[shoothebunnies]

Had a company come out and inspect the furnace. He said that both fan motors bearings are leaking because there is dust on them and that the heat exchanger is cracked.

The house and furnace are 12 years old, the heat exchanger was replaced in 2007 by the same company that did the inspection.They have also came out a few other times and fixed various minor things.

I can easily replace the fan motors if they even need it. My concern is how hard is it to replace the heat exchanger?

I am starting to think Heil is junk as before this I have always had "lower quality" equipment, Colman etc. and never had as many problems or expenses that this heil system has provided.

This system is used in conjunction with a Life Breath HRV also.

Any direction would be appreciated.
Willis

 

[Tator1076]

I think if the heat exchanger has to be replace again I be see if its the right size for the house. It maybe over size but same time if you don't change filter alot it can crack too. You may be better off replace system before doing another heat exchanger.

 

[carmon]

I would certainly obtain a second opinion....

 

[shoothebunnies]

Filters are changed monthly, try to do it on the first when I pay the mortgage but like everyone sometimes it is a day or two late.

Merv 8's were used up until June of last year then switched to 11's. Duct's cleaned in 2007 as well.

If anyone needs more info please let me know.
Willis

 

[Tator1076]

What is the btu on the furnace and what is the sq. feet of the house

 

[Tator1076]

Upflow or downflow?

 

[beenthere]

Sounds like your using a "lower" quality service company. And they are just trying to sell you thinks you don't really need.

If the heat exchanger is cracked again, need to find out why. most likely reason would be poor air flow.

 

[HVAC1000]

Please don't blame heil I love that brand and personally I would not install anything in my house that wasn't a heil. I say get a second opinion on the heat exchanger. Ask them what kind of test they are doing on it. If they say the water test it is the wrong answer. Many service techs never learn this but the water test is not accurate on clamshell type heat exchangers ( which is what heirs are) because they are meant to have a negative pressure in then and to pull in air from seems on the HE and water too if it is placed there. However it does need replaced heil has a lifetime warranty on Heat Exchangers

 

[shoothebunnies]

Here are the specs for the furnace.

Up-flow furnace

Square footage of the house is right about 3200.

 

[chitownken]

Measure the heat rise to see if it falls within the 45 - 70 degree design range. If you regularly exceed the designed rise it can drastically reduce the life of the heat exchanger.

 

[ben's plumbing]

inner city products are not that bad..like other companys ...if equiptment is not set up right at install...it will not last...as mentioned I would question the service company...if heat exchanger was replaced in 07 i find it hard to believe it needs replaced again...unless when it was replaced... again it was not set up right..which leads back to the same company that now wants to replace it again or install a new one.....GET A SECOND OPINION FAST... sorry ben sr

 

[shoothebunnies]

Measure the heat rise to see if it falls within the 45 - 70 degree design range. If you regularly exceed the designed rise it can drastically reduce the life of the heat exchanger.

Checked the rise at both of the canvas connections. 127.4 supply 74.1 return. Heat rise of 53 roughly.?

Return duct is 10x26 The furnace sits on the floor and the pan has not been removed for extra return.

100,000 btu furnace

 

[shoothebunnies]

Is the return duct adequate?

 

[beenthere]

Your air temp rise would indicate that it is moving enough air. So the return should be ok.

 

[shoothebunnies]

Your air temp rise would indicate that it is moving enough air. So the return should be ok.

Would that also mean that it is not overfiring?

 

[beenthere]

Not over fired, but could be under fired.

 

[shoothebunnies]

So how would I go about checking that?

 

[beenthere]

Need a manometer. Or else you could clock your gas meter.

 

[jagans]

The Fan Motor Bearings are leaking because there is dust on them ?????????

Where do they get these guys from ???? :furious::furious::furious::furious::furious:

 

[REP]

Do the temp check after its been running for 10-15 minutes stright.Also smoke check the draft vent to see if its drafting ok,also after its been running for a while.If you have flex duct runs that are not perfectly stright and as short as possible,that would be a problem.Also run the furnace with the basement door open and when its closed to see if that affects the burn.I know i'm forgetting something but its late.A heat exchanger should last at least 20 years.You need to know why the metal is fatiguing .