There are no heating issues that you should ignore in your Granite City, IL home. This is because some issues that need repairs are going to prove to be more dangerous than others. This is especially true when it comes to any repair involving a gas leak.
Usually, if you smell gas in your home then you already know it is bad news. However, you may be curious as to what is causing the leak. We can help answer that question and more. If you find yourself in this situation the first thing to do is to evacuate your home and call emergency services. Gas leaks in your home are something that you do not want to mess with.
Why Do I Smell a Gas Leak?
Did you smell gas in your Granite City, IL home? Did you properly evacuate the home and reach out to the proper authorities before returning to this blog post? If you did, great! If not, please make sure to get yourself to safety before you continue reading on.
Gas leaks are not something that should be seen as common. Natural gas furnaces are built to last and made to operate as safely as possible. However, gas leaks from this type of furnace can occur. The main source of the smell is commonly coming from a cracked heat exchanger.
What Exactly is a Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a part of the furnace that fills up with combustion gases. The exchanger is made from metal, which means it will heat up, allowing the warmth from the gases to transfer through the metal and into the air around it. This heated air is then passed throughout the house.
When your furnace’s heat exchanger develops a crack, it can quickly become a problem. Each time the heat exchanger warms up, the metal slightly expands. This process can allow cracks to open up, allowing combustion gases the chance to escape. The gases go into the air and then get blown around your home. This can cause your home to have less heat. The furnace gasses that leak out actually slow down the heating process, which prevents your furnace from working at its fullest efficiency. The other major problem is health risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dealing with a Leaking Furnace
If you are wondering what your next step is going to be after discovering the leak, we have you covered. Once the emergency professionals check your home and clear it for re-entry, reach out to a repair professional as soon as possible. This way you can get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
At Dixon Heating & Cooling, we are here to assist you with all of your furnace needs. If you have a cracked heat exchanger and need it repaired, give our team a call!