I definitely have a cracked primary heat exchanger and will be replacing our furnace. The furnace is a Carrier that--under a settlement--Carrier agreed to either pay the labor and parts to replace the secondary heat exchanger, including labor, or to give a credit to a new furnace installation. If I find that both heat exchangers failed, I can get the credit. Is there an easy way to tell if the secondary heat exchanger is failing too? I have seen condensation on the corners of the bottom of the upper part of the furnace but assume many things could cause a little water.Thanks.
Only way to know is when its removed.Probably won't be cracked but will be plugged with black goo and there in lays the problem.The metal they were made with corrodes and causes them to plug.I've seen many of them.
I agree with Pro. Do Not use the unit until it is repaired or replaced! CO is the danger here!!
The heat exchanger may be under warranty from the manufacture, however this would need to be verify with the local supply house with your model and serial number off the furnace. I would also, question the heat exchanger crack, as some furnace have whats called a front plate. The front plate over time will crack. This is a replaceable part. And is often misdiagnosed as a cracked heat exchanger. 700 is fair for the price. I would get a carbon monoxide detector and install that. You might tell the guy to hold off and have someone else look at it. Some companies out there offer a free second opinion. You could call them and say that the first company says (your fibbing here) that you have two choices here replace the entire furnace or repair / replaced the heat exchanger. And that you would like them (the second company) to verify this and give you a second quote. Its pretty rare for the heat exchanger to crack in a residential home. Its is possible but again back to my statement above about the front plate. Just trying to give you some other things to look at and ask.
Your furnace will make strange noises through the heat cycle, and can shut off and back on again. If your heat exchanger is cracked you really should not be using the unit. You can get high level of carbon monoxide and the unit will not operate properly. You would have to take the unit apart to see which section is cracked. If you choose to run this now you better have co detectors,fire extinguishers and clear any debris around the unit that can catch fire. You may not understand what it means that it is cracked, the flames that go in and up the chimney are escaping into the heater which can melt wires and or anything else and catch fire! also since it is raw fuel burning off the CO levels can escalate. Pleas do not wait at any cost fix it NOW
