Cracked Heat Exchanger Repair and Replacement in Beaverton

Furnaces use one of two heat exchanger designs: stamped (clamshell) models have a center seam prone to cracking and last 10-15 years, while seamless tubular (serpentine) models last 15-20+ years.

Warning signs of a crack:

• Pilot light burns yellow or orange instead of blue
• Visible rust or corrosion on the exchanger
• Furnace shuts down unexpectedly mid-cycle
• Burning chemical or metallic odors, or black soot near the furnace
• Headaches, dizziness, or nausea while it runs

Critical: a cracked heat exchanger cannot be safely patched or welded. Doing so voids warranties, violates building codes, and risks carbon monoxide exposure, so the component must be replaced.