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Tony49837
09-24-2009, 11:54 PM
How would a homeowner know if their Heat Exchanger has gone bad (a.k.a. Cracked)??

I have a 26 year old furnace. Still works fine.
pacnw
09-25-2009, 12:10 AM
call a professional to check it.
it needs to be inspected, not really a way for the homeowner to know.
amd
09-25-2009, 12:12 AM
In most cases, it's impossible to determine the integrity of a heat exchanger without pulling the blower and burners. (DO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT!) It's possible to see approximetely 1/3rd of the heat exchanger on natural draft furnaces without taking anything apart. (aside from removing the cover)

You should get it checked every year.

The likelyhood of finding cracks in a 26 year old unit is extremely high - plan on getting it replaced.
kbaird
09-25-2009, 01:55 AM
How would a homeowner know if their Heat Exchanger has gone bad (a.k.a. Cracked)??

I have a 26 year old furnace. Still works fine.

26 years old is WAY up there in age for a furnace. There is a very high probability of a heat exchanger crack or other type of dangerous situation with your furnace. (Gas flex to the furnace may even be unsafe) Contact a professional to do a thorough inspection on the unit.
dandyme
09-25-2009, 06:10 AM
buy a canary and put the cage near a supply duct

if there are any peta members ...........KMA!!!
beenthere
09-25-2009, 06:16 AM
Have your heat exchanger inspected.

At 26 years. Its served you well though. Might be time to check into replacement even if its not cracked or burned through.
Tony49837
09-25-2009, 08:47 AM
Have your heat exchanger inspected.

At 26 years. Its served you well though. Might be time to check into replacement even if its not cracked or burned through.

I have a replacement scheduled to be installed next month. A new Bryant 355CAV with the Evolution Control.

Sounds like I'm making the right decision even if my old unit still works.
heaterman
09-25-2009, 08:55 AM
You will pick up a minimum 5-6% operating efficiency over your old DMO, have piece of mind and a nice new warranty. Win win win.
yourairman
09-25-2009, 09:05 AM
I have a replacement scheduled to be installed next month. A new Bryant 355CAV with the Evolution Control.

Sounds like I'm making the right decision even if my old unit still works.


A cracked heat exchanger does not keep a furnace from working. It does have the potential for allowing Carbon Monoxide into the living space. 26 years old is a good life for a furnace.