Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the invisible threat that carbon monoxide poses to homes and families. Known as the “silent killer,” CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious health problems or even death if undetected.
With heating season in full swing, it’s essential to take proactive measures to ensure your home’s safety—and one of the most effective steps is maintaining your gas furnace. Let’s explore the dangers of CO, how regular furnace maintenance can help, and other key precautions to keep your household safe. Contact us to learn more about carbon monoxide detection in Baldwin.
Understanding the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels like natural gas, propane, or oil do not burn completely. While CO is a byproduct of many common household appliances, including gas furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces, it becomes dangerous when it accumulates in enclosed spaces. Exposure to CO can cause the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
In severe cases, prolonged exposure can cause loss of consciousness and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO poisoning leads to hundreds of fatalities and thousands of emergency room visits each year in the United States alone. What makes CO especially hazardous is that it’s undetectable by human senses, emphasizing the need for preventative measures.
Why Gas Furnace Maintenance Is Essential for CO Safety
Your gas furnace is essential for keeping your home warm during the winter. Although gas furnaces have safety protocols in place, the importance of annual furnace maintenance to ensure your furnace runs safely cannot be overstated.
In older furnaces, components like the heat exchanger or burners can wear out, crack, or malfunction, creating conditions that could allow CO to seep into your home. During a furnace inspection, our technicians perform a thorough check of your furnace’s safety features including:
- Check the heat exchanger for cracks or damage, which are common sources of CO leaks.
- Clean and inspect burners to ensure they’re operating properly.
- Test the ventilation system to confirm it’s expelling gases correctly.
These maintenance steps not only reduce the risk of CO poisoning but also extend the life of your furnace and improve its overall performance.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
In addition to regular furnace maintenance, there are other precautions every homeowner should take to minimize the risk of CO exposure:
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: CO detectors should be placed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas to ensure early detection. Test your detectors monthly and replace the batteries regularly. Replace the entire unit according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, typically every five to seven years.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Blocked or damaged vents can cause CO to back up into your home. Keep vents clear of snow, debris, or obstructions, especially during winter.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month is a timely reminder to prioritize your family’s safety by addressing potential CO risks. Contact us to schedule a furnace tune-up.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule furnace maintenance in Baldwin, PA with our team today.