Heat Exchanger FAQ
Expert answers to your heat exchanger questions from licensed HVAC professionals serving Metro Vancouver
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If you suspect carbon monoxide or have a heat exchanger emergency, don't wait for answers - call 778-909-5731 immediately for emergency service.
Heat Exchanger Basics
What is a heat exchanger and what does it do?
What is a heat exchanger and what does it do?
A heat exchanger is a critical component in your furnace that transfers heat from combustion gases to the air circulating through your home. It keeps dangerous combustion gases separate from the air you breathe while allowing heat transfer.
How long do heat exchangers typically last?
How long do heat exchangers typically last?
Heat exchangers typically last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. However, factors like furnace usage, maintenance frequency, air quality, and system design can affect lifespan. Regular professional inspections help identify issues early.
What causes heat exchanger failure?
What causes heat exchanger failure?
Common causes include normal wear and aging, corrosion from moisture, overheating due to restricted airflow, poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, and thermal stress from frequent cycling on and off.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the warning signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
What are the warning signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
Warning signs include unusual odors (metallic or chemical smells), visible rust or corrosion, strange noises during operation, soot buildup around the furnace, frequent cycling, and carbon monoxide detector alarms.
Can I see a cracked heat exchanger myself?
Can I see a cracked heat exchanger myself?
Some cracks may be visible during a visual inspection, but many heat exchanger cracks are internal or in hard-to-see areas. Professional diagnosis with specialized equipment is necessary for accurate assessment.
Why does my furnace keep turning on and off frequently?
Why does my furnace keep turning on and off frequently?
Frequent cycling can indicate heat exchanger problems, restricted airflow, thermostat issues, or other system problems. A cracked heat exchanger may cause safety systems to shut down the furnace repeatedly.
What should I do if I smell strange odors from my furnace?
What should I do if I smell strange odors from my furnace?
Turn off your furnace immediately and call for professional service. Strange odors, especially metallic or chemical smells, can indicate heat exchanger problems or other safety issues requiring immediate attention.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
How dangerous is a cracked heat exchanger?
How dangerous is a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger is extremely dangerous as it can allow carbon monoxide to enter your home's air supply. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and flu-like symptoms. Severe exposure can cause unconsciousness and death. If you suspect CO poisoning, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Should I evacuate my home if I suspect a heat exchanger crack?
Should I evacuate my home if I suspect a heat exchanger crack?
If your carbon monoxide detector is alarming or you suspect CO exposure, evacuate immediately and call 911. For suspected heat exchanger problems without CO detection, turn off the furnace and call for professional service.
How often should I test my carbon monoxide detectors?
How often should I test my carbon monoxide detectors?
Test CO detectors monthly and replace batteries annually. Replace the entire unit every 5-7 years. Ensure you have detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
Repair vs Replacement
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?
Minor cracks may sometimes be repaired, but most heat exchanger cracks require complete replacement for safety reasons. Our technicians will only recommend repair if it can be done safely and effectively.
When should I replace vs repair my heat exchanger?
When should I replace vs repair my heat exchanger?
Replacement is typically recommended for significant cracks, multiple cracks, extensive corrosion, or when the furnace is over 15 years old. Repair may be possible for minor issues on newer systems.
Is it worth replacing just the heat exchanger or should I replace the whole furnace?
Is it worth replacing just the heat exchanger or should I replace the whole furnace?
This depends on the furnace age, overall condition, and cost comparison. For furnaces over 15 years old, complete replacement is often more cost-effective than heat exchanger replacement alone.
How long does heat exchanger replacement take?
How long does heat exchanger replacement take?
Heat exchanger replacement typically takes 4-8 hours depending on the furnace type and accessibility. Complete furnace replacement usually takes 6-12 hours including removal, installation, and testing.
Costs and Pricing
How much does heat exchanger replacement cost?
How much does heat exchanger replacement cost?
Heat exchanger replacement costs vary based on furnace type, accessibility, and parts availability. Contact us for a detailed quote specific to your system and situation.
Is heat exchanger repair covered by warranty?
Is heat exchanger repair covered by warranty?
Coverage depends on your furnace warranty terms and the cause of failure. Manufacturing defects are often covered, while normal wear and poor maintenance typically aren't. We can help determine warranty coverage.
Do you offer financing for heat exchanger replacement?
Do you offer financing for heat exchanger replacement?
Contact us to discuss payment options and financing availability for heat exchanger replacement or complete furnace replacement services.
What factors affect heat exchanger replacement cost?
What factors affect heat exchanger replacement cost?
Factors include furnace brand and model, heat exchanger type, labor complexity, accessibility, additional repairs needed, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
Service and Maintenance
How often should heat exchangers be inspected?
How often should heat exchangers be inspected?
Heat exchangers should be professionally inspected annually as part of regular furnace maintenance. More frequent inspection may be needed for older systems or those with previous issues.
Can regular maintenance prevent heat exchanger problems?
Can regular maintenance prevent heat exchanger problems?
Regular maintenance significantly extends heat exchanger life by ensuring proper airflow, clean operation, and early problem detection. However, normal aging and wear will eventually require replacement.
What does a heat exchanger inspection include?
What does a heat exchanger inspection include?
Professional inspection includes visual examination, carbon monoxide testing, combustion analysis, airflow assessment, and specialized testing to detect cracks or other problems not visible to the naked eye.
Do you provide emergency heat exchanger service?
Do you provide emergency heat exchanger service?
Yes, we provide same-day emergency service for heat exchanger problems across Metro Vancouver. Call 778-909-5731 for immediate assistance with suspected heat exchanger issues.
Technical Questions
What types of heat exchangers do you service?
What types of heat exchangers do you service?
We service all types including primary heat exchangers, secondary heat exchangers (in condensing furnaces), tubular, serpentine, and clamshell designs across all major HVAC brands.
Do you use OEM or aftermarket heat exchanger parts?
Do you use OEM or aftermarket heat exchanger parts?
We offer both OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and high-quality aftermarket parts. We'll discuss options and recommend the best choice based on your system, budget, and warranty considerations.
How do you test for heat exchanger cracks?
How do you test for heat exchanger cracks?
We use multiple methods including visual inspection, carbon monoxide testing, combustion analysis, pressure testing, and specialized equipment to detect cracks that aren't visible during standard inspection.
What brands of heat exchangers do you work with?
What brands of heat exchangers do you work with?
We service heat exchangers for all major brands including Lennox, Carrier, Trane, York, Goodman, Rheem, Napoleon, Daikin, and many others across Metro Vancouver.
Service Areas and Scheduling
What areas do you serve for heat exchanger service?
What areas do you serve for heat exchanger service?
We provide heat exchanger services throughout Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Delta, North Vancouver, Port Moody, and New Westminster.
How quickly can you respond to heat exchanger emergencies?
How quickly can you respond to heat exchanger emergencies?
We target 1-2 hour response times for emergency heat exchanger service across Metro Vancouver. Same-day service is available for urgent safety situations.
Do you work weekends and holidays?
Do you work weekends and holidays?
Yes, we provide emergency heat exchanger service 7 days a week including weekends and holidays for urgent safety situations and no-heat emergencies.
How do I schedule non-emergency heat exchanger service?
How do I schedule non-emergency heat exchanger service?
Call 778-909-5731 or email info@Romaheating.ca to schedule routine heat exchanger inspection, maintenance, or non-emergency repairs at your convenience.
Still Have Questions?
Our licensed heat exchanger specialists are here to help. Get expert answers and professional service for all your heat exchanger needs.