A well-maintained furnace can be a powerhouse of warmth and comfort during the cold Selbyville winters. A poorly maintained furnace can be harmful for your health. Ideally, carbon monoxide remains safely within the heat exchanger. It travels through the furnace flue pipe and is vented outdoors. Here’s how to head off carbon monoxide leaks and keep your family safe:
1. Take Care of Your Heating Equipment
Seasonal furnace maintenance is the best insurance against carbon monoxide leaks. Your service technician will check the heat exchanger for cracks through which this gas can leak into your home. He will also ensure that your equipment is operating safely. Improper furnace installation can cause problems with venting. If your technician recommends a heating repair to rectify the problem, don’t wait to have it done. Do it now.
2. Invest in Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These alarms can alert you to a gas leak and possibly save a life. Carbon monoxide detectors will register even the smallest amounts of this odorless gas. Be sure to install several throughout your home, especially in bedrooms and places where your family congregates. Check them for effective operation and working batteries every year.
3. Guard Against Poor Airflow
The most common cause of poor airflow is clogged or dirty filters. Insufficient airflow can damage multiple HVAC components and collapse your entire system. Poor airflow is especially bad for a furnace. It can make the heat exchanger overheat and crack.
4. Watch Out for Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue, trouble breathing and confusion. If you have these symptoms, you may have a leak. This is especially likely if the symptoms clear up when you go outside.
Have you had your furnace serviced lately? Call the team at Red Dog Associates at (302) 436-2922 to schedule preventive maintenance.
