If you have a climate control system or water heater that uses gas or home heating oil, you should take steps to protect yourself from carbon monoxide emissions. Getting routine furnace and water tank venting checks to ensure your system functions safely. The primer below explains why these inspections are so important. 

A Guide to Venting Checks for Home Heating Oil Equipment

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that’s hard to detect and harmful to breathe. In small quantities, it creates flu-like symptoms in people and animals. In more severe cases, it leads to serious harm and even death. According to the CDC, more than 400 people die each year in the U.S. from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Role of Your Heating System

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion. Systems that run on gas or home heating oil use combustion to create heat. These systems have built-in venting, meaning all emissions are safely funneled away from your living space so you won’t breathe them. When these vents fail, become blocked, or are damaged, the carbon monoxide stays inside your house and creates hazards. 

How Venting Checks Keep You Safe

Venting assessments should be part of your routine maintenance. These checks test that your system is working properly. If carbon monoxide levels aren’t high enough or are locked in certain areas of your home, your detectors won’t go off. This means you could be breathing harmful gas without knowing it. These inspections are thus the only way to be thorough and ensure your system is operating properly. 

The team at Main Energy makes using home heating oil safe, easy, and affordable. They offer gasoline, propane, and oil delivery throughout Cayuga, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. This family-owned oil company works with fuel suppliers to maintain the most competitive prices for their customers. Learn more about their services online or call (315) 597-5200 to schedule an appointment.