As a homeowner, you likely prioritize safety, both for yourself and your family. If you use a gas-powered furnace to heat your home in the winter, you should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. But, don’t worry just yet. Your furnace is not inherently dangerous, and hazardous leaks can be avoided altogether as long as you remain proactive.
Scheduling regular maintenance services is the best way to ensure that your heater is operating safely and efficiently. In today’s blog, we will discuss the importance of regular maintenance and how it will help you avoid carbon monoxide. Keep reading below to learn more.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. It is toxic, and therefore dangerous, to humans and animals alike. Inhaling CO produces symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
In worst case scenarios, unknowingly inhaling CO can lead to death.
What causes a CO leak?
Although uncommon, there are a few problems that can cause carbon monoxide to leak from your furnace. It is important to be aware of these issues:
- Cracked heat exchanger: The exchanger is the mechanism responsible for heating the air that flows through the furnace. The heat exchanger expands and contracts as internal temperatures fluctuate. Over time, this can lead to cracks. A crack in the heat exchanger is the most common cause of a CO leak, so it is important to recognize the signs:
- An odd colored flame – your burner flame should be blue.
- Soot
- Cracks along the surface of the furnace
- Strange smells
- Rattling sounds
- Clogged air filter: When an air filter becomes too clogged, airflow in and out of the furnace is restricted. This can lead to a wide range of issues, including a carbon monoxide leak. It is important to regularly check and replace filters. We recommend changing your filter every 1-3 months during the heating season.
- Flue pipe problems: The flue pipe is the part of your furnace responsible for venting harmful gasses outside of your home. If this pipe becomes damaged or clogged, gasses can escape inside the house.
How Maintenence Helps
Scheduling annual maintenance services is the best way to avoid a dangerous situation. During a maintenance visit, a professional HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your system, granting them the ability to detect and fix minor issues before they become major. This helps to ensure that your system is running safely. Plus, maintenance is a great way to maintain your furnace’s efficiency and increase its service life!
If you need heater service in Palmer Lake, trust Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team is dedicated to providing quality customer service to ensure your safety and satisfaction. We install, repair, and maintain a wide range of heaters including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and ductless systems. When you schedule your heater services with us, you can be sure that your heater will remain efficient, effective, and safe!
