How To Check For Cracked Heat Exchanger. THE EASY WAY
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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Excellent advise! Thanks for the link on the manometer as well. For the past 30'ish years I've been using the method taught to me in tech school by our instructor. He advised to start up the furnace and watch the burner flame intently.. especially as the blower fan engaged to note any difference in flame color or flickering when the blower engaged. Now thanks to you, I'll be able to double check those visual cues with the manometer test.
What a reasonable man with practical reasonable advice… every other HVAC channel is BS compared to this.. I thank you sir great work and may your channel grow even more…
There are other awesome hvac learning resources on youtube as well. This is a great tip that I never heard of before!
Thanks!
Thanks so much! 🙏🏻
You do an absolute awesome job!!! The Manometer at amazon said it was $41 USD
Best instructor on UA-cam as always.
no he's not. he's a shyster
@@HoodHandyman He owns his own heating and cooling business and he is teaching people what to look for on furnace problems, absolutely nothing wrong with that especially for anyone that has basic mechanical knowledge and is handy with tools and isn't afraid of getting their hands dirty. Are you afraid that his doing this will put you out of a job?
Homeboy is a handyman from the hood why he care?
@@HoodHandyman You be trippin.
Shyster.......and I have been doing this since 1988 ....... and have had my own business since 2008. Do yourself a favor people...do a little research and find yourself a reputable contractor in your area.
I can't stop watching your videos!
Thank you for posting another great diy video. I was about to buy one for myself to test my furnace and now I have the instruction to follow. Can you make a video on how to properly measure co/co2 o2 proportions?
Always a wealth of information sir!
Great videos and I appreciate you!
Need more great information on AC units preparation.!! You are great. Thanks
Two awesome tests, either one will tell a homeowner if their furnace has a leaking heat exchanger from a crack, etc. As he said, if you get any indication of exhaust air leak then the heat exchanger needs to be replaced or if the furnace is old and worn then it may be time for a new furnace.
Why are heat exchangers so hard to track down to purchase, even with newer 90+ furnaces. You would think the heat exchangers more affordable to replace than the entire system..
Give Repair Clinic site a try, looked up my Carrier and found the heat exchanger quickly and for my 2018 Carrier 80% furnace the heat exchanger was $122.00 ---- I've bought parts from them and they ship quick 3-4 work days on shipping.
Systems aren't made to be repaired/ homeowners trying to get hands on one and messing up install
@@FranciscoPerez-th2hw Balony !
You can find them, I found an excellent parts website that sells parts very reasonably and fast shipping and a heat exchanger for my 2018 year Carrier is only about $200. , I posted the website on here earlier but it erased my post probably because of the website info. Google furnace repair parts.
Systems usually come with 20yr parts exchanger warranties but what you're paying for even with that is labor. You have to take everything in the upper part of the furnace out and then slide the entire exchanger out. It's labor intensive so that's why it's so much.
I typically test them hot. Let it run 10 minutes to verify operation and visually inspect flame. Then lighter/smoke test with manometer.
This test could be used as a starting point, but I definitely would not rely on that test alone. There are many reasons besides a faulty heat exchanger that could produce those results. First off, a heat exchanger is not completely hermetically sealed, so it is possible the blower could ever so slightly infiltrate the heat exchanger. Secondly, it could also be an inexpensive faulty inducer or Heat exchanger gasket. And finally, it could just be the natural draft flowing through the heat exchanger from the intake to the exhaust. If you suspect a faulty heat exchanger you should monitor your flames for any disturbances, perform a combustion analysis and monitor your oxygen and excess air readings followed by a good visual inspection. Also, many cracks will not be revealed if the heat exchanger is not at operating temperature. As the heat exchanger heats up, the cracks will open. Testing a heat exchanger at room temperature will only reveal larger cracks or holes. This is only one reason why you should hire a qualified HVAC/R mechanic. Although there are some HVAC companies that may try to scam people, there are still a lot of good qualified, honest companies that will use their education, training, and years of experience to keep you and your family safe.
Faulty inducer would not affect this test. He never said the hx wouldn't be hot. A gasket being bad would be just as bad as a crack. Other than that you are spot on!
