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How Do You Know if Your Furnace Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can seriously impact your health. Its important to know when your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide in order to keep you and your family safe. At HeatSource Mechanical, it is our job to protect you from any mishaps that you find throughout your house or business over the years. Here we are going to explain the HVAC red flags you should look for and a step-by-step guide to keeping your family safe.

Experiencing a furnace leak and looking to get it fixed? Call us today!

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It So Dangerous? 

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been known to be a very dangerous and poisonous gas that can come from anything gas or oil-burning-related appliance or product in your home. It can be very difficult to spot carbon monoxide because it is an odorless and colorless gas, which is why it is important to look out for the early warning signs before it becomes too late.  According to OSHA,  you can inhale carbon monoxide right along with gases that you can smell and not even know that CO is present. CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of material containing carbon such as natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood.”

Taking in carbon monoxide can be very harmful to your body and can serve as a risk to your entire family or guests staying at your property or for your employees in a small, compact commercial building.

Early Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

As stated above, carbon monoxide is very tough to spot, but luckily, there are some early warning signs you can actively look out for if you suspect there may be a leak coming from your furnace that you can actually see or smell.

  • If there is an abundant amount of condensation around your windows or walls where the appliance was installed, this will be a useful indicator for carbon monoxide if you have taken extra precautions in attempting to get rid of the excess water.
  • On top of the condensation around the windows, if your appliance is leaking you may notice brown or yellow stains. This may be a sign of carbon monoxide since you are unable to smell this toxic gas. 
  • Smelling something weird coming from inside your home? If you get a whiff of a burning smell like something might be overheating, evacuate the place immediately.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

Its important to understand the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning if there has been a furnace leak inside your home. If you start noticing any of the symptoms listed below, there may be a strong chance you have a leak and breathing in carbon monoxide without even realizing it.

  • Feeling dizzy
  • Experiencing shortness of breath
  • Sudden headache
  • Feeling extremely weak or fatigued
  • Noticing a difficulty in your concentration
  • Noticing your vision blurring

Are you experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? Please contact 911 if this is an emergency.

What To Do When You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? 

If carbon monoxide is detected with an alarm device, or if you suspect from your symptoms that you or your family members have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you must immediately evacuate the area of exposure and go to the ER.

Another option you have is to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further instruction. They are available 24 hours every day and will be able to assist you. The gas company, oil company, or local health authority can provide help in identifying and removing sources of carbon monoxide contamination.

How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning HeatSource Mechanical Supplies All Your HVAC Products

A major factor to keep in mind is that all fuel-burning products and engines give off carbon monoxide. When fuel-burners and engines are working properly, this usually will not be a need for any concern, but if your fuel-burner such as your furnace, is outdated, hasnt been replaced in over 20 years, making weird noises and smells funky, should be a sign of urgency to get it checked out by a professional technician. If carbon monoxide-producing products are used in a closed and tight space, the levels of carbon monoxide can rise to dangerous levels.

The CDC recommends taking the following measures to avoid carbon monoxide exposure:

  • Ask a qualified technician to service any components of your HVAC system that burn gas or oil.
  • Consider installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector throughout your home. Every so often, be sure to check up on it or replace batteries in order to get the most accurate reading.
  • If you are experiencing any symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or light-headedness, this may be carbon monoxide poisoning. please seek medical attention immediately.
  • Avoid using any gas or charcoal-burning device inside your home such as a generator or a grill.
  • Never leave a car running inside a garage. This is an invitation for carbon monoxide to leak through.
  • Make sure whatever you are burning is vented! This will prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
  • Consider using an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to power any generators or pressure washers to ensure safety.

HeatSource Mechanical Supplies All Your Furnace Products

HeatSource Mechanical has an abundance of useful resources and furnace products that help minimize a carbon monoxide leak with our top-tier furnaces from Lennox! We also provide furnace repair and replacements. Learn more about our products below.

Our Furnace Products

SLP98V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace: It’s no secret the SLP98V is the best-in-market. This product offers efficiencies of up to 98.7% AFUE* and will not break your bank. Everyone lives for a product that can save you utility costs, while also being the most efficient.

EL296V High-Efficiency, Two-Stage Gas Furnace: The EL296V is more than equipped with high-speed motors that help reduce your electrical drastically. This product ensures efficient temperature all throughout the house while also being extremely cost-effective.

We Offer Furnace Repair & Service

We all know the efficiency furnaces have, especially in the colder months. That’s why it is fairly easy to spot when your furnace isn’t running the way it used to. If you suspect there is something wrong with your furnace, take action immediately. You may need a furnace repair if you notice your furnace is:

  • Not heating as efficiently as you remember like it did in the beginning – Your furnace should be adequately supplying heat throughout the whole house. If you find your furnace is not heating certain places like it was before, you may need an inspection. 
  • Making abnormal sounds or noises – You know how a normal working furnace sounds. If you notice your furnace is making obscure noises, call a professional technician right away.
  • Showing a yellow flame. A sign of a normal working furnace will give you a blue flame.
  • Frequently turning on or off – Your furnace should turn off and on, but if you are noticing it turning on and off more frequently after running a short time, this might mean it’s time for a replacement.
  • Using more fuel than before – If you notice your furnace is consuming more fuel, this could mean your furnace is exhausting itself more, which could lead to more issues. 
  • Over 15-20 years old. We recommend getting your furnace serviced or replaced during that time frame. This will maintain the look and quality of your furnace.

Don’t let your outdated or broken furnace be a safety hazard to your family members or loved ones or even your employees if you are in a commercial building. At HeatSource Mechanical, we are here to make sure the products and appliances in your house are as safe as possible. Our technicians are certified, trained, and efficient – ready to help you when you call!

Ready to get your furnace replaced? Call us today!

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