2016_Carbon Monoxide from John Finan on Vimeo.
Carbon Monoxide in homes is a deceptively dangerous problem, you can’t see it, taste it, or smell it. So how do you know if you have a Carbon Monoxide problem?
Well you might start feeling nauseous, start getting headaches, or just start feeling uncomfortable, and then blame it on the cold or the flu. But Carbon Monoxide is serious business, and it can even kill you. Let’s take a look at this furnace. Carbon monoxide is produced when gas or oil is burned inside your furnace. Our furnace system are designed to take those fumes up and out the chimney where they can’t hurt anyone, if everything’s working okay.
The problem is not all furnace systems operate properly. I fix and repair lots of things around the house, but one thing that I insist on is an annual furnace check by a pro. A professional is going to look inside your furnace, to check the heat exchanger for cracks, and make sure there’s adequate ventilation. This is going to keep any Carbon Monoxide from leaking into your home. Now between inspections, the only way to know if you have a Carbon Monoxide problem is to have Carbon Monoxide detectors installed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing detectors outside of each bedroom and sleeping area and because Carbon Monoxide is slightly lighter than air, it’s recommended that they’re installed right about eye level. It’s important to have your detectors tested once a year. If you have questions about Carbon Monoxide or you’d like a furnace safety check, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out.
This post was written by John Finan
July 16, 2017