Whenever your gas furnace is running, 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 harmlessly deposited outside your home. Carbon monoxide is contained inside your furnace’s heat exchanger until it is safely pushed through the flue vent to the outside. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a result of a malfunctioning gas furnace.
Breathing in too much carbon monoxide prevents the body from using oxygen and can damage the central nervous system and heart. While carbon monoxide poisoning can hurt anyone exposed to the gas, it is especially risky for people with existing lung or heart problems, pregnant woman, infants and children. Here are some tips to ease your mine mind and maintain 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 be unaware until someone starts showing symptoms of poisoning. Put 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 AW Heating & Air Conditioning can make sure your blower motor is installed accurately and that there are no flaws in your ductwork design. Carbon monoxide can collect if there are problems in those spaces.
3. Schedule annual maintenance. Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks from your gas furnace. During a yearly tune-up, our professionals will clean your system and examine it for malfunctions or problems. It’s also a great idea to have any other gas-, coal- or oil-burning appliances professionally monitored as well.
4. Keep your air filter clean. A backup of airflow caused by a dusty filter can cause carbon monoxide to bleed out from your system. Set a reminder on your phone or mark your calendar to regularly check your air filter and clean or change it per the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Always count on professionals to fix your gas furnace and other fuel-burning appliances.
Carbon monoxide can be extremely hazardous, but you can have peace of mind by taking a few safeguards. You’ll always have the pros at AW Heating & Air Conditioning in Lincoln behind you to help, too. Give us a call at 402-438-7992 if you have questions or concerns about carbon monoxide or your gas furnace. You can also schedule an appointment using our online scheduler.