Why your Heat Exchanger Cracks

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The most common reason a heat exchanger cracks is normal wear and tear. A furnace lasts between 15 and 20 years – over that time, the metal on the heat exchanger heats up and expands, and then contracts as it cools. Over a long span of time, this expanding and contracting of the metal can damage it, causing cracks. After a 15-20 years, it’s a good idea to just buy a new unit, as your furnace is most likely on its last leg anyway. However, if your furnace technician has found a crack in your heat exchanger, and your furnace is still relatively new, there could be some improper maintenance causes:Limited Air FlowIf your furnace filter is dirty and hasn’t been changed, or the furnace can’t bring air into the unit because of furniture blocking return vents, your heat exchangers could crack. Without sufficient airflow, the burners and heat exchangers have to heat up to higher temperatures to combat the limited air supply, which could cause damage.CombustionIf the burners on your furnace aren’t combusting the gas properly, they could burn hotter, heating up the metal of the heat exchanger to higher temperatures, causing cracks.RustSometimes condensation occurs with gas furnaces. If this condensation isn’t cleaned out or disposed of properly, the heat exchangers could rust.Why is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Bad News?Although not every crack in a heat exchanger means you will be sick with carbon monoxide poisoning, the crack has the potential to get bigger and cause sickness or death. There’s no simple way to fix the cracks either. The American Gas Association has said that if a heat exchanger is cracked, it must be replaced.Will my Home Warranty Cover the Replacement?If you have a Landmark home warranty and you get the bad news that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, your first question will most likely be: “Will my home warranty cover this?”The answer is yes! As long as the crack has developed within the time of your contract, and was due to normal wear and tear, Landmark Home Warranty will cover the repair or replacement for only $60.You can ensure that your heat exchanger is covered by a home warranty by doing a few things:1. Proper MaintenanceMake sure to change your furnace filter every one to three months, and complete other maintenance that your furnace manufacturer recommends. This will ensure your heat exchangers only crack from wear and tear, and will be covered by your home warranty.2. Hire a HVAC Technician for an InspectionAlthough not required to purchase a home warranty, home inspections are always a good idea. Home warranty companies generally determine how long a heat exchanger crack has been developing by its size, as well as the home inspection. If the inspector looks at the heat exchangers with a mirror, and checks it with a CO2 detector to ensure no carbon monoxide is present, he or she should note that on the inspection report. The home warranty company will be able to see there was no crack at the beginning of the home warranty contract.For more information on what a home warranty covers when it comes to furnaces, go to our coverage details page. You can learn more about home warranties by browsing our home page as well.