While the majority of work people do as HVAC technicians is simple, such as installing new air conditioners or troubleshooting furnaces, occasionally you may come across a more complex problem such as a cracked heat exchanger. If this isn’t something you work with regularly, you may not know how to solve this problem. Here are basic tips for what to do with a faulty heat exchanger.
Conduct a Thorough Inspection
The basics of a cracked heat exchanger are no different from any other problem you may come across in your HVAC work. The first you thing you need to do is get to the root of a problem with a thorough inspection. You want to identify any problems before you begin work, as sometimes hidden cracks are present in addition to the ones that are the most visible in your initial inspection.
Find Other Areas of Wear and Tear
Like other pieces of machinery, heat exchangers have areas where they are more vulnerable to failure and cracks. During your inspection, pay particular attention to areas where there might be weaknesses. There could be hairline cracks or other damage that also needs to be addressed in addition to the crack you saw already.
Make Sure to Prepare for the Next Situation
You want to be sure that you don’t get caught unaware by a cracked heat exchanger again. Invest in a training or education program so you know how to handle this vital piece of machinery.
