4 Signs Your Plate and Frame Heat Exchanger Needs Cleaning
Posted in Uncategorised, on July 13, 2016 By Admin
To maintain a comfortable home environment, your HVAC system should be professionally cleaned and maintained. Even when you use professional heat exchanger repair services, you should be aware of when it is time for plate and frame heat exchanger cleaning. By identifying some of the most common signs that the heat exchanger is broken, which usually indicates that the boiler or furnace is malfunctioning, you can avoid costly repairs and a potentially dangerous situation.
The heat exchanger is an element designed to heat cool air, followed by transferring the air through the ductwork. With the exchanger pushing to high temperatures on a consistent basis, materials will deteriorate over time. If the exchanger were to crack, dangerous particles and chemicals could be introduced into your home. However, with regular heat exchanger cleaning, any wear and tear would be spotted prior to significant damage being done.
1. Start by looking for any sediment, dust, or soot that has built up around the boiler or furnace. Not only would this material prevent proper combustion required for the creation of heat, it can cause major damage to the boiler or furnace unit itself. Of course, with proper plate and frame heat exchanger cleaning, this would be avoided.
2. You also want to pay attention to what the flame is doing. Today’s boilers and furnaces are designed to handle air in a controlled and constant system. As a result, the flame burns continually. However, if the flame is intermittent or it moves, there is a good chance that the heat exchanger has experienced damage.
3. You may need plate and frame heat exchanger cleaning if there is rust on any components or surfaces. This usually means that the metal was exposed to either water or oxygen, causing cracking and corrosion. This can happen on the outside of a variable-speed boiler or furnace, as well as on internal components.
4. Finally, if you have a carbon monoxide detector that goes off, you will definitely need professional plate and frame heat exchanger cleaning. In this situation, it is critical that you, your family, and any pets leave the premises immediately and call 911. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can very quickly kill. One reason for a carbon monoxide leak to develop is a crack in the exchanger. Just remember, you always want to hire the best heat exchanger repair services in your area to ensure the problem is fixed and that everyone remains safe.
