The heat exchanger is the most important part of your heating and cooling system, allowing heat to transfer between mediums to keep your home at the optimal temperature. However, if a crack develops in your unit’s heat exchanger, then you might be looking at either an expensive repair or replacement.

If you’ve never had a problem with your home’s heat exchanger, it can be hard to know whether you need a new unit or if a repair will do. Learn whether you need to replace your heat exchanger or if you should schedule a cracked heat exchanger repair for your heating system.

Look for Soot Build-Up

It is normal for your heat exchanger to produce soot through its normal functioning. However, the soot should not remain in your unit, meaning that you should pay close attention to soot build-up. If you notice a good deal of soot build-up inside your heat exchanger, it is a sign of a serious crack that warrants replacement.

When your heat exchanger starts working below its optimal level, you should first check for the presence of soot, which will clearly show you whether you’re looking at a repair or a total replacement.

Pay Attention to Water Leakage

Although there will always be water within your heat exchanger, it should stay within your system and not leak. If, however, you notice water leakage from your heat exchanger, it is almost always a sign of a crack within your unit.

Fortunately, the existence of a water leak does not always mean that you’ll have to replace your heat exchanger. If only a small amount of water is leaking from your unit, it means that the crack is small and your unit does not need to be replaced and only needs regular heating repair Scottsdale.

Don’t Ignore Carbon Monoxide Build-Up

Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gasses that there is, causing untold harm if allowed to accumulate in your home. While your heat exchanger will naturally produce some carbon monoxide, it should be safely contained within the unit until it is vented.

If you suspect a problem with your heat exchanger, check the flue pipe for carbon monoxide build-up, and if you detect high levels, it means that your exchanger is cracked and needs immediate replacement.

Is the Smoking Agent Leaking?

A good way to detect the presence of cracks throughout your heating system, including in your heat exchanger, is through the use of a smoking agent. The extent to which the smoking agent leaks out of your system will give you a good idea of the size of your crack and will let you know whether you’re looking at a repair or a replacement.

If only a small amount of the smoking agent leaks from your exchanger, it means the crack is minor and you can usually leave it be.

Check the Color of Your Flame

Finally, the best indicator that you need a new heat exchanger is the color of your pilot light. If your exchanger is working properly, your pilot light should be a bright blue color. However, if the flame is a yellow-orange color, or is erratic, then it means a big issue with your heat exchanger that usually means you’ll need to replace your unit.

Schedule Cracked Heat Exchanger Repair

If you decide that your unit needs repair, it is crucial that you work with a reliable Scottsdale heating exchanger repair company. The right company will be able to examine your system and identify areas that need attention, and can even help you fix the issue should the need arise.

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Contact the heating unit experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to learn more about getting your heat exchanger repaired. Email us or call 480-359-7141 now!