Many homeowners are seeing their budgets attacked on too many fronts these days. As inflation continues, everything needed by the average household has begun to cost more each time it is purchased — even the electricity or heating fuel needed to warm the home.

One of the impacts of these higher energy costs can also mean that needed plans to upgrade an older furnace are put on hold. While postponing the purchase of a new furnace can work in instances where the current one can still be operated safely, it is not feasible if safety issues, like a damaged heat exchanger, are involved. 

Understanding the basic function

Furnaces fueled by any type of gas or oil give off fumes during ignition and combustion known as flue or exhaust gases. Since these gases include potentially dangerous substances such as carbon monoxide and sulfur and nitrogen oxides, they must be restricted from entering the living spaces of the home until they can be released through the flue. 

Understanding the potential danger

Heat exchangers that are cracked, corroded, or damaged in some way become unable to prevent the flue gases from being released into the home along with the heated air. Since older furnaces are more likely to develop a heat exchanger repair problem that could make it unsafe to use, homeowners who need to postpone the replacement of an older furnace should first make sure that their current furnace can still be operated safely. Because heat exchanger cracks and corrosion can be very difficult to find, it is important for homeowners to rely on a qualified heating repair professional to inspect their furnaces.

Understanding the repair 

Homeowners who have found that their older furnace has a faulty heat exchanger can decide to have their heat exchanger replaced. Since it can be difficult to locate replacement parts for older heating equipment, the furnace repair person will first need to make sure the needed part is available. 

In some heat exchanger replacement projects, a heating repair professional may also suggest replacing other worn parts to help ensure that the older furnace will be dependable. Allowing worn parts and components to be replaced on an older furnace at the time of the heat exchanger replacement can also help homeowners postpone the need for furnace replacement.

Homeowners with any type of heating repair issue should start by having their older furnace assessed by a local furnace repair contractor. Contact a company such as Myers Heating & Cooling to learn more.