As autumn temperatures in Knoxville, TN, turn chilly, your furnace becomes the heart of your home. But when its heat exchanger cracks, that comfort can turn into a safety risk. Knowing what to watch for can save your system and your peace of mind before winter truly bites. Here are four signs your heat exchanger needs professional repair:
Strange Odors or Unusual Noises From Your Furnace
If your furnace starts sounding like a freight train instead of a soft hum, that’s your first red flag. A cracked heat exchanger can cause rattling, popping or squealing noises as air escapes through the fracture.
Odors resembling burning metal or formaldehyde are another giveaway. These scents signal incomplete combustion, an issue you should never ignore.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Unexplained Health Symptoms
Cracks in a heat exchanger can leak dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide (CO). If your CO detector frequently goes off, or you or your family experience headaches, nausea or dizziness when the furnace runs, it’s time to shut it down and call Melton Heating and Air Conditioning immediately.
Think of it as your home’s early warning system whispering, “Something’s not right.” Don’t wait until those whispers turn into a full-blown emergency.
Yellow Furnace Flame Instead of Blue
A healthy gas furnace flame burns blue, signaling proper combustion. A yellow or flickering flame, however, often points to a cracked heat exchanger.
That color shift means air is sneaking into the burner, disrupting the balance of fuel and oxygen. It’s a visual clue that something deep within your system needs attention.
Visible Corrosion of Rust Around the Furnace
Rust and corrosion are more than cosmetic issues; they’re warning signs of moisture buildup and aging metal. Over time, this deterioration weakens your heat exchanger, creating small cracks that can quickly worsen.
Regular inspections can catch these flaws early. The team at Melton Heating and Air Conditioning has the experience to spot what most homeowners overlook before minor damage turns into a costly replacement.
If your furnace shows any of these warning signs, don’t sit idle. Contact Melton Heating and Air Conditioning today for expert heat exchanger inspection and repair. Protect your comfort, your safety and your home’s warmth. A healthy heat exchanger keeps the heart of your home beating strong all winter.
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