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Your gas furnace keeps your Downers Grove, IL, home warm and cozy throughout the winter. While this system gives you comfort, it also comes with risks. Our technicians at Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. understand these risks and how serious they can be. For that reason, we strongly encourage homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors. Read on to learn more about your gas furnace and carbon monoxide so that you can better understand why you need detection.
How Your Gas Furnace Can Produce Carbon Monoxide
Most furnaces rely on natural gas, propane, or oil for heat production. All these energy sources produce carbon monoxide via combustion. Proper venting and operation release this toxic gas outside your home, where it mixes with fresh air and does no harm. However, if anything hinders the process of venting and release, this gas could contaminate your home’s air. Even a small problem can lead to harmful carbon monoxide leaks indoors.
Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Leaks
One tiny problem with your furnace or ventilation can cause devastating carbon monoxide leaks in your home. With proper maintenance and professional care, you can lower the risk of these common hazards.
Damaged Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger in your furnace separates the warm air that circulates through your home from the combustion gases created during cycles. If this heat exchanger becomes excessively worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it may not perform properly. This could allow carbon monoxide to leak into the warm air that blows through your vents.
Blocked or Leaking Exhaust Flue
The exhaust flue safely transports harmful gases from your furnace to the outdoors. If this flue becomes blocked with debris or has a leak, it can allow carbon monoxide to infiltrate your home.
Lack of Maintenance
When you schedule seasonal furnace maintenance, our technicians carefully assess your entire system. We inspect the burners and heat exchanger for proper function and good condition. We also check the flue and venting for leaks and other concerns. Annual maintenance can greatly reduce your risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
Incomplete Combustion
Dirty or improperly adjusted burners may not completely burn the fuel inside your furnace. When this happens, the furnace may produce higher levels of carbon monoxide, making it harder to properly separate and vent the toxic gas.
Why Is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
You cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide when it leaks into your home. Because of this, the toxic gas can go unnoticed and become a silent killer.
Carbon monoxide enters your body through breathing. It then enters your bloodstream and starves your body of the oxygen it requires. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. Many people simply feel unwell with symptoms similar to those of the flu. As the poisoning worsens, you may experience vomiting, disorientation, and unconsciousness. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Even low levels of exposure can lead to chronic health problems over time.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Detection Work?
Carbon monoxide detectors sense the toxic byproduct in the air. There are different types of CO detectors that use different methods to sense leaks. However, they all work to alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide inside your home.
If your carbon monoxide alarm triggers, it’s important to take it seriously and act right away. Clear all household members, including pets, out of the house and get fresh air. Once outside, call 911. Emergency responders have safety equipment so that they can enter your home and test the air quality. Do not go back into your home until a professional has given you the all-clear. When able, call our technicians to alert of them of the issue. We can respond quickly to investigate the cause of the leak and perform the necessary heating repairs.
Stay Safe With CO Detection
At Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc., comfort and safety go hand in hand. Our technicians provide top-notch heating services to ensure you enjoy a warm and cozy home this winter without hazards such as gas leaks. We install and maintain CO detectors to help you avoid serious illness. Our crew also performs skilled repairs when part of your system fails. Be sure to also ask about our maintenance plan, where you get seasonal maintenance to keep your system in top condition with a few added perks.
Keep your home safe while you enjoy the warmth from your furnace this winter by calling Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. for professional carbon monoxide detector services in Downers Grove.
5240 Thatcher Rd.