Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It lacks smell, taste, or color and is found in furnaces, gas ranges, and fireplaces. If the gas builds up in a small enclosed space, it can quickly lead to death. We are committed to sharing as much information as possible on protecting your loved ones from this deadly gas.
Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From?
When you use fuels containing high carbon content, such as wood, oil, gas, and kerosene, carbon monoxide is produced as part of the end product if combustion happens partially. Poorly installed and poorly maintained furnaces, boilers, cookers, and central heating have the capacity to produce carbon monoxide that puts your family at risk of poisoning.
Signs Your HVAC System is Contributing to a Carbon Monoxide Leak
As we mentioned above, faulty heating appliances are compromised and are likely to produce deadly gas. The gas may also leak from other regions in the house. Look out for these symptoms and call on appropriate services because you may be dealing with a faulty system.
- Wear and tear
- Cracked combustion chambers
- Leaking on boilers and furnaces
- Cracked exhausts
- Frequent blowouts in the pilot light
- The appearance of yellow flames on the burner; you want to see a blue flame
- Too much soot
- Stuffy and smelly air
- Heavy condensation on clear glass materials
- A chimney flue that doesn’t encourage the natural upward draft
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you notice these symptoms, there are high chance that your home has high levels of carbon monoxide.
- Being short of breath
- Chest pain
- Extreme nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Constant fatigue
- General weakness
- Prolonged headaches
- Enhanced confusion
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Chimney inspection: Check the condition of fireplaces and chimneys to clear out the way for exhaust gases to pass through. You want to get rid of debris and bird nests and remove soot while at it. Check that the flue damper seals and opens completely. An inefficient damper increases the energy cost of heating.
Ensure that the HVAC vents allow complete air flow: Dust and debris always collect in the vents. You want to unblock heating vents as often as you can. Blocked vents prevent heat from getting out and lead to increased energy costs. Check the supply and return registers to improve heat exchange.
Installation of carbon monoxide alarms and detectors: These are designed to specifically detect carbon monoxide, not just smoke, and fire. The gas has no odor and is exceedingly toxic.
Regular maintenance: It is important to service the HVAC system and oil and gas-burning appliances at least once a year. This exercise is better handled by professionals who check for fumes and know when there are problems that are potentially life-threatening. Thorough annual inspection and regular maintenance for furnaces can prolong their life to over 20 years.
Change the batteries two times a year: Consider swapping old batteries with new ones during spring and fall.
Avoid running your car in the garage: While it looks harmless with the garage door fully open, there have been a few cases where drivers collapsed even before they knew there was a problem. Running the engine in the garage for 7 minutes produces highly concentrated carbon monoxide.
Rice Heating and Air are a full–service HVAC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year–round. We are your comfort experts. Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
