages. Consistent and proper maintenance can help keep cracking at bay for longer, but cracks will develop eventually.
An incorrectly sized furnace can also result in premature cracking of the heat exchanger. If your furnace is oversized, it works harder to heat your home—it turns on and off more often and runs for excessively long periods—and this stresses the heat exchanger significantly. Further, condensation can build up inside the heat exchanger of an oversized furnace, which causes rust problems that lead to splitting or cracking. If your furnace is undersized, airflow problems often develop because dirt and dust blocks and clogs elements like the filter, coils, and blowers. The poor airflow results in overheating, as mentioned before, leading to heat exchanger cracks.
OPTIONS: NEW HEAT EXCHANGER VS. NEW FURNACE
Damaged heat exchangers cannot be repaired; when a heat exchanger cracks it must be replaced to avoid the dangers of poisonous gas exposure. Professional heating technicians must completely shut down a failed furnace to inspect it and assess the problem; and if the heat exchanger is cracked action must be taken to replace it or to replace the entire furnace before your heat can be turned on again. You might choose to replace the heat exchanger if you have a relatively new heating system with a furnace that is under ten years old, or if your furnace is under warranty. This option might be more cost-effective in the short term. However, you might choose to replace the entire furnace instead which is often the better choice if you have an older furnace. Though replacing the furnace can be more costly upfront, it is usually a better investment overall when you consider the greater efficiency of new systems (i.e. the ability to lower your carbon footprint and save money in the long term).
If you need an inspection of your heating system, the professionals at The Coolest LLC can help! The Coolest is your best resource for answering questions about your options and helping you choose the ideal heating solution for your home. The Austin-based team of experienced HVAC specialists can provide expert advice and customized recommendations based on your preferences. Contact The Coolest today to discuss HVAC solutions that will best meet your needs.
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