Cracked heat exchanger leads to new heater
The heat exchanger warm and developed a small crack
Until last winter, I had never given much thought to how the boiler operated or the importance of the heat exchanger. I didn’t realize exactly what a heat exchanger is. I’ve since learned that it is made up of coiled tubes that contain the sizzling gasses produced by the combustion process. When the blower starts up and cool air flows over the heat exchanger, the air becomes warmer without coming into contact with dangerous gasses. The heated air then rises into the plenum, which is a box made out of sheet metal that attachs to the supply ducts. From the supply ducts, the air gets spread throughout the house. The combustion byproducts get sent through the flue pipe and safely delivered outside by way of the chimney. The heat exchanger is the barrier between the breathing air and carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur, VOCs and more. A respectfully operating heat exchanger and ventilation system ensure that none of those combustion gasses ever get circulated into the living space. Because I failed to keep up with respected professional service for the heater, the accumulation of dust on the filters, blowers, coils and heat exchanger made it strenuous for air to pass through the system. The heat exchanger warm and developed a small crack. Finding a heat exchanger to match my unique boiler proved impossible, and I had no choice however to update the entire heating unit, neglecting annual upkeep ended up costing me a good deal. I now have a brand new heater, and I’m taking actually good care of it.