Cracked Heat Exchangers
Cracked Heat Exchangers | Heat Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kingston
When a cracked heat exchanger strikes, time and skill both matter. HEP’s certified technicians arrive fast in Kingston, armed with advanced diagnostic tools that pinpoint the fracture and stop dangerous carbon-monoxide leaks before they threaten your family’s health or your system’s efficiency. From precision welding and component replacement to thorough airflow balancing, we restore warmth quietly and safely, so you can get back to cozy evenings without worrying about the what-ifs.
Every job begins with transparent pricing and ends with a satisfaction guarantee, but the real difference is our people—local experts who treat your home as carefully as their own. Whether your unit is a decade old or fresh off the showroom floor, our tailored heat repair solutions extend its life, slash utility bills, and keep you in control of your comfort all winter long. Call HEP today and feel the difference of hometown service done right.
FAQs
What is a heat exchanger and why does it crack?
The heat exchanger is the metal chamber inside your furnace that transfers heat from the burner flames to the air that is circulated through your home. Over time, repeated heating and cooling cycles, metal fatigue, corrosion from moisture, and poor airflow can create stress points that eventually split or develop holes. In Kingston’s cold climate, furnaces work hard for long heating seasons, which accelerates wear and may lead to cracks if the system is not maintained.
What warning signs indicate I might have a cracked heat exchanger?
Common red flags include: strange smells resembling formaldehyde or burning, unexplained soot around the furnace, water collecting at the base of the unit, frequent system shut-offs, visible corrosion or rust on the heat exchanger surface, and flu-like symptoms (headaches, dizziness) among occupants due to potential carbon-monoxide exposure. If you notice any of these, shut the furnace off and call a qualified Kingston HVAC technician immediately.
Is a cracked heat exchanger dangerous?
Yes. A crack can allow carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and other combustion by-products to mix with the air blown through your ducts. Even small leaks can raise indoor CO levels to hazardous concentrations, posing serious health risks including headaches, nausea, and, in extreme cases, asphyxiation. Because CO is odorless and colorless, the danger often goes undetected until symptoms appear, so professional inspection is critical.
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired or does the entire furnace need to be replaced?
Technically, heat exchangers can sometimes be replaced, but most manufacturers do not recommend welding or patching cracks because new stress points develop and safety certifications are voided. In furnaces more than 10–12 years old, replacement of the entire unit is usually the most cost-effective, energy-efficient, and safest option. Our Kingston HVAC team will compare the cost of a heat-exchanger replacement, potential warranty coverage, and energy savings from a new high-efficiency furnace to help you decide.
How much does it cost to address a cracked heat exchanger in Kingston?
Costs vary with furnace model, warranty status, and whether you choose exchanger replacement or a full system upgrade. • Heat-exchanger replacement (parts & labor) typically ranges from $1,200–$2,000. • Full furnace replacement begins around $3,500 for basic 92% AFUE models and can exceed $6,500 for 97%+ modulating units. Emergency service after hours may add $150–$300. We provide free, no-obligation estimates so you can make an informed choice.
What is the repair/replacement process and how long will my heat be off?
1. Safety check: We shut down the furnace, test for CO, and inspect the exchanger with a camera or dye test (30–60 min). 2. Options review: You receive a written report, photos, and cost breakdown for exchanger replacement vs. new furnace (15–30 min). 3A. Exchanger replacement: We order OEM parts if not in stock and return to install; the job generally takes 3–5 hours once parts arrive (1–3 days total). 3B. Full furnace replacement: We remove the old unit, install a new correctly sized model, connect gas, venting, and electrical, and run safety/start-up tests (4–8 hours). Temporary space heaters can be provided if heat will be off overnight. Every repair or install concludes with a CO test and customer walk-through to ensure your Kingston home is safe and comfortable.