Seven Signs of a Faulty Heat Exchanger in Farmers Branch

Do you know all the signs of a faulty heat exchanger? As the trusted provider of furnace repair services in Farmers Branch, TX, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating can help protect you from this dangerous malfunction. From Elm Fork Trinity River to W. T. White High School, the community relies on us to keep them comfortable year-round.

The Important Role of a Heat Exchanger

What does a heat exchanger do? It allows the furnace’s combusted gas to safely heat a coil, which then warms any air that passes over it. In that way, it helps contain the noxious gases in a safe space so they don’t leak into your home.

Notably, only gas furnaces have a heat exchanger. In an electrical device, the fuel directly heats the coils that the air passes over rather than containing natural gas.

Seven Signs Your Farmers Branch Heat Exchanger Needs Repairs

A faulty heat exchanger can leave your home vulnerable to pollution, carbon monoxide, and cold temperatures. If you notice any of these signs, call for repairs immediately.

1. The Burner Flame Doesn’t Burn Blue

Flame discoloration at the pilot light is a common sign of problems in older furnaces. When the device functions as intended, the flame should look solid blue. A yellow or orange flame can mean you have a carbon monoxide leak or a problem with the furnace components.

2. You Notice Strange Smells

Unusual furnace odors are common signs of a faulty heat exchanger in Farmers Branch. If you notice any of the following odors, shut down your system and wait for repairs:

• Formaldehyde has a strong chemical smell. This smell is a common and early indicator that you have a crack in a component that’s leaking gases.
• Burning smells should disappear after several minutes. If they persist, you could have a damaged heat exchanger.
• The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs means you have a gas leak somewhere, though not necessarily in the heat exchanger.
• If you smell vinegar, you may have mold or bacteria accumulating on a broken heat exchanger.

3. The Metal Has Soot or Looks Discolored

When you notice soot buildup in or around your furnace, it often means your heat exchanger has a leak. You may also see the metal turning a hue of blue or yellow due to oxidation or other chemical interactions. 

If you schedule annual maintenance, a certified HVAC technician may catch this issue before it can threaten the health and safety of your family.

4. The Furnace Makes Unusual Noises

Normally, your furnace should run relatively silently, so if there’s an unusual noise, you’ll likely notice it. When it comes to heat exchangers, the most common sounds include:

• Popping indicates gas is leaking out of the heat exchanger and igniting.
• Rattling suggests loose connections or a cracked component expanding as it heats up.
• Banging can mean gas is starting to build up before igniting. 

There might also be dirt accumulating on the pilot light.

5. Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Alert You

Carbon monoxide leaks are among the most dangerous signs of a faulty heat exchanger in Farmers Branch. When you have a crack in your component, the chemical can leak into your home, causing serious health complications. You should install a detector near your furnace so that it can alert you before the gas harms you.

6. Parts Look Corroded or Damaged

When you have a cracked heat exchanger, you may see the damage if you put in the effort to look. If you’re unsatisfied with your furnace’s performance or notice other concerning signs, you should inspect it.

You can find the component near the bottom of the furnace beneath the combustion chamber. Look for cracks, discoloration, or other forms of obvious damage.

7. The System Doesn’t Keep You Warm

Several issues can cause inconsistent heating from a furnace. If you notice some rooms have different temperatures, first check your air filter and look for obstructions in your ductwork or vents.

If these look clean, you likely have a problem with your heat exchanger. You’ll need the expertise of a certified professional to troubleshoot the problem, and you should never attempt repairs yourself.