What Does a Heat Exchanger Do in Georgetown, KY?

What does a heat exchanger do? When homeowners seek a greater understanding of heating and cooling in Georgetown, KY, Air Support Heating & AC Repair has all the information they need. From Bluegrass Community and Technical College to Ashton Grove Senior Living, we repair all heating systems and keep our friends and neighbors safe and comfortable.

The Purpose of a Georgetown Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger consists of a thermal transfer component that moves heat between combustion gases or an electrical coil and the circulating air. Without this essential energy exchange, you wouldn’t feel hot air blowing through your vents. It operates using the following characteristics:

• Fluid flow: By properly directing the flow of gases in the furnace, the heat exchanger ensures efficient and even heating.
• Temperature gradient: This refers to the difference in temperature between two points within the device. Minimizing this prevents cold spots in the home.
• Conduction: Conduction refers to how easily heat transfers between molecules, such as those in gas and air. It’s the primary principle that governs the effectiveness of a heat exchanger.

A fully functional exchanger increases heat efficiency and keeps energy bills low.

Signs Your Component Needs Repairs

What does a heat exchanger do? It’s the way your furnace heats the air. However, how do you know when it needs repairs?

Energy Bills Skyrocket Without Explanation

Homeowners can expect their energy bills to increase when their rates increase or they use their furnaces more. However, if neither occurs, the device likely has a broken or faulty component. 

A furnace can run even when it needs minor repairs. However, it will work harder and use more fuel to do so.

Don’t hesitate to schedule prompt repairs. You’ll spend a little money repairing the broken component but save significantly more in lower monthly expenses.

The Furnace Makes Unusual Noises

When a furnace has a broken heat exchanger, it can make various noises, including:

• Rattling: When the component becomes loose, it will expand and contract more extremely. You’ll hear rattling as the parts hit against each other.
• Popping and banging: The thermal expansion and contraction can also cause a loud popping or banging sound, especially as the furnace starts up.
• Hissing: Do you hear a hissing sound coming from your furnace? It could mean gas is escaping through a crack or hole in the exchanger, a very severe condition.

No matter what unusual noises you experience, always call for prompt service to keep your family safe in Georgetown.

You See Corrosion or Damage

Over time, a heat exchanger can experience damage or wear and tear. Rust is the most common type of corrosion and manifests as red or brown patches on the device. Other obvious signs of problems include cracks, pitting, or discoloration. 

The Device Emits Unusual or Concerning Smells

What does a heat exchanger do in Georgetown? Because it often deals with natural gas to heat your home, it could emit the scent of sulfur. If you notice this sign of a gas leak, leave the house immediately and call for help.

Also, call for service if the furnace has any of the following odors:

• A prolonged burning smell can indicate overheating.
• A metallic order hints at corrosion or cracks.
• Smelling formaldehyde can mean the gases in the furnace, especially carbon monoxide, are mixing with air in the home.
• You’ll smell mold if moisture has built up in the device.

The Furnace Turns On and Off Rapidly

Rapid cycling refers to a furnace that turns on and off quickly, regardless of thermostat temperature. It can indicate a problem with overheating, which causes the device to shut down for safety reasons. Always call for repairs when you notice rapid cycling.

Caring for a Furnace and Heat Exchanger

The best way to avoid repairing a heat exchanger is to follow a regular maintenance checklist. Most warranties require a certified technician to inspect the device annually. Also, replace the air filter at least once a month to prevent the furnace from working harder than it should.

Also, run the furnace moderately to reduce wear and tear. The United States Department of Energy suggests setting the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter to improve energy efficiency.