San Diego Heat Exchanger Replacement & Repair

The heat exchanger on your gas furnace serves an important function. It is the piece of metal that converts the heat from the burner to the warm air supplied to your home. Most importantly, it separates your gas furnace burner from the air stream flowing into the ducts, preventing combustion materials—namely CO2— from getting into the main living areas. Therefore, a cracked heat exchanger is a major safety hazard that should be resolved immediately. Carbon monoxide leaks can cause illness and can be fatal in extreme cases.

Maintaining your gas furnace will not only prevent cracks in your heat exchanger, but routine check-ups also give our technicians a chance to detect any warning signs. Call Cal-West Air Conditioning if you suspect you have a cracked heat exchanger, or if you are having any other problems with your gas furnace. Our San Diego area furnace technicians will get to your home as quickly as possible to take care of it.

Detecting a Cracked Heat Exchanger

In addition to routine maintenance tasks, such as changing your furnace filter and keeping vents clear, it’s also a good idea to occasionally check your gas furnace for any obvious damage or excessive corrosion. If you aren’t sure how to locate your heat exchanger, give us a call and we’ll be happy to walk you through it. Always use a flashlight when you are inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or open seams, particularly around the joints.

Because some cracks are hidden, you can perform a flame test in addition to visually inspecting the furnace. Simply turn the furnace off for about five or ten minutes, and then watch the flame for any changes while someone else turns the thermostat back up. If you see a change in pattern or color, you may have a problem with the heat exchanger, and if you detect any holes, cracks, or severe deterioration, you should definitely call us so that we can send a technician to your home for a professional assessment.

Heat Exchanger Replacement

Once your heat exchanger is cracked, it will need to be replaced, and you should not trust any contractor who tells you that the crack isn’t big enough for concern. Many contractors will also tell you that you need a new furnace because the installation costs for a new heat exchanger are too expensive. Gas furnaces that are under warranty or less than ten years old should not need to be replaced if the heat exchanger cracks. When you call us, you can be sure that your safety is our number one concern, but we’ll also never pressure you into buying or installing equipment that isn’t necessary in protecting you and your home from hazards. Call us for all your furnace repair needs.

Furnace Replacement

While not always necessary, there are times when replacing a cracked heat exchanger may not be as cost-effective as installing a new furnace. While heat exchangers can crack because of design flaws, they typically crack because they have contracted and expanded over a long period of time, which means that you probably have an older, less efficient furnace. Gas furnaces that were manufactured over 15 years ago will most likely have an AFUE rating of less than 80%. All new furnaces have a rating of at least 80%, and you can lower your energy bills significantly by installing a new ENERGY STAR or high-efficiency gas furnace. If you know that you have an older furnace, talk to one of our heating technicians about the most cost-effective replacement option.

Heat Exchanger Repair Contractors

When you need a trustworthy heating contractor for heat exchanger service, call Cal-West. We serve our San Diego area customers with honesty, integrity, and quality craftsmanship. Call us any time you need heat exchanger repairs or furnace maintenance service. If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, call us immediately!