That Smell Could Kill You – Get Your Heat Exchanger Checked

I’ve been in enough Minneapolis basements to know that metallic smell near your furnace isn’t something you should ignore. After 17 years of emergency calls at 2 AM, I can tell you that cracked heat exchangers are silent killers – literally. Carbon monoxide has no smell, no color, and by the time you feel dizzy or nauseous, your family could already be in serious danger.

Why Minneapolis Families Trust Me With Their Lives

My name is Mike, and I’ve been responding to carbon monoxide emergencies in Minneapolis since 2008. When I started MplsCOEmergency, I made a promise to myself: no family should lose someone to preventable CO poisoning on my watch.

Here’s what makes us different from other HVAC companies:

• True 24/7 availability – I answer the phone myself, not an answering service
• 30-minute emergency response – Because CO doesn’t wait for business hours
• Owner-operated service – I personally train every technician on our team
• No unnecessary upsells – I only recommend repairs that keep your family safe
• Plain-English explanations – You’ll understand exactly what’s wrong and why

“I’ve seen too many close calls in Minneapolis homes. Most CO emergencies happen between November and March when furnaces are working hardest. That’s why I sleep with my phone next to my bed – because families shouldn’t have to wait when their safety is on the line.” – Mike, Owner

I Know Minneapolis Furnaces Like Nobody Else

After nearly two decades of crawling through Minneapolis basements, I’ve learned that our city has unique challenges. Those beautiful 1920s homes in Uptown? They often have original ductwork that’s seen better days. The newer builds in Northeast? Sometimes the installations were rushed.

My team and I have handled heat exchanger inspections in every Minneapolis neighborhood:

• Downtown condos with tight mechanical rooms
• Historic homes with aging furnace systems
• Rental properties where maintenance gets overlooked
• New construction with installation issues

We hold Minneapolis HVAC Class A License, Gas Fitter certification, EPA 608 Universal, and NATE Certified credentials. More importantly, every technician on my team has completed 576+ hours of formal training plus OSHA safety certification.

Here’s Exactly How I Check Your Heat Exchanger

I believe you should know exactly what happens during an inspection. Here’s my step-by-step process:

All the Ways I Keep Your Family Safe

Heat exchanger inspection is just one part of what we do. Here are all the services that help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• CO Leak Detection – Advanced testing equipment finds leaks before they become deadly
• Emergency CO Response – 30-minute guarantee when your CO detector goes off
• Furnace Repair – Fix the root cause, not just the symptoms
• Heat Exchanger Inspections – Thorough examination using specialized cameras and testing
• Carbon Monoxide Safety Inspections – Complete home assessment for all CO sources
• CO Detector Installation – Proper placement saves lives (most people put them in wrong spots)
• Furnace Maintenance Plans – Preventive care catches problems early
• Insurance Claim Assistance – Help you navigate the paperwork after CO damage
• Landlord Safety Checks – Protect your tenants and your liability
• Real Estate CO Audits – Peace of mind for buyers and sellers

What Makes Me the Go-To Guy for Heat Exchanger Problems

Seventeen years of emergency calls teaches you things you can’t learn in a classroom. I’ve seen heat exchanger failures that other companies missed. I’ve saved families who were hours away from CO poisoning.

Here’s what my customers tell me makes the difference:

• I show up when I say I will – 30-minute emergency guarantee isn’t just marketing
• I explain everything in plain English – No confusing technical jargon
• I take photos of everything – You see exactly what I see
• I help with insurance claims – Most companies leave you to figure that out alone
• I stand behind my work – Fully bonded, insured, and worker’s comp covered

“The scariest call I ever got was from a family in South Minneapolis. Their teenage daughter kept getting headaches, but only at home. Turns out their heat exchanger had a hairline crack that was slowly poisoning the whole family. That’s why I take every inspection seriously – it’s not just about fixing equipment, it’s about saving lives.” – Mike, Owner

Recent Jobs That Saved Lives

Here are some recent heat exchanger inspections I’ve completed around Minneapolis:

Uptown Duplex – Found cracked heat exchanger in 1940s home, prevented CO poisoning for young family with newborn.

Northeast Minneapolis Rental – Discovered improper installation causing backdrafting, worked with landlord to fix before tenants were harmed.

Downtown Condo – Identified rust damage from humidity issues, replaced heat exchanger and improved ventilation.

South Minneapolis Bungalow – Caught early-stage cracking during routine inspection, saved family thousands in emergency repairs.

Dinkytown Apartment Building – Complete inspection of all units revealed three dangerous heat exchangers, prevented potential tragedy.

“Mike came out at 11 PM on a Sunday when our CO detector wouldn’t stop beeping. Found a crack in our heat exchanger that could have killed us. He stayed until he knew we were safe and came back first thing Monday with a replacement. Can’t thank him enough.” – Brynlee K., Uptown, January 2025

Every Minneapolis Neighborhood I Serve

I’ve been in basements and mechanical rooms all over Minneapolis. My truck is stocked and ready to respond to any neighborhood, 24 hours a day.

From the historic homes in Kenwood to the new developments in Northeast, I know the common heat exchanger problems in every area. See all the Minneapolis neighborhoods I serve.

Questions People Ask Me About Heat Exchangers

How often should I have my heat exchanger inspected?
I recommend annual inspections, but if your furnace is over 15 years old or you’ve noticed any strange smells, don’t wait. Call me immediately.

Can I inspect my own heat exchanger?
Please don’t try this. Heat exchangers are inside your furnace, and proper inspection requires specialized equipment and training. Plus, you could accidentally damage something or miss a dangerous crack.

What does heat exchanger replacement cost?
It varies by furnace type and size, but I always give you options. Sometimes repair is possible, sometimes replacement makes more sense. I’ll explain the costs upfront – no surprises.

Will insurance cover heat exchanger problems?
Sometimes, especially if CO damage is involved. I help customers navigate insurance claims all the time. I document everything with photos and detailed reports.

How long does a heat exchanger inspection take?
Thorough inspection takes 45-60 minutes. I don’t rush – your family’s safety is worth doing it right.

Insider Tips That Could Save Your Life

After 17 years of heat exchanger inspections, here’s what I want every Minneapolis homeowner to know:

• Trust your nose – Any metallic or unusual smell near your furnace needs immediate attention
• Watch for rust flakes – If you see orange or brown flakes around your furnace, call me today
• Pay attention to headaches – If family members get headaches that go away when they leave the house, test for CO immediately
• Check your flame color – Furnace flames should be blue, not yellow or orange
• Don’t ignore CO detector beeps – Even if it stops beeping, something triggered it

“I always tell customers that their nose is their first line of defense. If something smells off near your furnace, don’t second-guess yourself. I’d rather check a perfectly good heat exchanger than miss a dangerous one.” – Mike, Owner

The biggest mistake I see? People waiting to call because they’re worried about the cost. Here’s what I’ve learned: heat exchanger inspection costs a fraction of what emergency room visits or worse will cost your family.

My professional recommendation: If your furnace is over 10 years old, get it inspected every year. If it’s over 15 years old, consider inspection twice a year, especially before and after heating season. Learn more about furnace age and CO risk.