If you notice some malfunctioning with your heating system, but it continues to function, it is easy to postpone the need for heater repair. However, if you suspect the source of the malfunction is a crack on the heat exchanger, you need to seek emergency residential heater repair. Read on to understand why.

What Causes Cracks?

The heat exchanger's main role is to generate hot air by burning gases. The by-products of the burnt gas travel through it to the exhaust. Since the heat exchange comprises metal tubes and shells, it often gets extremely hot, and thus, expands and contracts. The exchanger can withstand this heat and the regular expansion and contraction with proper maintenance.

However, over years of use, the pressure from expansion and contraction can cause cracks. Most cracks occur from normal use and wear and tear. Nonetheless, other factors can cause cracks.

Other Causes for Cracks 

Besides wear and tear, the cracks could be due to two other reasons. The first is when there is restricted airflow that creates excess pressure. The pressure can be higher if the unit has some blocked registers (due to dirt or obstacles). The excess pressure will then cause cracks.

The second reason could be installing a bigger furnace than the house needs. When shopping for a heating system, you need to choose the right size of furnace. An improperly sized heating system could frequently switch the system on and off, which is known as short cycling. The cycles will force your exchanger through numerous cycles of expansion and contraction, leading to cracks.

Signs to Check For

Check if your heating system is:

• Producing yellow furnace flame
• Releasing an unpleasant smell
• Creating too much soot
• Collecting a puddle of water around the heater

Why You Need Emergency Repair Services

You should treat a suspected crack in your heating system with urgency. The exchanger harbors numerous gases, like carbon monoxide, as by-products. So, when it cracks, these gases could leak, causing illnesses and resulting in deaths if the leak is substantial. 

The crack could also cause a flame out. When the gas and air mix, uncombusted gas will build up until it becomes explosive. It can then force flames through the crack. 

Get Immediate Residential Heater System Repair

Have you noticed any of the signs highlighted above on your heating system? Call in an HVAC technician. A professional can tell you more about furnace repair.