Gas furnaces are one of the best ways to provide winter comfort to a household. Gas is a less expensive energy source than electricity, making a gas furnace a way to save money compared to electrical heating systems. And gas furnaces can output more heat than almost any other type of heater.

However, as with any appliances that use natural gas, there are some potential health hazards from such things as gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and unexpected combustion. Modern gas furnaces are built with safety as a major feature, but they can never be 100% safe. You have to make sure to watch out for signs that your gas furnace needs repair work to keep it operating safely.

One of the major malfunctions that can create health hazards with a furnace is cracks in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a metal compartment inside the furnace where combustion gas collects, then transfers its heat to the metal walls. Air from the blower fan moves around the heat exchanger and warms up from contact with the metal; this is the air that goes into the home, while the exhaust vapor in the heat exchanger is sent through a flue to the outdoors.

Corrosion can develop over time on the heat exchanger because of the interaction of the gasses and the metal. The weakening of the metal from corrosion can lead to the exchanger cracking under the stress as it expands when it heats up. Toxic combustion gasses escape through these leaks and enter the air that ends up in the living spaces—and that’s not good!

If you notice any corrosion on your furnace, call for our repair technicians right away. Another warning sign that you may have a cracked heat exchanger is clicking sounds from the furnace after the blower fan shuts off. Should your CO detectors go off, you’ll also need to give us a call after the immediate danger is over.

Advanced Mechanical Services serves Paramus, NJ and the surrounding areas with high-quality furnace repairs. We have 24/7 emergency service available.