info on heat exchangers

[ezover]

furnace did not wanting to start today and I had to hit a reset button. when I was inspecting the furnace I noticed cracks around the flame inlets.

I am going to call a furnace company out Monday to come check the furnace and I would like to have some understanding of what he might find and if I am getting BS'ed into buying a new furnace.

the attached picture is not my furnace, but the cracks are in the same spot.

question, is this part of the heat exchanger or is this a heat shield.
furnace is a Armstrong ultra 5, 91%, was installed new about june of 2002.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

That's part of the heat exchanger. At 91% efficiency, the inside is probably in worse shape than that and very likely time for a new unit...

Tommy

 

[theoldwizard1]

If the heat exchanger is cracked it is time for a new furnace. Replacement heat exchangers cost almost as much as a new furnace.

PS If it is going to be cold tonight, go sleep somewhere else. Otherwise you might NOT WAKE UP !! Carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

[dreasoner]

The cause of the problem could be from a manufacturing issue, material issue or even flame impingement. The heat exchanger will be under a negative pressure because of the induced draft on the venting. Old standindg pilot furnaces operated under positive pressure. In any event, it needs looked at by competent technician and not a parts changer. I would try to research if there were any service bulletins. The age of the furnace is against you in economically repairing the unit. Makes a good case for CO detectors.

 

[brewchief]

That is part of the heat exchanger on that furnace, there are some furnaces that have a replaceable part there but I'm 99% sure yours does not.

Heat exchanger MAY be under warranty, if so you would still have to pay for labor, freight and any other misc. charges( some wholesalers will charge us a warranty paperwork fee of 50-75$). Expect to pay anywhere from 500$ to 1200$. Going this route would only make sense if the rest of the furnace is in very good condition, if it needs a bunch of other parts now or in the near future it doesn't make sense to fix it.

What reset button did you have to push? If it was a flame rollout then I bet you have much more in the way of cracks.