Great job awesome video
I would say that C.O can get into the home from being siphoned out of heat exchanger and cycled into the supply side..wonder if the vent got plugged???.it would then cycle into supply duct through the crack...and a crack will widen as the metal heats up
That surprises me. I assumed that the venturi effect of the high pressure air from the blower fan passing that pin hole would draw air out of the heat exchanger rather than shove it into the pin hole.
If this is true then how can CO get into the living space?
The small (draft inducer fan) that pumps burned fuel exhaust through the inside of the (Heat Exchanger) and out the homes roof runs at a higher pressure in the smaller restricted passages and the large main blower moves large quantities of low pressure air through ducts throughout your house delivering air to rooms. --- If there is a crack in the heat exchanger (with its high pressure air) it will blow through any cracks into that large fan ducting (low pressure) and throughout your homes through the air vents. Hope that explains it. (SORRY I mean heat exchanger but said diffuser, I went brain dead. LOL)
@@Bowhunters6go8xz6x - When you say "diffuser," are you talking about the heat exchanger itself?
@@VAIO294 - Yes I meant heat exchanger, sorry I went brain dead and I reworded the previous post. Sorry !
@@Bowhunters6go8xz6x Yes, that makes sense now.
@@Bowhunters6go8xz6x- Ok, no problem. Thanks for clarifying.
Can you measure CO readings to check for heat exchanger defects as well? Measuring the supply or heated air?
Nice explanation of furnace operation because of positive presure of the caz area this causes more of a operation isue it causes overheatd heat exchanger and roll outs this is the safty system of the furnace pluged flues on old draft hoods and plugged 90% furnacaces cause more danger of co like seeing young tecs knowing wat they are doing 👍
Plugged secondaries on 90%rs I should say 28 year experience in the field retired now carier &briant secondaries were a mess walked into some fustomers houses and ur eyes would water keep up the good work
Thanks for this video. It's very helpful.
Do you have any experience with whole-house humidifiers? Is this a topic you could make a video on? Thanks for the solid content!
Noticed your manometer unit measure was set to " inWC". I don't have that unit measurement on my $35 Amazon manometer you recommended.. I went through each manometer unit setting, zeroed each one out, tested, then did the same with each different unit measurement and read 0.00 each time. . Also don't have a P1 or P2, just negative and positive posts for tubing. I tested with the negative. Any suggestions? Thank you for the excellent video
Hi.. I think one of unit of measurement on the tester is cmH2O, you can convert it to inWC
Will this work for natural and propane ? Do you have to remove the plentum to run this test ?
Yes! No! Simply place the thermostat on fan. Turn off the switch at the unit; Remove the lower door. Turn the switch back on with the door off The door switch will actuate the blower when you're ready to do the test. Edit: You can remove the plenum if you intend to carry out the experiment you just watched, if you plan to get a new heat exchanger, anyway.
Thanks for the video
Great stuff man
What would possible causes for a smell that occur when the heater alternates to the air conditioning? Very informative videos by the way! I’ve been subscribed since I saw the collaboration with Every Day Home Repairs.
does that manometer check neg pressure or positive pressure I don't have P1 and P2 on my manometer I have positive and negative
Is the inducer motor something that exists only on high efficiency furnaces or all furnaces. I ask because I have a very old Trane XL80 (and am very happy with it).
They are on pretty much ALL newer furnaces by law today, my Carrier is a 2018 year model and 80% efficiency and it has one so they are not exactly new. It is a safety feature that is supposed to evacuate not only burned fuel but will also evacuate unburned fuel if the burners do not light off for some reason like a bad igniter to prevent fuel buildup and possible explosion.
Yes! No need to swap out your trane. Incidentally, you may wanna buy a furnace as a backup in case "they" ban gas furnaces.
What is the ballpark cost of a new heat exchanger? If I used these techniques and discovered I had some environmental air entering the gas exhaust (either by flame steadiness test or manometer), first thing I’d do would be to get a brand new CO detector and go around to all the registers in the house to see of there was any CO getting in. I wouldn’t expect any because, like you said, the exhaust system is lower pressure than environmental air system. However, little leaks become big leaks and I’d want to set about remedying the situation. I’d prefer to repair the heat exchanger to seal and reinforce the cracked area, but also explore a replacement. From what I’ve heard, it’s not worth replacing a heat exchanger and the entire unit should be replaced instead. Wondering how true that is.
