As winter approaches and furnaces are running, it becomes crucial to monitor your indoor air quality. Furnaces can generate carbon monoxide and create dangerous toxic conditions. Here is what you need to know to keep everyone in the household healthy and safe.  

How Does Carbon Monoxide From a Furnace Affect Indoor Air Quality?

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, poisonous gas that is a natural byproduct of the fuel-burning process. CO is dangerous because it depletes the body’s oxygen when you inhale it. Breathing in large amounts can cause you to become unconscious and suffocate without realizing it. 

What Are Signs Your Furnace Could Be Emitting Carbon Monoxide?

One sign of carbon monoxide leaking from your furnace is a flickering or yellow flame. If you see streaks of soot around the furnace or excessive moisture on your walls, windows, or other cold surfaces, carbon monoxide may be present. Other signs include excessive rust on appliance jacks, flue pipes, and other pipe connections, as well as on the outside of the vent pipe. A lack of an upward draft in your chimney and water leaking from the chimney base, vent, or flue pipe can mean the presence of this poisonous gas. If you feel drowsy or have a headache, you may be breathing in CO.

How Can You Prevent a Furnace CO Leak?

Changing air filters frequently and keeping your furnace in good working order prevent CO leaks and keep your indoor air quality safe.  Schedule an annual professional inspection of the furnace before using it. The inspector will look for cracks, especially in the heat exchanger, where leaks often occur. By installing a CO detector near the furnace and combination smoke and CO alarms in your home, you can save lives.

To protect your indoor air quality and keep the environment free from carbon monoxide, turn to High Tech HVAC in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Their team offers 24/7 emergency services and cost-effective preventive maintenance programs for furnaces throughout Wood County and the surrounding area. Since 1996, they have kept their clients safe and warm throughout the winter and cool in summer. For more about their residential and commercial services, visit their website. To schedule an estimate, call (715) 423-4881.