Gas Furnace Safety in Nanaimo: Why Cracked Heat Exchangers Are a Serious Concern

Gas Safety 101

Here at Norm’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we talk a lot about furnace maintenance—especially changing your air filter. If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ve probably heard me (Malcolm) say it more than once: “Don’t forget to change your filter!”

But this reminder isn’t about sales—it’s about safety, efficiency, and protecting your home. In fact, one of the most common causes of no heat in a gas furnace is a dirty air filter. What’s worse, it can even lead to a much more serious issue: a cracked heat exchanger.

What’s the Big Deal About Cracked Heat Exchangers?

When your furnace filter becomes clogged, airflow gets restricted. That means your gas furnace in Nanaimo (or anywhere else) has to work harder than it should. Over time, this stress can cause cracks in the heat exchanger—a critical component of your furnace.

A cracked heat exchanger isn’t just an equipment issue. It’s a health and safety risk.

When your furnace burns fuel to create heat, it also produces byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO)—an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. The heat exchanger’s job is to keep that CO safely contained and vented outside. If it cracks, those gases can leak into your home without warning.

Just this past winter, our team had to condemn several gas furnaces in Nanaimo and Parksville due to cracked heat exchangers. In most cases, the homeowner had no idea anything was wrong—until their carbon monoxide detector went off. That little device likely saved lives.

Why Annual Furnace Maintenance Is So Important

Preventing these issues is simple: schedule regular furnace maintenance.

At Norm’s, our licensed gas technicians perform thorough inspections during every furnace service. We check for signs of wear, clean the system, test safety features, and inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or damage. You’ll even receive a detailed digital checklist after each visit so you know exactly what we did and what (if anything) needs attention.

Regular maintenance not only protects your family, but it also:

• Improves system efficiency
• Reduces heating costs
• Extends the lifespan of your furnace
• Prevents those frustrating “no heat” calls during cold snaps

Act Now to Save: FortisBC Rebate Ending Soon

Here’s a quick heads-up: FortisBC’s gas furnace maintenance rebate is ending on June 1st. That means you’ve got limited time to book a service and get money back just for doing the right thing for your furnace.

Want to Make Maintenance Easier?

If scheduling every year sounds like a hassle, we’ve made it easier. Our Service Plans include annual maintenance reminders, discounts on repairs, priority booking, and extra perks. It’s a simple way to protect your investment and keep your gas furnace running smoothly in Nanaimo or Parksville.

At the end of the day, we believe your home should be a place of comfort and safety—and that starts with your heating system. If you haven’t booked your furnace maintenance in Nanaimo yet, now’s the time.

Thanks for reading, and thank you for trusting Norm’s with your home.

– Malcolm
Owner, Norm’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

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