A furnace heat exchanger is a crucial component in any furnace. These devices are responsible for the furnace’s proper function. But what exactly is a heat exchanger? And how does it work? Today, we’ll examine furnace heat exchangers, how they work, and more. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about heat exchangers.
The furnace heat exchanger is a component of your furnace that is responsible for transferring heat from the burning gas to the air that is circulated throughout your home. The heat exchanger is a series of metal tubes that run through the furnace. The tubes are surrounded by a furnace heat exchanger coil.
When the furnace is turned on, the gas burning in the furnace heats the tubes and the coil. This heat is then transferred to the air that is circulated through the furnace. The furnace heat exchanger is an important part of your furnace and it’s responsible for heating your home.
What are the different types of furnace heat exchangers?
The three main types of heat exchangers are coil type, plate type, and shell and tube type. These heat exchangers are designed for different applications, from residential to commercial to industrial applications.
The coil-type heat exchanger is usually made up of copper tubing that is coiled around a steel core. The hot gas flows through the copper tubing and the heat is transferred to the water that flows through the steel core. This type of heat exchanger is usually found in residential furnaces.
The plate-type heat exchanger is made up of a series of metal plates that are spaced evenly apart. The hot gas flows between the plates and the heat is transferred to the water that flows over the top of the plates. This type of heat exchanger is usually found in commercial furnaces.
The shell and tube-type heat exchanger is made up of a series of copper tubes that are enclosed in a steel shell. The hot gas flows through the copper tubes and the heat is transferred to the water that flows through the steel shell. This type of heat exchanger is usually found in industrial furnaces.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger is a serious problem and should be fixed as soon as possible. There
are several signs that you can look for to tell if your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked.
If your furnace is working harder than it should to produce heat, you’ll probably notice an increase in your energy bills. If your energy bills are higher than normal, it’s likely that the heat exchanger is cracked and needs to be replaced. A cracked furnace heat exchanger can also cause a lot of noise, especially when the furnace is running.
Furthermore, if you can feel warm air coming out of the furnace, it’s likely that the heat exchanger is cracked. You should also regularly check if the exhaust from your furnace is rusty or discolored. If so, it’s likely that the heat exchanger is cracked.
Finally, a cracked heat exchanger can produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. If you suspect that you’re being exposed to carbon monoxide, call a professional immediately.
How often should I have my furnace heat exchanger inspected?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the type of furnace, the age of the furnace, and the climate where you live. That said, a good rule of thumb is to have your furnace heat exchanger inspected at least once a year.
If you have a gas furnace, the heat exchanger should be inspected annually, as well as any time you have the furnace serviced. If you have an oil furnace, the heat exchanger should be inspected every other year.
If your furnace is over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to have the heat exchanger inspected every year, regardless of the type of furnace. And if you live in a particularly harsh climate, you may want to have the heat exchanger inspected more often.
The bottom line is that it’s necessary to have your furnace heat exchanger inspected regularly to ensure that it’s in good condition and functioning properly. Furthermore, these inspections can help you avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a cracked heat exchanger.
Take good care of your heat exchanger.
Overall, furnace heat exchangers are important components of furnaces and work to heat up the air in a home. They work by exchanging heat between the air and the gas inside the furnace. This helps to heat up the air and circulate it throughout the home. Remember to watch out for the signs of a cracked heat exchanger and have it inspected regularly to keep it in good condition.