Learn about replacing furnace heat exchangers, the process, and how much it costs.
We’ll identify potential reasons for fixing the heat exchanger in your furnace. We’ll also explain the cost implications, what to do before replacing the component, and other things.
Furnace Heat Exchanger Replacement
Is it worth replacing a heat exchanger? Yes.
Furnace heat exchanger repair is crucial to providing enough airflow and stopping carbon monoxide leaks.
Failure to accomplish this may result in other problems, such as reduced productivity and possible health risks. Naturally, you won’t want it for your family or yourself.
Reasons to Replace Your Furnace Heat Exchanger
Your furnace’s heat exchanger may need to be replaced for various reasons.
These include reduced heating efficiency, carbon monoxide leakage, and exchanger cracks or holes. That is an additional reason if it is out-of-date and no longer complies with safety rules.
Furthermore, it can be time for an upgrade if your furnace heat exchanger isn’t working to your satisfaction, isn’t the right size for your house, or emits strange smells.
Replacing this part will significantly improve your heating system’s performance and safety. To better understand, let’s go over a few of these reasons.
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Cracks or Holes in the Exchanger
Finding holes or cracks in a furnace heat exchanger is usually tricky.
The best approach is to hire an expert to inspect the exchanger. They will employ particular tools and methods to identify and fix any problems.
Carbon monoxide can escape into your home due to harmful cracks and holes in the furnace exchangers.
This flaw is brought on by deterioration over time, incorrect installation, or poor upkeep. Plan regular checks and repairs by an expert technician to ensure your system operates correctly.
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Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Another excellent reason to replace your furnace heat exchanger is if you notice carbon monoxide leaks, which corrosion or cracks in the heat exchanger can cause.
If your heating system releases carbon monoxide into your home, you and your family are at serious risk for health problems.
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Decreasing Heating Efficiency
Many issues might cause furnace heat exchangers to lose heating efficacy. These include outdated equipment and poor upkeep.
A broken thermostat or limited airflow may prevent the furnace from heating the house as effectively as possible.
Addressing these issues immediately can restore your family’s comfort and prevent further problems. In most cases, replacing the furnace heat exchanger may be essential.
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Outdated or No Longer Meets Safety Standards
Proper upkeep should last furnace heat exchangers 15 to 20 years.
If yours is older than that, it might be time for a replacement. Since the system has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer safe to use, fixing the part won’t fix the problem.
You can determine the life of your furnace heat exchanger by following the manufacturer’s directions. Another option is to examine the heat exchanger’s etched serial number.
Some brands write the date of manufacture on the serial number.
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Not Meeting Your Home Needs
Lastly, if your furnace is not meeting your house’s heating needs or is breaking down frequently, it may be time to replace it.
Maintaining a safe and warm home should be your first concern. Speak with a professional to find the best course of action.
Furnace Heat Exchanger Replacement Cost
Before making a choice, it’s critical to understand the cost of replacing your heating system.
This knowledge will enable you to make well-informed decisions about your house’s most cost-effective heating system.
Such a unit can be changed for between $1,500 and $3,500.
However, several factors may cause the price to fluctuate, including heating performance, warranty coverage, furnace age, labor, installation complexity, and other relevant factors.
Heat exchanger repair labor costs range from $70 to $125 per hour.
If the installation is complex, you’ll spend more than anticipated because the expert will need more time and effort.
Replacing all broken parts might be more cost-effective if your furnace is ten years or older.
Furnace Heat Exchanger Replacement Preparatory Tips
Before replacing a furnace heat exchanger, you must do a few things.
The first step is to assess your financial situation to see if you can afford the repairs. Next, put your safety first. You must make sure the furnace’s power source is turned off entirely.
Wearing the proper safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves, is also critical. Failure to do so may lead to death or severe injury.
After that, get what you need, including supplies and tools. A hammer, nails, screws, and a screwdriver are among the supplies you’ll need.
You can start your project as soon as you have everything you need. When working, make sure that nothing that could be ignited is near the furnace.
Verifying the coverage of your warranty is an additional crucial step. If a new furnace installation is not properly maintained, its warranty may be void.
Therefore, arranging regular maintenance inspections with a qualified expert is vital.
Furnace Heat Exchanger Replacement Process
After obtaining every needed item, the next step is to contact a qualified expert to start the replacement procedure. If you know enough about it, you can finish the procedure independently.
Disconnect the gas furnace before removing the old exchanger to avoid gas leaks during the removal process. Then, carefully replace the old exchanger and reconnect the gas furnace to ensure correct operation.
To install the new one, align it with the mounting bracket or housing, place it in place, and fasten it with screws or bolts.
Before turning on the gas supply and testing the furnace, ensure it is sturdy and correctly installed.
After that, test your job by turning on the gas, checking the electrical system to ensure it works properly, testing the new ignition system, watching the flame and combustion, and looking for leaks before declaring the job finished.
One of the most critical furnace maintenance duties is replacing the furnace heat exchanger; failure to do so can pose a significant safety risk.
As stated above, you must replace your furnace heat exchanger when you discover damage.
The steps above describe the procedure for changing a furnace heat exchanger. However, it is advised that a qualified HVAC specialist be employed for this task.
They possess the knowledge and expertise to ensure a safe and accurate repair.