Thanks So much smart Guy.
Thank you for doing what you do. Please ignore the few "negative Nancys"
You should test your heat exchanger before winter hits you. You don’t need to check farther more if you see the “ matches flame 🔥 dancing or going off “ that is enough proof to me that you have a real problem
What unit measurement do you select when you’re checking with your tool? I purchased the one off Amazon and I’m not 100% sure on what unit to select to how check my heat exchange unit.
In the video, he said inches of water column. But any scale would work as long as the instrument is sensitive enough.
How about an 80 percent furnace. An a kidde nighthawk plug in monoxide detector in my bedroom, 2 br house
If both bedrooms have people sleeping in them then I would get another one for the 2nd bedroom or just place that one in the hallway between both bedrooms so both are covered by the detector. They need to be replaced about ever 5--7 years (it should say on the package or instruction sheet). Kidde is a very good brand for smoke and C02 detectors and home fire extinquishers.
All UL2034 detectors are basically worthless at protecting you. You need low level C0 detectors to actually be protected.
Google it.
@@ivanbarron6963 The Kidde CO detector I bought my 88-year-old mother-in-law four years ago *alarmed 2 weeks ago* and saved her life. -- So, the Kidde brand does work well. -- The fire department came and said she had to leave the house right then. - She had a busted heat changer and had to buy a new furnace to replace her 35-year-old furnace.
thank you
How do you check for cracks on a disconnected heater that is for sale?
Can the crack be repaired?
NOPE Not safely because welded cracks can recrack right next to the weld! They do not weld them, they install new ones.
Is there not some “Bondo” kind of of equivalent that could be used to patch small cracks?
@@markbelcher2972 - No, every year the fire depts and police find people dead in their own homes from cracked heat exchangers from people that either didn't know it was cracked or did a home repair. There are no repairs, only replacement. If you are super handy you can buy parts and do replacements yourself, if not you need to hire a professional.
What especifications do o u need from cracked heat exchanger to get other furnace to install I'm confused on label it's 50 O00 btuhr & 40 000 btuhr they told me at the supply aren't 50 000 BTU furnace has to be 60 000 BTU
Excellent!
Thank you.
Great vid TY
I have a york gas furnace only 16 years old and today it took over 5 hours to climb 3° (67 to70°)? any ideas
Nice Brain skill knew about second one but first one makesalot of sense
If you do have a crack do you have to replace the whole furnace??
Most of the time. But there may be ways to just replace the heat exchanger. Or even repair it? I'd think the high E furnaces you would be able to just replace the heat exchanger.
@@daveyt4802 thank you. Furnace guy was here start of winter and just to check ran his little camera up the system and saw a area that starting to get warn and said we need to keep an eye on it and if it goes all the way thru we prob have to replace the furnace. And i asked cant you just replace heat exchanger and was told prob not. It is a high efficiency furnace from Amana. Next time im not sure id buy a high efficiency furnace again.
@@scottmaass4329 IIRC it's not that you can't replace the exchanger, it's that by the time a technician comes in, pulls the old one out and puts the new one in (including time spent removing/replacing all of the other guts of the furnace, since they'll be in the way), the part and labor cost is nearly the same as swapping the whole unit out. Plus, by the time the exchanger is cracked, the other parts of the furnace are probably also at or nearly at their end of life too.
There's certainly something to be said for repairing vs. replacing, repair is always better when practical, but are you (and your wallet) willing to go full Ship of Theseus on your furnace, playing whack-a-mole with parts hitting end of life?
@@DonaldZiems and that was pretty much the argument the tech gave.
@@DonaldZiems If the property is a rental the landlord will likely want to repair as that is more tax advantaged than replacement.
My FIL got railroaded into a new unit. Said cracked heat exchanger. 10 year old unit. I asked him if there were any issues. He said no ran fine
I was gonna use that monster for my million dollar barndominium ;)
Turn your gas off?? They would have to lock it out somehow. This is why I never call anyone else to fix my stuff. Really cheap way is to lick your lips and feel for a breeze off of that hose.
Some people are smart enough to call people like this because the BS factor is not there.
Nice!
