The answer to 'why is my heat exchanger' is that a cracked or damaged heat exchanger can be a serious issue. The heat exchanger is a vital component of your furnace or boiler that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air or water that circulates through your home. If the heat exchanger is cracked or malfunctioning, it can allow dangerous combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide to leak into your living space, which can be a serious health hazard.
Common causes of a faulty heat exchanger include normal wear and tear over time, corrosion, physical damage, or improper installation or maintenance. Symptoms may include strange noises coming from the furnace, uneven heating, unusual odors, or elevated carbon monoxide levels. If you suspect an issue with your heat exchanger, it's crucial to have a professional HVAC technician inspect and diagnose the problem right away.