If you have a gas furnace in your home, make sure the heat exchanger doesn't have problems. The heat exchanger ensures that there's enough heated air to flow through your home. If your heat exchanger cracks, you can experience a variety of problems. The worse being carbon monoxide release. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide can cause deadly consequences for you and your family. If your heat exchanger does crack, have it replaced as soon as possible. Here are four reasons why your heat exchanger may crack. 

Old Age

If your gas furnace is an older model, there's an increased risk the heat exchanger will crack. This is especially true if you use your heater continuously during the winter. Normal wear and tear can cause your heat exchanger to crack over time. There's no way to prevent this type of damage to your furnace. But, you can catch the problem before it's too late. If your heater is old, have it inspected at least once a year. That way, your HVAC technician can replace your heat exchanger before it cracks. 

Burner Damage 

Your gas furnace has a burner system that helps keep the pilot lit. The burner ensures the right temperature for your furnace. When the burner functions the way it should, your heat exchanger gets the protection it needs. But, if there's damage to your burner, there's an increased risk to your heat exchanger. That's because a faulty burner causes your furnace to run hotter than it should. This excess heat can cause your heat exchanger to crack. If your burner is damaged, repair it as soon as possible. That way, you can protect your heat exchanger. 

Moisture Buildup

If you haven't used your furnace in a while, schedule a service call. This is especially important if you live in a humid region of the United States. When your furnace sits dormant, moisture builds up inside the system. If enough moisture builds up inside the heat exchanger, you're at risk for cracks when you do fire up your furnace. Not only that, but the excess moisture can also create an increased risk for rust. Unfortunately, rust can damage your entire heating system. Avoid the moisture risk. Have your furnace inspected after any extended shutdown periods. 

Airflow Problems

Problems with airflow can also pose a threat to your heat exchanger. Airflow problems can stem from a variety of issues. Some of those issues include clogged filters and dirty air ducts. The damage comes when your heater works overtime to accommodate the lack of proper airflow. Lengthy problems with airflow can cause your heat exchanger to crack. To avoid that, keep your filters and your ducts clean.

For more information about heating repair, reach out to a professional.