HVAC Question For The Experts: Cracked Heat Exchanger Furnace?

[slow&rusty]

Guys - My "new" place here in Houston, has a cracked heat exchanger in the (natural gas) furnace, it has probably been like this for a while. The furnace is an antique and while I will definitely replace the whole thing with something new and more energy efficient fairly soon, what are health detriments with a cracked heat exchanger? Is there a possibility for CO? I know that the combustion is not efficient with a cracked exchanger and have seen the crackling of the natural gas flames around the cracks and the vortex of air as well.
Thanks!
Yasin

[s_wilwerding]

Get a CO detector - as long as that's not sounding, and the furnace has proper exhaust ducting, you're probably OK for awhile.

[1990C4S]

You need to replace it. Now.

The heat exchanger separates the combustion gases from your house air, a crack can kill you. Gas service techs are required to lock your furnace out if they find a cracked exchanger. For good reason.

It won't likely kill you, lots of people have cracked heat exchangers, but why take a chance?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

At the very least get a CO detector or five

[MotoSook]

A new gas furnace isn't that expensive. Probably less than the cost of a set of Fuchs.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Also agreed. Many are up well over 0.90 AFUE also. If he's really in a jam and literally can't afford it he really needs to get CO monitoring in there... It can kill you quickly and with very little warning.

[1990C4S]

On the flip side, it's a painless way to go.

Buy a CO detector and start shopping for a furnace today. It takes a few days to do the research and shop around. You need a new furnace, you are only saving the interest on a few thousand dollars by delaying.

[Halm]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

You need to replace it. Now.

The heat exchanger separates the combustion gases from your house air, a crack can kill you. Gas service techs are required to lock your furnace out if they find a cracked exchanger. For good reason.

It won't likely kill you, lots of people have cracked heat exchangers, but why take a chance?

+1 New furnace ASAP.

[billybek]

Good time to upgrade to a high efficiency furnace!
Do it soon.

[rick-l]

How do you know you have a cracked heat exchanger?

[VINMAN]

Replace it immediately! Dont even give it a second thought.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Replace it immediately! Dont even give it a second thought.

Ditto, if you value your life and others in the house. Not something to mess with.

[1990C4S]

Flame roll-out switch is tripping?

[Brian 162]

Replace it now.
A CO detector would be a must until you change the furnace. Install it on the same floor as the bedrooms.
If it's a hairline crack (very small) there is a slim chance of a problem.
If the crack is large you could have a problem with flame distortion when the indoor fan comes on.

[A930Rocket]

Time to replace ASAP!

[LWJ]

Agreed on the replace NOW. I had this happen and the gas company condemned my furnace. It really is a life / health risk. You or a loved one could DIE. This is not the time to be frugal.
Sorry for the truth,
Larry

[slow&rusty]

Thanks for all that chimed in! I will be replacing the furnace VERY soon with a high efficiency Rheem, probably in about two weeks but wanted to ask. I am not taking chances with my health and have to dig the CO monitor out of one of my many boxes and plug it in.
Thanks again chaps!
Yasin

[VINMAN]

Yasin, not to be repetitive, but DO NOT take a chance! Have it checked immediately. If it is bad, you cant wait. Personally, I wouldn't even run it until it is looked at.

Ive seen enough CO fatalities in my time.

[1990C4S]

Do some research online before you buy. I saved a lot of money (and headaches). So far.

There are a lot of options in fan drives, efficiency, reliability, and cost. I ended up with a dual pressure furnace, two BTU levels.