What Does The Heat Exchanger Do In A Furnace?

If you have ever had an issue with your furnace, your HVAC technician has probably had some difficulty explaining it to you without using technical terms. However, it is possible to understand many of those terms. Modern HVAC systems are complex machines with many different parts. The heat exchanger is one of the most important parts of your HVAC unit. This component heats the air that eventually warms your entire home. The following can help you understand what your heat exchanger does and what happens if it breaks down.

What is the heat exchanger?

The heat exchanger is a collection of tubes or coils that repeatedly loop through the air flow in your furnace. These tubes heat the air in preparation for the fans and ducts to distribute it throughout your house. The type of heat exchanger you have depends on the model of your furnace and the fuel it uses.

A heat exchanger uses a simple process to heat air, operating with fuel to heat the tubes and fans blow the air throughout your home. Imagine you are blowing on a hot cup of coffee and the steam disappears throughout the room. The heat exchanger works in a similar way, with a heat source and distributing system.

What types of fuel are used?

Heat exchangers can use a variety of fuels including propane, natural gas, oil, geothermal energy, wood, and electricity. The furnace you use will depend on what types of fuel are readily available in your area. If you live in a city, you will likely use natural gas or electricity, while if you have a rural home, you might use delivered propane. If your home is off-the-grid, you may need to use fuel oil or wood to power your furnace.

What happens if my heat exchanger is cracked?

Cracked heat exchangers are a common problem for furnaces. Remember, the heat exchanger is burning fuel. If there is a crack, your equipment could be leaking dangerous gases into your home, including carbon monoxide.

There are a few ways to handle your heat exchanger and prevent illness or injuries. First, make sure your home is stocked with carbon monoxide detectors in each room. Second, inspect your furnace regularly, or at least once a year. You don’t need to hire an inspector or HVAC technician to do a basic check if you are only looking for cracks, warped areas, or discoloration. However, keep in mind that an HVAC contractor can do a more thorough inspection with their tools and experience.

Get help from expert HVAC contractors in Amarillo, Texas

If you would like to schedule an appointment with an experienced HVAC technician, contact Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. We help Residential and Commercial clients stay warm throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-state area. Call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more about services. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo.