25 Years in the trade here, your video is everything a technician needs to know. Well Done.😊

We need more honest folks like you!!!

@fuzzypickle5307

7 ай бұрын

He has good intentions, but his advice is dangerously ignorant. He portrays a cracked heat exchanger as a minor issue, and likely a scam. People die every year from cracked exchangers, and many more suffer irreperable damage from CO poisoning. This is a neat trick, and we use similar observations during testing, but you need a combustion analysis and a CO report to know for sure. Be wary of this guys advice on this matter.

@masterdirk101

7 ай бұрын

"honest folks" don't tell people cracks in their heat exchanger are fine if they are small. Small cracks get bigger when the heat exchanger heats up and causes metal to expand.

@percyfaith11

7 ай бұрын

@@masterdirk101 How do "honest folks" know that the heat exchanger has small cracks if they don't take it completely out of the furnace and inspect it? They can't. They just make up false tales about cracked heat exchangers to sell expensive new systems.

@Watchyn_Yarwood

7 ай бұрын

Amen!

@masterdirk101

7 ай бұрын

@@percyfaith11 The same way techs do, by inspecting it in place with a couple of cameras or mirrors? I've never condemned a heat exchanger for a crack that the homeowner themselves couldn't also verify. I also take videos starting with looking at the furnace itself which cuts all doubt. that its just some saved picture. Either way, this is a poor test to determine a heat exchangers integrity, as I've said the small cracks expand when the heat is on, so a test on a cold heat exchanger might not say much. Even immediately after cool down. I give credit to his point, people are out there trying to scam you and get you to buy a new system, its a fact of life, the problem is people are going to do this test and think their furnace is safe to run while they have a CO monitor from the early 2000's plugged into an outlet somewhere.

I use an incense stick for all kinds of similar draft and air leakage tests. Works great lasts a long time.

As a Senior appliance technician, I just gained valuable knowledge that will be very helpful for me. This young man takes his work seriously. I wish that there were more people like him. Thank you 😊

As a former gas fitter I was glad to see you putting out good info so folks don't get scammed.

Outstanding explanation!!!!! Thank you man! I am a licensed hvac/refrigeration contractor. Will be sending this video to my customers! It’s the best and easy to understand video about heat exchanger issues that I’ve seen! Thank you!

Well explained and well done. You should it be a teacher because you take the time and I can see your devotion. Keep up the good work. Professor WG, US Army Retired/Disabled Veteran from Pennsylvania.

This is a great way to do this. I usually use a combustion analyzer, but it’s hard to explain to customers there’s a problem. This helps visually.

We need more videos like this the HONEST DIY HVAC Guy

Hi Gary from the UK I am an old heating engineer and I haven't worked on hot air systems too much, just wanted to say Great video very interesting and informative keep them coming Very good tip thank you

good follow through . watching the match burn fair after going back to an undamaged tube offers a very positive test. watching both flame sources got even better. i did hvac for many a year and never new of this test. great way to upcycle an old furnace- the leak demo

@rayzerot

7 ай бұрын

Even easier- run the blower and stick your manometer in each tube. Any pressure change indicates airflow from your blower into your heat exchanger and proves there is a crack (of any size)

@6paxer

6 ай бұрын

How many homeowners have a manometer. You missed the point of this video.

I got ripped when my my ac unit developed a leak and was told it just needed to be recharged. I vowed to educate myself to not let that happen again. Thank you for your educational videos.

@User39.

7 ай бұрын

Air conditioners don't "use up" the refrigerant and need more...mine is on its 21st year with the original refrigerant from the factory...a lot of dishonest people in this world...if you are low on refrigerant it means you have a leak...

@primusheating1

7 ай бұрын

It's just like a car tire losing air consistently. You have a leak in that tire. The same goes for leaking refrigerant.

@Ratlins9

7 ай бұрын

@@primusheating1 Thanks primusheating1, being ignorant, I took the technician at his word until a few months later the same problem occurred. This time I researched it only to find out refrigerant doesn’t go bad but can leak. Called another company who quickly determined it was a leak. Appreciate your comment.

@paulrozinski1488

7 ай бұрын

The same happened to me about 10 years ago. The thief charged me $10 PER OUNCE and put in almost 6 POUNDS of R410A . Never again !!! Knowledge IS power.

@tg-bh2up

7 ай бұрын

How did you get ripped? was the leak large enough that you think the A coil, refrigerant lines, or entire unit should have been replaced and you now will be constantly recharging until then? Or is the leak rate small enough that it might be several years before needing a refrigerant top off?

Thank you for putting up this video! I was nearly scammed years ago by an HVAC guy who told me my furnace had a cracked heat exchanger. Even whipped out his "carbon monoxide detector" to show me the high numbers coming thru the vents. I asked him then why my multiple CO monitors all over in the house were not going off if there was life threatening levels - to which he shrugged off. Then he and his boss tried to pressure me into buying some off brand furnace replacement. Fortunately I had to get to work at the time, so put him off until I had a chance to arrange the finances. I then got a recommendation from a friend at work for a different HVAC guy to come out and look at it. He found that not only was there NOT a cracked exchanger, but that the previous HVAC guy had "booby trapped" my furnace by manually destroying the computer board so the furnace would not run at all now. The cost of replacing the computer board on the old girl was almost as much as a new furnace, so I had the new HVAC company replace it with a well known brand. Now I understand it better and will know how to check myself! Thanks!!

@Jon-hx7pe

4 ай бұрын

co alarms have a high cut-off, not displaying anything below 30ppm. no co in doesn't mean heat exchanger isn't cracked.

@lisanelson4750

4 ай бұрын

@@Jon-hx7pe The numbers he was showing me were all over 500 - well above the the cut-off and a life threatening situation - if true. The second HVAC guy who found the damaged computer board took multiple CO readings at the air vents - all were 0. People should ALWAYS get a HVAC second opinion when any repairman tells them the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking. CO is nothing to mess with!

@Jon-hx7pe

4 ай бұрын

It is very possible that someone was trying to scam you. At the same time, people need to understand no co at vents does not mean the heat exchanger is fine. Only visual inspection can for sure confirm the heat exchanger has no cracks, holes, popped crimp rings. A combustion test including oxygen can tell if the heat exchanger is leaking badly, but can have a normal combustion test but it is still cracked. When a defect is found, the tech should be able to show it - second opinion not needed. if you have unsafe wiring, it is still unsafe whether or not the wiring is actively overheating and smoking. This guy's channel is terrible and he's basically trying to make it out like every hvac tech is an scam artist and there is nothing to this field, anyone can do it. Telling people to only buy crappy single stage mid efficiency furnaces too. There's some great stuff on youtube but not on this channel. @@lisanelson4750

Correct me if wrong. But you did test on a cold heat exchanger. Small cracks some times seal when cold and expand when hot. Always have detectors. More than 1 they can fail too. Life is priceless. In fact the furnace should be interfaced with one to shut it down. But manufacture liability may be to much for that. I am always amazed that homes with gas lines don't have auto shut offs with a gas fume sensor. Many an explosion could be avoided. After all the electrical system has fuses and breakers.🧐

It might be worth noting that this should be checked with both a “hot” and “cold” exchanger as sometimes if there is a crack in it, once the exchanger warms up, the metal expands slightly.

@kennethkline7702

6 ай бұрын

Do you actually know what you're talking about? Or are you just saying this as a concept?

@JesusSaves71185

6 ай бұрын

@@kennethkline7702he actually knows what he’s talking about. It’s simple physics. Use google next time before posting a comment.

@raccoon874

6 ай бұрын

*All three commenters above have IDs that end in 02. Strange.*

@KennethCherisol

5 ай бұрын

​@@raccoon874 Possible bot activity or someone in Desperate need of attention. Lol

@topher8634

5 ай бұрын

It's a conspiracy.

Old HVAC guy here, video was very well done!

DTE (Detroit's Utility provider) came out to fix my furnace and ended up tagging it and locking it out because they said the heat exchanger was cracked. The furnace was over 30 years old so I just replaced it, luckily my neighbor used to install furnaces for DTE and replaced it at cost + a case of beer, my help and I donated to his grand daughters college fund😉

This is being done on a cold heat exchanger. A crack on a cold heat exchanger can be closed or sealed up but open up after it has been warmed up.Not saying this is a bad test just not a perfect test. If you have a bigger crack it will work real well., if it a smaller Crack that opens up more after it is warmed up it might not work as well.

@s.j.5850

27 күн бұрын

You can do the same test after having warmed up the heat-exchanger.

Great video, thanks. My furnace is 27 years old still working fine. I've replaced the igniter and the inducer motor twice. I have a new furnace sitting ready to go , bought it 5 yrs ago waiting for this one to go. lol bought it for $1250 Canadian they've doubled in price since then.

I appreciate this class brother,happy 2024 👍🏽💯

Excellent video, very thorough, and it's burned into my memory without any flickering. Knowledge is power and thanks for passing it on.

Great vid. Honest. Truthful. Helpful and simple. Thanks for educating us. Keep up the great work.

EXCELLENT TEST , Perfect clear explanation of furnace heat exchanger and testing. The video is the best I have ever seen about furnace sequence of operation and proving crack with matches. Thank You!

Awesome info, man. Thank you for your ongoing contribution to this platform. -Robert (fellow content creator)

Great tip for checking for cracks/holes in the heat exchanger. It's a lot cheaper than an analyzer! This one I will pass on to my HVAC instructor.

Great simple test. I have an older Carrier with the secondary heat exchanger issues and this is an easy test to make sure it is not leaking.

@fuzzypickle5307

7 ай бұрын

This is not a conclusive test. You will need a combustion analysis and CO report to determine if there is a crack or not. If it is leaking and you miss it, it could kill you and your loved ones.

If my furnace wasn’t having any issues I would have kept it. The way so many things today are made a upgrade can just as easily be a downgrade

@gnic76

7 ай бұрын

That is how I see it as well, which is why I still have a 25 year old furnace that works fine. Plus an upgrade is a lot of $$$.

@natersalad889

7 ай бұрын

Barely call it an upgrade, just newer equipment. Newer isn't always better, keep what you have

Great demo, great service to the public! I was a heating/cooling guy for several years and we used to use smoke bombs which would cause a sulfur smell in the home immediately; this is much easier! Thanks again!

@rayzerot

7 ай бұрын

Even easier- run the blower and stick your manometer in each tube. Any pressure change indicates airflow from your blower into your heat exchanger and proves there is a crack (of any size)

@stevefifield1207

7 ай бұрын

Sure - but this was a simple test for homeowners, not needing any other tools than a match.@@rayzerot

Man that was a tiny hole. Wouldn't have thought that little of a hole would move the flame so much! Very informative!

Great video. I have an 26 year old furnace in my home and plan on using it forever if possible. The new ones are expensive junk. I have a complete identical furnace for parts that worked fine when “upgraded “ a few years ago from a neighbor. I have co monitors but this test will help me make sure the old beast is still safe. Thanks!

@jonswisher8796

6 ай бұрын

This is one way that MAY tell if you have a bad heat exchanger, but it only works if the hole is close enough to the flame to make it move. Certainly not the best way to tell. If you have an old furnace just get a cheap inspection camera and look at the heat exchanger. Easy, or follow safety advice from a rookie HVAC guy that retells stories he heard on the internet. Good luck, and yes, there is expensive junk out there but there is some very good equipment that will make your home much more comfortable than on old one ever could and will last a good 20 years if installed orrectly, but that’s not important to some people, so keep the old one going. I agree with that.

@chetmyers7041

5 ай бұрын

@@jonswisher8796 My rental property has a Trane updraft furnace installed in 1990 that is still going strong, and on the original ignitor and draft motor.

@jonswisher8796

5 ай бұрын

@@chetmyers7041 I just updated the old gas train on a 1954 Ward gravity because the elderly homeowner likes the heat and no fan. If it is installed correctly and maintained, most equipment can last a long time, if not, it will not last. Trane make s a good product, we work on them all.

Hola señor DYI I was watching the video I just found today and I will watch the next videos that you recommended to watch after this one it’s amazing the knowledge that you have and the experience you have achieved working with hvac systems I will go to school in the future and I will enroll in this hvac 😊Saludos from Texas 👋😃👋you have a great day 😊

Very helpful hard to find honest people willing to help you not to get beat education is powerful even now someone comes to my home I will ask them to show me how he determined my heat exchanger was bad kudos to you my man kudos thanks

Brilliant video young Sir! One of the best videos on the subject. Thank you for taking the time to explain and show exactly the issue and what to look for. Keep them coming. Much appreciated.

OUTSTANDING INFORMATION SIR! This was such a good demonstration. I will be trying this on mine just to practice my newly acquired DIY knowledge (less the hole of course😂).Thanks for this information. Keep them coming sir!

You are the best, fantastic explanation. I have seen HVAC companies are some of if not the worse on scamming consumers and not just cracks in the heat exchanger, but trying to sell a whole furnace because a fan going out (very easy to replace) or igniter, etc. Thanks again.

My man, thank you very much. Im about to replace the gasket on my Goodman collector box cover which is leaking. I want to make sure the exchanger isnt damaged and will do this test first. Again, thank you very much!

Information is power. This info may save my bacon one day, so I'll add it to my tool chest. Much appreciated :)

Thank you. It shows that Your Business Model is working. Much success.

Man you are my hero, replaced my furnace following your tutorials, I am responsible for my actions but very thankful for all the info you share. -replaced. -built plenum (the old one was taller and slimmer) to connect to Acoil boxing. -tested gas pressure with the amazon white manometer you used in one video. -verified for days that carbon monoxide does not exist. With the klein tools that you use. All for less than 700 including flexible gas line, new gas valve, new filter. New furnace was 3 years old but never installed, I got it for 400. Cleaned it and it runs perfectly.

@diyhvacguy

7 ай бұрын

Amazing. Thanks for sharing!!

@fuzzypickle5307

7 ай бұрын

​@@diyhvacguyYou need to educate yourself about this subject before posting videos online that could actually get people killed. This is dangerously ignorant.

@natersalad889

7 ай бұрын

​@fuzzypickle5307 it doesn't take a doctorate degree to work on hvac equipment safely and correctly....

@urielvargas6777

7 ай бұрын

@@fuzzypickle5307 with all due respect he doesn’t tell anyone to do it. He shows how it is done, we are adults who understand the risks, and also follow thw safety tips and advice from @diyhvacguy. So all cool sr.

@troyroads8058

5 ай бұрын

Did you install the flex line into the furnace with a drip leg against icm code like this video?

This was a good demonstration, im a tech, and never knew the lighter technique.. your channel has GROWN TREMENDOUSLY! And in such a short period of time as well! Bravo!

@diyhvacguy

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. It’s all because of awesome viewers like you! 🤘🏼🤘🏼 thanks for your support

@troyroads8058

5 ай бұрын

Could you imagine explaining to the judge that your not guilty of neglegent homicide of a family of 5 cause you used the "matches trick" you saw on you tube to ensure everyones safety......

Ive used this method before. Its a good way to show a customer the issue

Great diagnostic!

This was the best video I could find on this subject. Thank you for showing us!

Good preventive maintenance tips especially the winter times or anytime. Thanks !

Great tip for a DIY check. I am very impressed on your one handed match lighting skills :D

This is unbelievable knowledge you’ve shared with us. Thank you.

Thanks HVAC Guy, that was an informative vid. An easy enough test to do periodically, to ensure furnace is functioning as it should. 👍

@fuzzypickle5307

7 ай бұрын

Be wary of this guys advice. You need a combustion analysis and CO report to know for a fact that it is not cracked. If it is, you and your loved ones can die, or suffer irreversible damage from CO poisoning. This guy may have good intentions, but he is clearly not a professional.

@gnic76

7 ай бұрын

@@fuzzypickle5307 Is still nice to know how, if a home owner is concerned, after which, if in doubt it can be pursued further with a professional.

@charlescernosek

7 ай бұрын

If somebody told me this, I would ask them to leave. Even if your at 5 or 6 pm co it's a problem long term exposure is dangerous. Google it.

@natersalad889

7 ай бұрын

​@fuzzypickle5307 just have carbon monoxide detectors through out the home like you should anyways, not rocket science

That was an excellent video explaining how home owners can ck their unit . Much thanks to you for sharing your knowledge that's so very helpful. Blessing to you

Thank you very much for teaching me such a critical stage.

I bet some " techs " carry photos of cracked heat exchangers . If they are dated and it doesn't match - time for a " mysterious truck fire " !😂

Thank you so much for your great videos. You saved me over 400 dollars on a service call. Keep up the good work.

Many thanks for all of your education. You are awesome in every regard. I am watching all of your videos. They are excellent. I wished you were my HVAC guy.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope more people find your videos! Stop the Ripoffs! You should be on Clark Howard’s show.

Great demonstration. Thank you for sharing this and many other HVAC tips.

Excellent video!! Thanks for showing us how to test heat exchanger

One of the best videos I have seen so far. Thanks for doing this video.

Great demo and will save you money and the potential of something bad happening !!

Well done with the demonstration!

Great video! Looks like that is almost the exact same model of furnace as my grandpa’s!

Thanks for taking the time to show this .

Very good demonstration! Thank you for making this video.

Great demo, great service to the public! I'm a heating/cooling guy for several years and this is much easier than taking everything apart. Thanks again!

Great information. Going to check mine tomorrow.

Thanks, Awesome trick to help us from getting screwed over 👍👍👍👍

Well done! I will have to try this method. Thank you for sharing.

This explanation is perfect! Thank you very much!

Great idea.... also having the ductwork attached on top of that furnace would add a little backpressure to help make the flames reaction increase with that slightly higher pressure coming in on a blower system thats not totally unrestricted at all

@Lenny8679205

7 ай бұрын

I bet if he put a piece of plywood on top you would really a reaction.

@RWMorgan39

7 ай бұрын

In the house, close all the supply's as good as possible to build up pressure

@willrefling6395

7 ай бұрын

Just saying, you don't actually have to build pressure for this to work. In most cases the flow through the coil is going to hit a reduced cross section. So you have an increased velocity. This will create lower static pressure than ambient. Which will still cause the flame to flutter. for example induced flues on old water heater. The density change from combustion flows up to an open air hood above the water heater. That high velocitiy creates a low static pressure zone which induces air flow from the room to carry the combustion products and the air from the room up the stack. Another example of this principle is fluid injectors.

@s.j.5850

27 күн бұрын

@@willrefling6395 Sounds like an engineer's perspective. Appreciate the technical explanation.

Good job I'm in the same field and that was a great presentation

It would be interesting to see the unit running with the hole in the heat exchange too. Great video overall, it's really helpful to know a way of checking the system myself.

@fuzzypickle5307

7 ай бұрын

This is a neat trick, but dont rely on it. You need a combustion analysis and CO report before you can conclude that there are no cracks. This man is also dangerously ignorant about the dangers of CO poisoning. In his last video he stated you shouldnt be concerned about anything less than 100ppm of CO. At that level you will have irreversible damage. This guys advice about this subject is actually dangerous.

@caidhg

7 ай бұрын

little bit harsh don't you think, I'm sure he's aware of the dangers of Co poisoning, he never said you don't need a CO detector in your house if you do this. he's just showing you how to check if you have a failure in your heat exchanger which could save somebody a bunch of money just on diagnostic charges alone.

@Ratlins9

7 ай бұрын

@fuzzypickle5307 I saw that video and he stressed the importance of having a CO detector. Now regarding ppm of CO, the chart displayed in that video was acquired from Boiler and Machinery Engineering Bulletin, Federal Register, Vol 45 and Industrial Toxicology 3rd Edition. If you have a disagreement, take it up with them. Where are your videos helping homeowners from getting ripped off? I’ll wait for your response.

