Warm air is created by the heat exchanger in the furnace. Is consists of a network of coiled tubes and housing combustion gases. The cool air that flows over the heat exchanger, once it is activated, which warms the air and the hazardous gases produced in the process, does not come in contact with the warm air. The warm air will rise in a sheet-metal box, called the plenum, which is connected to the air supply ducts. The ducts will disperse the warm air throughout the home. Those toxic gases that are produced during the heating process are expelled from a flue pipe to exit the home. Absolute P&M Services would like to take the opportunity to share more of the basics concerning the heat exchanger.
Gas Furnace Leak is Dangerous
Should any of the produced combustion gases leak and stay inside the home, it will be a serious health risk. Combustion gas leaks are often discovered on a damaged heat exchanger that has splintered, cracked, and has any holes. The combustion gas is a byproduct when fossil fuel is burned. Severe health complications and even fatalities can be due to seemingly small doses of the toxic compounds. As fossil fuels burn, harmful substances are released, such examples include Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide, as well as Volatile Organic Compounds, Hydrocarbons, Sulfur, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Nitric Oxide. There can be technical difficulties though the heating equipment is designed to safely remove all of the combustion and there are various circumstances that create combustion gases. None of the combustion gases should ever make it into the circulating with an efficiently functioning heat exchanger and ventilation system. These combustion gases are odorless and colorless, and these leaks are not uncommon. One of the primary examples is carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, and it is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas.
Sources of Furnace Carbon Monoxide & Combustion Gas Leaks
Combustion gas leaks commonly originate from the following sources:
1) Chimney or vent malfunction.
2) Negative pressure, among other pressure defects causing backdrafts.
3) Damaged equipment or a compromised heat exchanger.
How to Prevent Your Furnace Getting Red Tagged
To help you avoid the heat exchanger’s associated hazards, be sure to regularly scheduled professional heating system maintenance services. The entire heating system, including the heat exchanged and air ducts, are inspected for performance and condition among other important steps by a qualified HVAC expert. Inadequate maintenance, time and use, and other circumstances can create the cracks on the heat exchanger. Heated air has difficulty passing through the obstructions created by the severe buildup of dirt and dust on the heat exchange, blowers, filters, and coils. The restrictions can cause the eat exchanger to overheat, inflicting the cracking or splintering. Causing the pressure to be inadvertently adjusted, the pressure intensifies if the pressure control valves wear down, which can result the heat exchanger cracking.
Furnace & Boiler Heating Inspections, Repair & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston & Greater Houston, Texas
The tune-ups, inspections, and other maintenance services performed by a qualified technician will detect any cracks or compromises on the heat exchanger. Ensure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector installed close to the furnace and other gas appliances. Should they sound, turn off the furnace and other gas appliances, exit the home and call emergency responders. Wait until they give the all clear it is safe to come inside. Call Absolute P&M Services if the gas leak is coming from the furnace. If the heat exchanger if the culprit, you will likely need to replace it.
