What is a heat exchanger inspection

A heat exchanger inspection is a critical safety check where an HVAC technician examines the metal chamber inside your furnace that separates combustion gases from the air that circulates through your home. This inspection looks for cracks, corrosion, or other damage that could allow dangerous carbon monoxide to leak into your living space.

During the inspection, a licensed technician will visually examine the heat exchanger using specialized tools like borescopes or cameras to see inside the chambers. They're looking for stress cracks, rust-through spots, or warped sections that compromise the integrity of the heat exchanger. Modern furnaces have multiple heat exchanger sections, and even hairline cracks can be dangerous because they allow combustion gases to mix with your home's air supply.

Heat exchanger failure is one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning from furnaces. In Ottawa's climate, where furnaces run heavily during our long winters, the repeated heating and cooling cycles put significant stress on these components. Older furnaces (15+ years) are particularly susceptible to heat exchanger problems due to metal fatigue and corrosion over time.

This inspection should be performed annually as part of your furnace maintenance, typically before the heating season begins. In Ontario, TSSA regulations require that any furnace with a cracked heat exchanger be immediately shut down until repairs are made or the unit is replaced. A cracked heat exchanger usually means furnace replacement, as repair costs often exceed the value of older units.

If your technician discovers heat exchanger damage, don't delay addressing it - carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. For peace of mind with your Ottawa home's heating safety, schedule your annual furnace inspection before winter arrives.

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