A Red-Tagged Furnace Means Problems — And You’ll Need An Expert To Help Figure Out Your Options

Maybe your furnace has been making some unusual noises or you’ve noticed higher energy costs, so you called in an HVAC expert. If the technician found that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, you now have a red-tagged furnace on your hands — and you need an expert’s help to decide what to do next.

If you have a red-tagged furnace, the HVAC professionals at Home Comfort Experts can help you to quickly decide on your best option, whether it’s to replace the entire system or repair the furnace.

 

What’s the big deal about a cracked heat exchanger? The heat exchanger allows heated air to pass through the furnace and into the home, free of carbon monoxide (CO). Its function is to separate CO from the heated air, and then safely vent the CO outside. If this component is cracked, however, CO can seep into the heated air, and pose a significant danger to you and your family.

 

Because of the serious risk that CO presents, heating technicians are required to shut down a red-tagged furnace, and you won’t be able to operate the system.

 

Your options include:

  • Repair. This step involves replacing the heat exchanger, and it’s an ideal option for homeowners with relatively newer systems or for a furnace with an active warranty. Call your heating and cooling contractor to make sure the part is covered. Even if it is covered, however, ask your contractor about labor costs, which are typically high. To access the heat exchanger, your technician has to disassemble the entire furnace, which takes time.
  • Replace. Replacing the furnace is often the best choice if you have an older furnace or higher energy bills. This option is almost always more costly up front, but it often makes more sense than investing major repair money into an older system.

With the help of an expert, you can make the best long-term choice on your red-tagged furnace. Contact the certified technicians at Home Comfort Experts for help. We proudly serve Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, offering a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.