@BrentBlanchard

7 ай бұрын

Oh yeah, CO detectors on every floor. I meant checking as in if some tech says I have a cracked exchange and shows me pictures, there should be other signs besides a photo that may or may not be my system. Unfortunately there are some dishonest folks out there happy to replace perfectly good, working units.

@Thomas-xm5ym

7 ай бұрын

@@fuzzypickle5307…..aaannnddd that’s why no one likes you.

Great tip, thanks for teaching me something new.

I think I just got, got by an HVAC contractor for a cracked heat exchanger. I kept the old furnace and I am gonna do this test. Wish I,d seen this last week.

Thanks for that information. I really appreciate it. You do good work.

Love the animation , thanks for helping us DIY, great video.

I hate crooked HVAC techs!! Thanks for your videos!

Excellent explanation! Wonderful video.

Awesome tutorial, keep up the great work!

awesome video really easy to understand and very straight forward thank you keep it up !

Honest man. Thanks great tutorial.

I used to work as a Gas Tech. Moved to Alberta and HOLY!! the amount of crooked techs lying to customers is overwheming. I no longer work as a tech but for an entire winter I went and helped people. One lady was told her furnace was shot! $2800 to repair and she should just get a new for $4400. She was so stressed because it was xmas eve. I seen her ask online if anyone could get her a quote because she never had $4400. I said I would stop at her home on my way home from work FOR FREE to make sure they did not lie to her. I fixed her furnace for $110 and it still runs today a year later.

@diyhvacguy

6 ай бұрын

The world needs more people like you sir

This pretty much confirms something I've always thought. The draft inducer blower creates a low pressure inside the heat exchanger and the main blower (fan) creates a high pressure outside the heat exchanger. Air always flows from high pressure to lower pressure, so as long as both blowers are running, there is no way for combustion gases to leak out of the heat exchanger. In older less efficient furnaces that lacked a draft inducer blower, it was possible for CO to leak into the heated air stream. Still, CO and also smoke are nothing to be complacent about. 40-some years ago my then girl friend and her parents had a near miss with an older furnace with cracked heat exchanger dumping CO into the air. Another family that I knew of died because a bird nest blocked their chimney flue. Having smoke and CO detectors is a very good idea. Also, it is good to get a CO detector that displays the level even if that level is below the alarm level. Long term exposure to low levels of CO is also harmful.

@DCHVAC

7 ай бұрын

This isn’t true at all. The main blower will counteract the inducer and cause a flame rollout condition or turbulence pulls the exhaust fumes into the plenum.

Wow! Just WOW !! Awesome video! Thank you

Really enjoy your videos. Well recorded and we'll explained. Thank you..

Very interesting. Would need to try this on a condensing furnance and also clamshell style chamber.

Great job - super honest and appreciate it.

Thanks for all your help 🙏 😊

I have the recommended fire/carbon monoxide detectors, but I am definitely going to try this. 👍🏼

Valuable and honest information.

THANK YOU - your videos are super helpful!

Great advice! Thank you

This was a great video! Thank you for the help.

Excellent money saving info. You are the best!!!

Thank you for the great,life saving information

One of the best channels on you tube

You can also put a carbon monoxide detector in front of a supply vent for a few weeks to see if there is a reading.

@RobertTuck-vo8cw

7 ай бұрын

The inducer fan creates a vacuum through the heat exchanger and pulls blower air in. The CO does not get into the room - Unless it is a huge leak.

@JohannnesBrahms

7 ай бұрын

My inducer fan blows air into the combustion chamber and out the flue. In the other case, if there is no carbon monoxide being forced into the supply ducts, then it wouldn't be a hazard for the occupants. @@RobertTuck-vo8cw

@tedlahm5740

6 ай бұрын

@@RobertTuck-vo8cwUnderstand your statement. Under this the INDUCER is actually pulling air form the ROOM air that is in circulation. thank you

Thank you This was very good I learned a new method Keep up the good advice..

Excellent video! Well done Sir!

Great demonstration

Fantastic demo. Well done. GOD bless

Can only say, very informative video. Thanks again . 👍👍👍👍

Thanks!!! I am off to test this new learned testing method