Your
furnace is a heating system that produces carbon monoxide (CO), a silent and
harmful gas that can be fatal. You need to be diligent about regular furnace maintenance
in order to keep your family safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide
poisoning. Your unit needs to remain efficient and safe at all times.
Natural
Gas and Propane Furnaces
Forced-air furnace models that run on natural gas or propane
produce carbon monoxide due to incomplete combustion. Most of the small amount
of deadly gas is carried out of the home through the ventilation system.
However, older models are prone to increased carbon monoxide production, and
even the modern high efficiency models can pose a threat in your home.
Regular
maintenance of your natural gas or propane powered furnace involves changing
the furnace filters at least twice a year, and engaging a qualified technician
to service your unit annually. The ventilation system will be inspected, as
well as the interior mechanisms of your furnace in order to ensure their proper
function. If the furnace is not operating properly, or if a vent cracks, or if
the combustion mixture is altered, a significant risk exists. CO may leak into
your home and cause flu-like symptoms that signal potential carbon monoxide
poisoning.
Tips on
Furnace Operation
To reduce
the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from the operation of your
furnace, follow these important tips:
DO
·
Schedule annual furnace maintenance visits and tackle any repairs
immediately
·
Change your furnace filter regularly
·
Be aware of and alert to the signs of CO poisoning
·
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home
·
Keep the area around your fireplace clean and tidy, allowing
significant space
·
Keep your vents unobstructed and clean by removing accumulated leaves, etc. around the opening
DO NOT
·
Store solvents and other combustibles around your furnace
·
Close off or block more than 20 percent of your registers as your
furnace will overheat
·
Ignore signs of distress coming from your furnace – remember that
carbon monoxide is silent and can be deadly
·
Assume that your home is automatically safe because you have
upgraded to a high efficiency furnace