Every home furnace has two sections: the compartment containing the breathable air that is pumped throughout the building, and the compartment where combustion takes place. A piece of metal separates the two, thin enough that the heat in the combustion chamber can warm up the breathable air. But when something damages this divider, dangerous combustion fumes may leak into the air you breathe, meaning that you need heat exchanger repairs. For the sake of your family’s health, it’s important to periodically check for signs of damage. Here are a few.

If You Notice These Three Signs, Contact Experts for Heat Exchanger Repairs Immediately

1. Soot Discoloration

If all is working as it should, the combustion reaction should stay sealed in its section, with the dangerous fumes it produces pumped safely outside. But when a crack appears in the heat exchanger — even one small enough to be invisible to the naked eye — some of those fumes will trickle over, leaving signs of discoloration in the furnace. If you notice soot in the part of your furnace that should hold breathable air, call a radiator professional immediately.

2. Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion. It’s dangerous to humans, causing wooziness, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and even death after prolonged exposure. Broken heating systems are among the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. Every structure should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. If yours goes off, have the furnace checked for damage and leaks as soon as possible.

3. Wavering Furnace Flames

One way to visually check for signs of heat exchanger leakage is to observe the furnace flame while the thermostat is turned up. If it moves around when the blower fan is switched on, wavering as if a breeze is blowing on it, then there’s a good chance you have a leak that needs to be repaired.

If you’re seeking assistance with heat exchanger repairs, or other maintenance needs like radiator and fuel tank repairs, then contact the experts at American Radiator & Heat Exchanges. With over 65 years of combined experience among their team members, they serve industrial and residential clients in St. Louis, MO, with services focused on quality and efficiency. Learn more about their range of services today by visiting them online or calling (314) 725-3357.