Carbon Monoxide and Heat Exchangers

November 02, 2018

Carbon monoxide, the poisonous, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas responsible for more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room every year, can pose a danger from unforeseen sources in your home, including fireplaces, water heaters and generators. Improper ventilation of fuel-burning appliances and exhaust from running automobile engines in attached garages are commonly associated with dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Another potential origin of carbon monoxide in your living space is your furnace.

Facts about Carbon Monoxide 

What is a heat exchanger and why is it essential?
A furnace's heat exchanger is a metal component that transfers heat from the fuel being burned while keeping the air in your home from mixing with the furnace exhaust. Sometimes the heat exchanger fails, either from cracks caused by constant expansion and contraction due to heating and cooling of the metal, or from rust. When a heat exchanger fails—under particular conditions—the exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, can blend with the air in the house. A properly running furnace should not create significant levels of carbon monoxide; however, a cracked or leaking heat exchanger can present a safety risk.

What are the hazards connected with a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger could permit exhaust gas from the furnace to contaminate the household air with exhaust gases including carbon monoxide. In order for this to happen, the furnace must be giving off high levels of carbon monoxide and the exhaust gas must be joining with the household air. This could lead to serious sickness and even death.

Free HVAC for dummies ebook

What are the warnings of a cracked heat exchanger?
In addition to a visual inspection to establish a crack, there are a few indicators of a potential complication with your heat exchanger that you may observe. If you turn the heat on and the flames flicker and seem devilish, this could be a indication that circulated air from the furnace is getting into the combustion area and you should have it inspected by an HVAC technician. Although you certainly hope it doesn’t reach this point, other signs of trouble include carbon monoxide detectors sounding and you or your family members feeling sick, lightheaded or nauseous. To ensure the safety of all occupants, all homes should have a operational carbon monoxide detector and batteries should be replaced routinely.


What happens after an HVAC technician identifies a cracked heat exchanger?

 Common sources of carbon monoxide in homes



Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning recommends changing your carbon monoxide detectors every five years and checking your carbon monoxide detectors each month to make sure the batteries and alarm are working properly. And by keeping up with the regular maintenance of your equipment, you will have peace of mind knowing that it’s going to be safe. If you suspect a problem with your heat exchanger or need to have an analysis of carbon monoxide levels in your home, call Rolf Griffin Service Experts today at 260-557-1275 or schedule an appointment online.

Tips for keeping the home safe from carbon monoxide 
Contact Us