If you are like many homeowners, you may not know where your heat exchanger is located or what it does. It is not until something goes wrong with it that people want to understand what it does.
If your heat exchanger is working as it should, it is easy to never think about it. However, your heat exchanger is the primary component in your furnace.
Since your heat exchanger has to withstand high temperatures for an extended amount of time, it can break down. Eventually, cracks and holes can form. When this happens, there is incomplete fuel combustion, which leads to unacceptably high levels of carbon monoxide.
This is a dangerous situation. If carbon monoxide enters your home because of a problem with your heat exchange, it can make you sick. In the worst case scenario, it can be fatal.
How Does Your Heat Exchanger Work?
A heat exchanger is made up of metal shelves and tubes. Its job is to transfer heat from one location to another.
When your furnace burns fuel, be it propane or natural gas, it produces exhaust. This is called flute gas.
This exhaust travels through the heat exchanger. It heats the metal in the heat exchanger. At the same time, air is circulating around the hot metal. After the air gets hot, it is distributed throughout your home.
Parts of a Heat Exchanger
You have your primary heat exchanger. This is where the hottest flute gas resides. It is close to the burners in the furnace. Your primary heat exchanger is under the most stress because of its proximity to the hottest heat.
Your secondary heat exchanger is where the combustion exhaust travels once it leaves the primary heat exchanger. More heat from the flue gas is released, making your furnace work at an even higher level of efficiency. Most secondary heat exchangers are built from a coated steel material or stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures, acid, and moisture.
You Deserve Quality Heating and Air Conditioning
When it comes time to service, repair, or replace your HVAC system, you need look no further than Complete Heating and Cooling in Fredericksburg. We offer personalized services that are guaranteed to keep you feeling warm this winter and cool during the summer months.
Our range of services include heating, UV lighting, commercial refrigeration, hot water heaters, air conditioning, air purifiers, and more. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home installation analysis.
