Whenever your gas furnace is working, carbon monoxide is being produced. However, there is no need to worry. It is a natural by-product of the fuel-burning process. As long as your furnace is running properly, it is carefully deposited outside your home. Carbon monoxide is kept inside your furnace’s heat exchanger until it is safely pushed through the flue vent to the open air around your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a product of a malfunctioning gas furnace.
Breathing in too much carbon monoxide stops the body from using oxygen and can damage the central nervous system and heart. While carbon monoxide poisoning can affect anyone exposed to the gas, it is notably risky for people with existing lung or heart issues, pregnant woman, infants and children. Here are some tips to ease your mine mind and sustain a healthy, comfortable and safe home.
1. Invest in carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can’t be detected by humans. Without a detector, it’s practically impossible to perceive carbon monoxide is building up in your home. You may not be aware until someone starts showing symptoms of poisoning. Introduce carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, ideally near bedrooms, to be alerted to rising levels before anyone gets sick.
2. Be sure your gas furnace was installed properly. If your gas furnace wasn’t installed by pros, you should have it checked. The experts at Stanford Heating & Cooling can make sure your blower motor is installed properly and that there are no flaws in your ductwork design. Carbon monoxide can accrue if there are problems in those territories.
3. Schedule annual maintenance. Routine maintenance is the best step you can take to prevent carbon monoxide leaks from your gas furnace. During a yearly tune-up, our technicians will clean your system and inspect it for malfunctions or problems. It’s also a great idea to have any other gas-, coal- or oil-burning appliances professionally checked as well.
4. Keep your air filter clean. A stoppage of airflow caused by a dirty filter can cause carbon monoxide to escape your system. Set a reminder on your phone or mark your calendar to routinely check your air filter and clean or change it per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
5. Always rely on professionals to service your gas furnace and other fuel-burning appliances.
Carbon monoxide can be a serious threat, but you can have peace of mind by taking a few safeguards. You’ll always have the experts at Stanford Heating & Cooling in Bloomfield just around the corner to help, too. Give us a call at 812-825-8695 if you have questions or concerns about carbon monoxide or your gas furnace. You can also schedule an appointment using our online scheduler.