You know that running a vehicle or using a grill in an enclosed space is dangerous because gas fumes – mostly carbon monoxide – can quickly build up. What you may not know is that heating systems also produce gaseous byproducts during their combustion process. The system should take care of this excess, but if something fails, can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Since Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in heating services in Clayton, OH, our licensed and certified technicians understand these dangers first-hand. Below, we share what you need to know about your furnace and carbon monoxide precautions.
The Primary Problem With Carbon Monoxide
Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning? Before answering that question, let’s take a closer look at carbon monoxide or CO.
This odorless, colorless gas forms when fuels containing carbon, such as natural gas, wood, and coal, undergo incomplete combustion. Most natural gas suppliers include additives like mercaptan to create an easily detectable scent resembling sulfur or rotten eggs. However, since CO forms when the fuel doesn’t fully combust, it’s unlikely that you’ll smell mercaptan in the case of CO exposure.
Since your first clue is likely to be the onset of serious medical symptoms, you can understand why carbon monoxide poisoning is such a dangerous health risk.
Is Prolonged Exposure To CO Dangerous?
Significant exposure can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, so there’s a good reason many refer to CO as The Silent Killer. Inhaling carbon monoxide sends dangerous molecules to your lungs, which quickly seep into your bloodstream and attach to oxygen-bearing hemoglobin molecules. The more CO your body takes in, the less oxygen your blood can carry to your body’s organs, which means individual cells start to die, and death can follow.
You could get sick in as little as five minutes in a room with high CO levels. Typical symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Weakness or fatigue
With chronic exposure, severe issues emerge, including memory loss, impaired vision, and loss of muscle and bladder control. Still, Clayton locals can protect themselves if they have enough of a warning.
Can a Furnace Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Issue in a Clayton Household?
Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning? Yes, but when temperatures drop in Clayton, you shouldn’t live in fear of running your heating system. Even though furnaces and boilers ignite fuel to heat air and water, they have vents to send gaseous combustion byproducts outdoors.
The risk of a gas leak is only when these safety mechanisms fail. For example:
- Cracked heat exchanger. CO and other fumes travel through the heat exchanger to the flue vent. One crack can trigger a leak.
- Faulty ductwork. A damaged air duct vent connection may let CO escape.
- Dirty filter. Clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overwork. If it overheats, heat exchanger damage is likely.
Corrosion is also a problem for furnaces in Clayton when condensation forms around flue pipes during temperature fluctuations. A hole could mean a CO gas leak.
Warning Signs of a Possible CO Leak
Is your Clayton furnace leaking gas? Look for these warning signs:
- Burning smells
- Rotten egg smells (unlikely)
- Stale, stuffy air
- Soot marks around your house
- A yellow pilot light flame instead of a blue one
- Brown or yellow stains around the heater
Tips for Preventing CO Leaks From Your Clayton Home’s Furnace
Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you have a failsafe in place? The following measures help:
- Get professional furnace installation: Professional HVAC installations from a qualified company promise a safe and functional furnace.
- Maintain your system: Annual inspections and tune-ups identify potential problems early and fix them.
- Replace the air filter: Ensure optimal HVAC airflow by changing your filter often.
You will also protect your household when you install carbon monoxide detectors to detect the gas’s presence long before poisoning occurs. With alarms, you’ll have plenty of time to turn off your heating system and get to safety. A CO detector on every floor and a battery change every year are ideal.
Get Immediate Help With Your Furnace or Leaks From Our Local HVAC Experts
Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning? Let Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing assure you that even a minor gas leak in a heating system can cause major health and safety issues. However, our skilled HVAC technicians have ample experience identifying and remedying furnaces with gas leaks, as well as dispelling common heating myths.
Suspect a CO leak in Clayton, OH? Evacuate and then contact us for an in-depth furnace inspection and repair!