Is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Dangerous?

A cracked heat exchanger is never ideal, but it may not always be as dangerous as it sounds at first. If your furnace’s heat exchanger is damaged, replacement is necessary. The biggest concern with cracks is that they can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home — and if that’s happening, the furnace should be shut down and replaced immediately.

That said, not every crack automatically leads to hazardous gas leaks. Still, the safest approach is to be proactive:

• Schedule routine furnace inspections.
• Install an affordable carbon monoxide detector.
• Watch for warning signs such as corrosion, visible cracks, unusual odors, soot, or water pooling near the furnace.

If you notice any of these signs, stop using your furnace right away and contact an HVAC professional. They can thoroughly inspect the system and confirm whether replacement is needed.