Ha! Recycled method from channel that I first posted over a year ago. Share the knowledge.
A lot of steps for an average DIY’r. Plus the need for a manometer, which isn’t cheap. Good information to know, but . . .
Happened to me. Hvac guy tried to sell me a new furnace when my ignitor went bad... Saying my heat exchanger was cracked with no proof or evidence or way to articulate how he knew that
This SCAM happened to my neighbor and they turned the gas off. I loaned him and electric heater so that he could stay warm in the dead of winter.
Unfortunately this didn't work. I bypassed the R and W which should have started the ignition sequence and got nothing. So I went upstairs and turned up the thermostat and tried again and got the sequence going. I then bypassed R and G and got the inducer going. I know from your video that's not what we want, so I unplugged the inducer and tried again. Got nothing but humming. The main blower never turned on. Oh well, it was informative at least. I watched the blue flame when the main blower came on and there was no blowback or change in flame, so that's good. Just wish I could have got the match test done too.
Can the flames go through a craked heat exchanger or does it get blocked by the fresh air?
Why does the Gas company shut off the gas and tag the furnace.
So handsome tho....
Let’s get one thing straight. Not ALL HVAC contractors lie and use scare tactics to sell customers new equipment. I mean in a way you are using “scare” tactics to get more views.
Maybe not all contractors do, but I have personally encountered them.
I thought I made that pretty clear. Not all but ALOT
How would you know that there are "ALOT" of dishonest HVAC techs/companies? What scientific study did you quote to come to that conclusion?
@@DWit-zn2oh Maybe he worked alongside some of them? He IS in the HVAC field. I worked alongside electrical contractors for 30 years, and there are less than half that I would ever trust to install a light bulb in my house. The good ones are good, have integrity, and stand behind their work. But there are just WAY WAY too many that are fly-by-night scam artists.
@@DWit-zn2oh I have personally caught most of them I have encountered trying to rip me off with deception because they thought I was the average uninformed customer. No morals whatsoever shysters. I understand why they try to discredit people who inform and educate.
The stink .it stinks .I call it a chemical stink ...HVAC cals a sweet smell..to me it is a stink.
Nice teaching ... Thx
We don't care at all
Cool
Bloody hell this is some dangerous advise. If you want to leave your life to the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm this is your man. Everyone else, please please please don't listen to this idiot. Cracks in heat exchangers open up with heat and deteriorate with heat cycles, a cold run like this is useless. Also not all heating boilers work like this, if your system is hydronic its different and you wont be testing the hx. This dude makes his money off youtube telling you how to do a gas engineers job after watching a youtube video. In my country it is illegal to work on a gas appliance if you are not registered qualified and part of the trade body who check you methods and work practice as well as if your tools are calibrated. Every job ends with a flue gas analysis (we carry the analyser and use IT to test for cracks leaks and poor combustion, poor combustion massively increases carbon monoxide). Carbon monoxide has no smell or taste, you will just feel sleepy, if you go to sleep you will not get up. Elderly and kids drop first. At low levels it will make you very sick.. Shocked to learn-- More than 100,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning.---
Couldn’t have agreed more!. Customers cannot be touching there gas appliances unless they are licensed and qualified. This guy right here is ruining things for contractors.
You guys are just worried about taking money away from H&C contractors, there is nothing wrong with a home owner doing these tests. His test will show you if your furnace (already) has a small crack on the heat exchanger and he always tells people to have carbon monoxide detectors running in bedroom areas. The .09 to .10 he shows on the reading you would see from a very small leak and he even said if you get a reading like this or dancing flame from a lighter then you need to change the heat exchanger.
@@Bowhunters6go8xz6x Absolutely agree. CO alarms run on wall power with a battery back up. There is nothing wrong with performing your own work on your furnace. Thank god that the US is not completely controlled by the nanny state/contractor complex...yet.
@percyfaith11 the co detectors do not pick up small amounts of co. Also it would have to be a massive amount of co to travel to the alarm to set it off. It's pretty much useless if your heat exchanger failed.
@@mattthomas1217 There are co detectors that alert to cumulative as well as peak levels. To say massive levels of co was needed to set off the alarms is a massive exaggeration. Any quality alarm will alert you to a co problem, no matter what the source.