Is it worth replacing a heat exchanger in a furnace?
Replacing your furnace’s heat exchanger would be a good route to take if your furnace is fairly new. However, it is not worth spending your money on replacing your heat exchanger when it is near the end of its life span, which is ten years or more.
How long should a furnace heat exchanger last?
15 to 25 years
In the past, heat exchangers were often built with heavy metals, such as cast iron. These exchangers can last as long as 30 or 40 years, much longer than the steel exchangers most manufacturers build today. Modern stainless or aluminized steel heat exchangers typically have a life span of 15 to 25 years.
How often do heat exchangers need to be replaced?
between 10 to 20 years
Heat exchangers last between 10 to 20 years, depending on the furnace maintenance, parts’ quality, and usage.
How much does it cost to replace a heat exchanger on a furnace?
$2,000 to $3,500
If so, here’s the thing: replacing a heat exchanger isn’t as simple or affordable as it sounds. In fact, replacing a furnace heat exchanger can take up to 8 hours and can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500.
Is it safe to run a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger?
Rule #1: If your Heat Exchanger has been deemed cracked by a HVAC professional you should NOT be running it. Unfortunately, some owners will attempt to run their furnace even when a cracked heat exchanger has been detected.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
Six Signs Your Furnace Heat Exchanger May be Cracked
- Strange smells. A malfunctioning heat exchanger will often create an unpleasant and strong odor that smells similar to formaldehyde.
- Soot Build-up. …
- Corrosion & Cracks. …
- Change in the flame appearance. …
- Audible Sounds. …
- Presence of Carbon Monoxide.
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What is the life of a heat exchanger?
about 15 years
The heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air that circulates through your home in the winter. Heat exchangers usually last about 15 years. If you invest in maintenance, yours might even last 20.
What causes a furnace heat exchanger to crack?
What is the cause of heat exchanger cracks? Overheating causes nearly all premature heat exchanger cracks. When a furnace cannot get enough airflow, the heat exchanger overheats and suffers excess stress from expansion and contraction. Over time, the heat stress causes cracks near weak areas such as bends or welds.
How do I test my furnace heat exchanger?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Basically there you go take the circuit board out you're going to take the screws out of the blower. So that you can access the guts of the furnace. And it's basically two metal cells stamped.
Are heat exchangers worth it?
The benefits of installing a heat exchanger in a home include improved moisture removal, decrease in the potential of structural damage, elimination of harmful pollutants, and reduced energy costs. The resulting improved indoor air quality can affect the home occupants and their health in a positive manner.
What is the most reliable furnace brand?
The Best Furnace Brands of 2022
- Lennox. Known for: Lennox furnaces offer a wide range of options, including noise-reducing features with variable blower motors. …
- Trane. …
- Goodman. …
- American Standard. …
- Amana. …
- Bryant. …
- Carrier. …
- Rheem.
How long do Goodman heat exchangers last?
The heat exchanger will typically last for the life of the furnace, which can be anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more.
How much is a heat exchanger for a Goodman furnace?
Goodman heat exchangers cost $260 to $860. Lennox heat exchangers cost $260 to $840.
How long do Trane heat exchangers last?
15-20 years
If you want to pin us down to a generalized answer it would be 15-20 years. That lifespan can be significantly shortened if the furnace doesn’t receive regular maintenance, was improperly installed, or is a furnace that doesn’t use top-of-the line materials. Kotz is proud to be a Trane Comfort Specialist dealer.
What happens when heat exchanger fails?
The problem is that all heat exchangers will eventually fail, developing holes or cracks that allow those poisonous gases to leak out and contaminate your home’s air. These leaks can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. In fact, cracked heat exchangers are one of the major causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes.
How often do heat exchangers crack?
If you’ve poorly maintained your system, rust can build on the components and develop cracks. The average lifespan of a furnace’s heat exchanger is 15 years. If your gas furnace is about that age, the chances are high that the heat exchanger can crack.
How long do furnaces usually last?
15 to 20 years
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
How serious is a cracked heat exchanger?
There are so many things that can go wrong with your heating system, but a cracked heat exchanger is the worst of them all. A crack in this vital piece of equipment will cause it to malfunction and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or even death.
Can a cracked heat exchanger make you sick?
Developing Illnesses. If you or your family start to develop flu-like symptoms such as headaches, skin irritation, disorientation, or nausea, this is a sign that your heat exchanger has damage. Your cracked heat exchanger could leak toxic chemicals into your home and cause your family to feel sick.
