Most homeowners simply want their furnace to turn on and blow warm air when the temperature drops during the winter. They assume that if the vents are blowing warm air, everything must be working how it should.

But that assumption can be misleading, and it can put you in danger. Your furnace can look perfectly fine on the surface, while a serious safety issue develops inside and one of the most concerning problems involves the heat exchanger. Below, this furnace repair contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois is going to explain how your furnace can continue to heat your home and still be unsafe.

How can a damaged heat exchanger put your home at risk?

The heat exchanger is one of the most important safety components in your furnace, even though you never see it. Its main job is to take the heat produced by burning fuel and transfer it into the air that warms your home.

Fuel burns in a combustion chamber inside your furnace. This process creates very hot gases that travel through a series of metal tubes or chambers called the heat exchanger. The metal heats up as those gases move through it. The furnace blower pushes cooler air over those hot metal surfaces at the same time. The air warms up and then moves through your ductwork to heat every room in your house.

But the heat exchanger also performs a second, arguably even more critical, function.

Fuel produces combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, when it burns. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and extremely dangerous. The heat exchanger acts like a wall and completely separates harmful gases from the air you and your family breathe.

The furnace safely vents combustion gases outdoors as long as that wall remains intact. Only clean, warm air circulates through your home.

But that protective barrier can suffer damage over time. And once that barrier is compromised, carbon monoxide can leak into the warm air that flows through the vents. Toxic gases can spread through your home without any obvious signs as a result.

This risk is what makes regular furnace maintenance so important. An experienced furnace repair contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois will inspect your heat exchanger for any signs of damage during a visit. They can then repair the damage to prevent dangerous situations and some very costly repairs.

When should you schedule a professional furnace inspection?

You should schedule a professional inspection if your furnace is more than ten years old. Older systems can lose efficiency over time and small problems can require expensive repairs if you ignore them.

You should also schedule an inspection if your furnace has not been professionally inspected recently. Regular checkups can catch problems early and keep your furnace running safely.

You should also pay attention to other warning signs. Unusual or burning smells, visible soot around the unit, weird noises or a furnace that keeps turning on and off are all red flags you should be aware of. It’s best to contact a professional furnace repair contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs.

Looking for a furnace repair contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois?

Do you suspect your furnace may be unsafe even though it’s still running and heating your home? If so, do not hesitate to contact a licensed furnace repair contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois — like Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning. Our licensed technicians can find and fix any furnace problems and help you keep your home warm and safe. Contact us anytime to schedule a service visit.