Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious problem that homeowners fear, and for good reason. The silent killer can cause serious illness and death if it isn't detected in the home. Unfortunately, multiple home appliances are vulnerable to carbon monoxide leaks, including the HVAC system. HVAC contractors can help properly install your heating systems to avoid the problem.

What is Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can kill people at a certain dose. Carbon-based fuels like gas, oil, kerosene, and even wood produce carbon monoxide when burned. Any home appliance that uses carbon-based fuels is susceptible to a carbon monoxide leak. Your air conditioner is safe, but your heater, furnace, water heater, oven, and more need proper inspections and maintenance to avoid a deadly problem.

Signs that your HVAC system and other gas appliances are susceptible to a carbon monoxide leak include:

• Cracks in furnace or pipes
• The pilot light continuously goes out
• A yellow burner flame (it should be blue)
• Excessive soot around fireplace
• Brownish yellow stains around gas appliances

Old gas-burning appliances are especially vulnerable to CO leaks, even when they are well-maintained. If you see any of these signs in and around your heater, furnace, ovens, chimney, etc, it's time to invest in a new appliance.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide can't be detected if you don't have sensors installed in your home. Even with CO detectors installed, low levels may be present without triggering alarms. If you start feeling any of the symptoms listed below, leave your home immediately and call 911:

• Chest Pain
• Dizziness
• Shortness of Breath
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Feeling very weak and fatigued
• Deliriousness

If you or anyone in your home or building experiences these symptoms, you need to evacuate the building. Once you are outside, call 911 and ask for the fire department. They will turn off the gas lines and aerate your home to get the gas out. A professional HVAC service can come to fix the leak and get you back in your home.

Preventative Measures

It's important to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide leaks before they happen. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from a catastrophe is to get regular maintenance done on your heating and air conditioning. According to Warner Service, only 42% of homeowners call a professional HVAC contractor to perform routine maintenance on their heating.

Considering the risks, investing in regular maintenance is a small price to pay for security and peace of mind. Schedule a maintenance appointment for all of your gas-burning appliances at least once per year to make sure everything is up to date.

Make sure to tell your HVAC contractor to inspect the heat exchanger when they perform the maintenance. You can also research how to do this yourself, but an experienced heating repairman will be able to quickly tell you if anything is wrong. The heat exchanger helps vent out poisonous gases but can succumb to wear and tear over time. Make sure this key piece of equipment is in working order to prevent CO poisoning.

Installing CO detectors at regular intervals around the home is also a good idea. Most will be built in with fire detection systems. Put one in the same room as your gas appliances to get an early warning on dangerous carbon monoxide levels.

It's also important to regularly inspect your vents and chimney. Dust and debris can accumulate in these filtration units and create blockages that will lead to carbon monoxide buildup. Clogged vents can also lead to other respiratory illnesses other than CO poisoning, as the air quality in your home is heavily dependent upon well-maintained and clean vents and filtration.

A carbon monoxide leak is a scary phenomenon, but you don't need to live in constant fear. Installing high-quality CO detectors and investing in regular maintenance and inspection of your gas-burning appliances can prevent the worst from happening.

If you're looking for professional HVAC contractors to protect your home from carbon monoxide poisoning, call Joe Hurley Inc. We have over 30 years of experience in heating and air conditioner contracting. We service all brands and can beat any estimate. Call today or visit our website for discounts.