Whenever your gas furnace is on, carbon monoxide is created. However, there is no cause for worry. It is a natural by-product of the fuel-burning process. As long as your furnace is working properly, it is safely deposited outside your home. Carbon monoxide is stored inside your furnace’s heat exchanger until it is safely pushed through the flue vent to the outside. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a consequence 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 hurt anyone exposed to the gas, it is notably risky for people with existing lung or heart issues, pregnant women, infants, and children. Here are some tips to ease your mine mind and sustain a healthy, comfortable, and safe home.
- 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 almost impossible to notice carbon monoxide is building up in your home. You may be unaware until someone starts showing symptoms of poisoning. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, ideally near bedrooms, to be alerted to rising levels before anyone gets sick.
- Be sure your gas furnace was installed properly. If your gas furnace wasn’t installed by pros, you should have it looked at. The experts at Air Houston Mechanical LLC can make sure your blower motor is installed properly and that they don’t see any flaws in your ductwork design. Carbon monoxide can accrue if there are problems in those territories.
- 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 check 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.
- Keep your air filter clean. A backup 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 regularly check your air filter and clean or change it per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Always count 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 measures. You’ll always have the professionals at Air Houston Mechanical LLC in Huffman behind you to help, too. Give us a call at (832) 957-9332 if you have questions or concerns about carbon monoxide or your gas furnace. You can also schedule an appointment using our online scheduler.
