The Danger of a Damaged Heat Exchanger

Serving Families Throughout Alexandria
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You only have to live through a single winter in the greater Washington, DC metro area to understand that it’s absolutely essential to have a functioning heater when the cold weather strikes. For children and the elderly, a working heating system could mean the difference between life and death. When your furnace is running well, it’s perfect for your home; when it’s not working correctly, you and your family could be at risk from threats you may not even realize.

For example, when was the last time you scheduled a heat exchanger inspection in Alexandria, VA? Read on to learn more about this critical aspect of HVAC maintenance.

What is a heat exchanger?

The natural gas that powers your furnace is harmful. If breathed indirectly, the carbon monoxide fumes emitted by natural gas can cause severe problems.

This is where the heat exchanger comes in. When the gas from your natural gas furnace is heated, the fumes enter your heat exchanger. This metal component is heated by the combusted natural gas. As the blower forces sterile air over the heat exchanger, the heat from the metal is transferred to the air. This way, the inherently toxic fumes from combustible natural gas aren’t moved into the air you and your family breathe.

In other words, the heat exchanger is as much a safety device as it is a functional part of your air conditioner. That’s why heat exchanger inspections in Alexandria, VA are so incredibly important.

Poisoned air

It doesn’t take extensive HVAC training to realize that when holes and cracks begin to form in your heat exchanger, it’s only a matter of time before the dangerous fumes emitted by the natural gas in your furnace enter your home. The most harmful of these gases is carbon monoxide. If you inhale too much carbon monoxide, you could experience headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, and even death.

The risks increase when you’re sleeping or intoxicated. Carbon monoxide poisoning could eventually prove fatal. As a result, making sure your heat exchanger is in good working condition could prevent a potential tragedy.

Is my heat exchanger broken?

If you’re concerned that you might have a broken heat exchanger, here are some warning signs to keep an eye out for:

  • Strange smells around your furnace
  • Water pooling around your furnace
  • Increased wear and tear on your furnace’s components
  • Your house members get sick with increasing frequency

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, it’s critical that you schedule service immediately.

Come to the best

Since we opened our doors in 1976, A Action Home Services has offered top-notch service to clients throughout the extended DMV area. There’s a reason that we’ve been in business for nearly 45 years: we put customer service and craftsmanship above all else. In addition to protecting our customers from the risks of damaged heat exchangers in Alexandria, VA, we also provide HVAC repair, electrical work, sump pump repair, plumbing work, and any of a number of other services. A Action Home Services is here to provide!

Find out why we’re the most trusted company in the area. A Action Home Services has the tools and team to help you. Give us a call today to learn more!

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