It can be hard to deal with ever-increasing heating bills during the winter. Of course, you need to keep your home comfortable and warm, but during cold winters, when your HVAC system is not working efficiently, the costs can mount. Luckily, you can do your part to get a handle on your growing utility bills by making your furnace a little more efficient. You should have your system professionally serviced every once in a while, but there are some simple things that you can do yourself to improve its efficiency. This article explains how cleaning your heat exchanger will make your furnace more efficient.

The Importance of the Heat Exchanger

 The heat exchanger is pretty much the most important part of any furnace. Basically, it is the component that actually heats up the air. Of course, the size, shape, and overall look of the heat exchanger vary from brand to brand and model to model. Nonetheless, you can usually find the heat exchanger because it is one of the largest components of the furnace cabinet. The heat exchanger consists of a bunch of tubes that twist back-and-forth in a zigzag pattern.

The movement of air throughout these tubes is part of the healing process. Usually, the heat exchanger is less likely to have problems than the fan blower. Nonetheless, cleaning the heat exchanger is always going to improve its functionality. It is also a good opportunity to take a close look at your exchanger and make sure there are no broken or burst pipes.

Cleaning the Heat Exchanger

Homeowners should only worry about cleaning the outside of their heat exchanger. If there is serious damage that needs to be repaired, then you need to call in a technician. The first thing you should look for is cracks in the pipes. If you have any, you should immediately call an HVAC technician, and don't turn on your furnace. It is not uncommon for the outside of your heat exchanger to get caked in dust. With all the air moving around in a furnace, dust is a common problem. This is particularly true if your furnace is located in a dusty or dirty room. Since furnaces are often in a utility room, garages, and basements, they don't get cleaned very often.

As you can see, the heat exchanger is a very important part of your central HVAC system. Luckily, it is very easy to find and clean. This easy work could ultimately increase the temperature of the air coming out of your furnace. For more information, contact a local professional.

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