When the cold weather arrives, many people turn on their heating system. As long as the heating system is warming up their home, everything seems fine. It is one of those appliances that we seem to take from granted and expect it to keep us warm and safe, regardless of how cold it is outdoors.
However, the dark truth about all heating systems is that there is a risk of improper venting which leads to a carbon monoxide leak. This gas can be deadly for those who are exposed to it for long periods. This article will discuss some of the causes of a CO leak. It will also cover some the steps that you can take to prevent one from happening in your home.
Heating System Repair Robbinsville NJ: Carbon Monoxide & Your Furnace
All homeowners should know about carbon monoxide risks and how to prevent exposure during the colder months. Here’s a closer look at this serious issue.
The Effects Of Carbon Monoxide From Your Furnace
Most people already know that carbon monoxide is deadly, but just how deadly is it in the home?
About 20,000 people per year in the United States make an emergency room visit after getting some level of carbon monoxide exposure. Just over 400 people on average die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Many of these deaths are avoidable and are caused by homes that did not have the proper precautions in place.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is extraordinarily dangerous. At the beginning of the exposure, the symptoms might not be obvious. It is odorless, colorless and has no taste. Consequently, people have no idea that they are being exposed to it until it is too late. At any point when someone notices a leak, heading to the emergency room is pretty much the only step to take to make sure it doesn’t become serious.
How To Avoid A Heating System Carbon Monoxide Leak
In a home or business, carbon monoxide exposure can be greatly reduced by taking the proper precautions. The best and easiest way is to have the boiler or furnace properly installed and checked periodically. Furnace tune-ups and inspections significantly reduce the chances of a carbon monoxide leak.
Heating systems can leak carbon monoxide when:
- the combustion chamber has a crack in it
- the exhaust piping is compromised
- the combustion process isn’t working properly
- The older a heating system is, the more likely that a leak is due to simple wear and tear.
Schedule A Furnace Tune-Up For Improved Performance
Annual checks for a heating system can solve any problems before they become significant. It only takes a short amount of time for an expert to check for leaks. They can find minor issues and repair them before they have a chance to escalate. As with all machinery, the bigger the repair, the bigger the repair cost. A furnace tune-up can even save you money since it enhances your system’s performance, requiring less energy while operating. Otherwise, heating bills can become pretty costly when a heating system is not running efficiently.
Get CO Detectors & Install Them Around Your Home
Beyond scheduling annual tune-ups for your heating system, functional carbon monoxide detectors can save lives. They are just as important as smoke detectors, especially in colder climates with heating systems being used so frequently. Installation is easy, and they use such little power that batteries can last a long time.
A downfall of carbon monoxide detectors is that they are not the best at detecting smaller levels of the gas in a building. They can tell if there is a good amount of carbon monoxide trapped inside, but smaller amounts can still be deadly if a person is exposed to it for a long time. To avoid this type of issue as much as possible, multiple carbon monoxide detectors should be used.
The common suggestion is to put a carbon monoxide detector close to the heating system, and then at least one per floor throughout the home or building. It is not costly to buy a few extra detectors. If the alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911. Emergency responders will be able to not only help clear the building but more importantly check to see if anyone is showing symptoms from exposure.
Final Thoughts
Heating systems do a lot of good, but carbon monoxide continues to be a risk that is real if they are not properly installed or maintained. Stay on top of it, and the risk of carbon monoxide exposure will be virtually eliminated. It doesn’t cost much at all to have peace of mind in the winter months.
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning has NATE certified technicians on staff to service your furnace.
We offer superior HVAC repairs, tune-ups, installations, and replacements. Our HVAC contractors have the experience and knowledge to service your heating unit and keep it working optimally. We guarantee that we offer the most competitive heater repair costs in the area. Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today and schedule an appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Some of the areas in Robbinsville Township that we service include Hightstown, Windsor, Trenton, Allentown, and these zip codes 08520, 08561, 08691, 08501 as well as all surrounding areas in Mercer County, NJ.
Click here contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!