CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY: Why You Should Inspect Your Heating System and When to Call Emergency HVAC Services

Your home’s furnace works 24/7 to keep you warm, but did you know, just like your car, it requires regular maintenance to prevent safety hazards? Understanding your furnace and carbon monoxide (CO) is critical to keeping your home and family safe. This article covers important topics related to furnaces and carbon monoxide detectors, such as how they work, how to maintain them, and what to do in case of an emergency. You will learn useful tips and best practices to keep your home safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

DO ALL FURNACES PRODUCE CARBON MONOXIDE?

Yes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of burning hydrocarbon fuels like natural gas, which all furnaces do. However, the amount of CO produced is usually very low and harmless. If your residential heating systems is not working properly, has damaged parts or lacks adequate ventilation, the CO level can increase and become dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning. To prevent a CO leak, it is important to keep the furnace well-maintained and vented.

CAN A FURNACE TRIGGER A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Yes, a faulty furnace can cause a carbon monoxide detector to go off. This may occur when parts like the heat exchanger break or when there’s an issue with the flue or ventilation system, resulting in higher levels of carbon monoxide in the air. By performing preventive maintenance, you can spot problems before they become serious and trigger the CO detector. This way, you can keep your living environment safe and avoid CO poisoning.

HOW CAN A FURNACE CAUSE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?

A furnace that is not well maintained or vented can produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell. Carbon monoxide can harm your health and even kill you. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning if you feel headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, confusion, or fainting.

DO I NEED TO PUT A CO DETECTOR NEAR MY FURNACE?

It is recommended that you place a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace.

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that can be produced by furnaces. If the furnace or its venting system is not working properly, carbon monoxide can leak into your home and cause serious health problems. A CO detector near the furnace can help you detect any carbon monoxide in the air, even if you can't see or smell it. If the detector goes off, you should get out of the area and call a professional to check the system.

CAN YOU GET FALSE ALARMS WITH A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Sometimes a carbon monoxide detector may go off when there is no actual danger. This is called a false alarm, and there are various reasons it may occur which may occur because of low battery or environmental factors. A false alert may occur when an alarm is too sensitive or past its expiration date.

Learning about and understanding your detector and its specific requirements helps reduce chances of false alarm.

CAN A FURNACE PILOT LIGHT CAUSE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR TO GO OFF?

If your pilot light is working well, it should not trigger your CO detector. But if your pilot light is faulty, it might release CO gas, which is why you need to check your furnace regularly.

In need of furnace maintenance? Contact us today to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment..

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Bill Leary AC & Heating, 732-494-9200

HOW DO YOU PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM A FURNACE?

A yearly HVAC inspection by a qualified technician can prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in your home. They will check your furnace for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction that could cause a CO leak. They will also make sure the furnace has enough ventilation and adjust the settings if necessary.

Another way to protect yourself and your loved ones from CO poisoning is to install CO detectors near your furnace and other areas of your home. Check them often to make sure they are functioning properly. These measures can help you create a reliable safety net against the risks of CO exposure.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF A FAULTY FURNACE?

Some signs of a malfunctioning furnace that could pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other issues are:

• Heavy condensation on the windows near the furnace or find yellow or brown stains around it. 
• A pilot light that is yellow instead of blue is another sign.
• If the air inside feels stuffy or if you smell something like gas or burning. 
• Pilot lights blowing out.
• Rust on the vent pipe.
• Unseasonable increase in energy bills.
  

Don't delay contacting an expert if you notice any of these symptoms!

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK?

A CO leak is a serious hazard that requires immediate action. You should get out of the affected area as soon as possible, contact the authorities, and let qualified experts check and fix the system to avoid future leaks.

Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to replace a component with a furnace repair call or the whole furnace to ensure safety. After the repair work is done, the place should be ventilated well to clear any CO traces. Don't return home until the experts give you the green light. They will inform you about the cause of the issue and how to prevent it in the future.

WHERE ELSE SHOULD I PUT CO ALARMS IN MY HOME?

In addition to near the furnace, CO alarms should be placed:

• On each level of your home
• Near bedrooms 
• In areas where fuel-burning appliances are used such as gas stoves, fireplaces, etc. 
  

Remember to:

Place alarms high on the wall - Since co is lighter than air, it ascends to the ceiling. Therefore, placing alarms at a high level (about 5-6 feet from the ground) ensures proper detection.

Keep alarms away from vents and windows - CO alarms may not work properly if there is too much air movement around them. Therefore, do not install them near vents, windows or fans that could affect the airflow.

Test and maintain your alarms regularly - CO alarms can expire after 5-10 years of use. Check them every month and replace them when necessary.

LET BILL LEARY AC & HEATING KEEP YOU SAFE

Regular HVAC inspections and maintenance are the best way to prevent carbon monoxide problems. To keep your home safe, schedule your furnace inspection today with Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating, a reliable HVAC contractor. Based in Metuchen, New Jersey, our service areas include towns in and near Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union counties. We offer high-quality HVAC service, including routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Contact us to learn more or get started.

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