In all likelihood, most homeowners have probably heard the term “red-tagged furnace,” but many probably don’t know exactly what this means. It’s not the end of the world, but it can definitely require an immediate response. If the furnace in your Twin Cities metro area home is in danger of being red-tagged, you probably have questions.
How does a red-tagged furnace occur?
If your furnace gets red-tagged, this means that an HVAC professional has discovered a cracked heat exchanger and deemed it inoperable until it can either be fixed or replaced. Your heat exchanger, a metal barrier that safely transfers heat from the burner flames to the outgoing airstream, can develop cracks and holes due to the intense heat generated by the unit. Rust and the ravages of time often play a role in cracking, as well.
Is a red-tagged furnace dangerous?
It can be extremely dangerous, which is the whole reason that it’s intentionally disabled. This is because combustion materials that leak through the heat exchanger’s cracks or holes and get into your air can cause harmful respiratory problems. This is especially true for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Another danger is the possibility of carbon monoxide getting into your air, which can be potentially deadly.
How do you fix a red-tagged furnace?
In some cases, you might be able to repair the heat exchanger. However, in most cases, this won’t be possible. You’ll want to discuss your options with the technician. You can replace the heat exchanger itself, but keep in mind that this can be quite costly. It would be similar to being faced with replacing an engine or transmission in an aging car. It may just be cheaper and smarter in the long run to buy a new car (or furnace in this case). While replacing the furnace will be a costly venture, over time a high-efficiency model will reap monthly savings in utility bills while providing superior comfort in your home.
For more expert advice about dealing with a red-tagged furnace, or for any questions relating to home comfort, please contact the friendly professionals at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been serving the HVAC needs of the Twin Cities metro area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about red-tagged furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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