Carbon monoxide, or the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poisonous gas that is extremely dangerous when inhaled. The fact that there is usually no sign of it gives it the infamous name of “the silent killer.” When it comes to heating and HVAC, there is a link to carbon monoxide due to the fact that the heating appliance burns fuel, and if it happens to malfunction, this is where the potential leakage of carbon monoxide comes in. As a homeowner or a home renter, it’s important to be aware of and know the proper safety protocols to keep your family safe. We’re going to give you some of our top proactive tips for carbon monoxide safety with HVAC systems.
What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide
As we briefly mentioned, one of the most important things to know about CO is that there is usually no sign of it in the home. If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you can expect to experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and in extreme cases of long exposure, death. Typically, it forms because of an incomplete combustion of fuel, whether that be gas, oil, or propane. This can happen with HVAC systems that haven’t been maintained, inspected, or repaired when needed.
Furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and other fuel-burning appliances also pose a risk of emitting carbon monoxide. Some common causes of CO leaks include cracked heat exchangers, blocked vents or chimneys, and poor installation or maintenance.
Warning Signs That Your HVAC May Be Leaking Carbon Monoxide
When it comes to being prepared, it is important to know the signs of carbon monoxide leaks and to be prepared to take action if you notice these signs in your home. We are going to give you a list of signs to look for that range from physical evidence, health signs, and specific HVAC appliance cues. Be sure to refer back to this list regularly and get familiar with the signs.
- Flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Symptoms often will improve when leaving the house.
- Pets are getting sick as well
- Soot around your furnace, boiler, or venting systems
- Heavy condensation around windows near the HVAC system
- Unusual odors like a musty or stale smell
- Yellow or flickering flames in HVAC
- Stuffy or stale air in the home
- Pilot light blows out frequently
How to Be Proactive Around Carbon Monoxide Leaks
One of the most common ways that we can be proactive when it comes to carbon monoxide is by getting a carbon monoxide detector. In most homes nowadays, these are required and will often be built into one of our smoke alarms. They will alert you with a unique beeping sequence when they detect carbon monoxide in the home. You should have these detectors places near sleeping areas and on each floor of the home if you have a multi-story home. Ensure you are testing it monthly, replacing batteries annually, and replace the unit fully every 5 to 7 years to ensure that it is in full working capacity.
HVAC maintenance is another preventative and proactive measure that you can take when it comes to carbon monoxide safety. Schedule HVAC inspections regularly, we recommend once a year, to get someone to look at the internal workings of the HVAC. This will help to catch any potential issues sooner rather than later, ensuring they don’t lead to a CO leak. Technicians will check burners, heat exchangers, and ventilation to ensure full workability. If you are inching up to cold season, where you will be using the heating elements, be sure to get a tune-up on your HVAC as well. As a homeowner, be sure to keep all vents and chimneys clear of debris, furniture, and anything else that could be blocking them.
What to do if You Suspect a Carbon Monoxide Leak in Your Home?
Carbon monoxide leaks can get dangerous for pets and people living in the home, so it’s important to act fast if you suspect that there may be a leak in the home. Here are four easy steps that you can do if you suspect that there is a carbon monoxide leak:
- Evacuate the home immediately with all family members and pets that are present in the home
- Call 911 and explain the situation. Do not re-enter the home until it’s bee cleared by a professional.
- Call HVAC professionals to inspect and repair your system to avoid further issues and potential leaks.
- Document the incident and follow up with preventative steps such as regular inspections, tune-ups, and carbon monoxide detector maintenance.
Remember, get everyone out safely and then proceed with the next steps to address the situation. Never enter the home again until the home has been cleared by professionals.
Prep Your HVAC System With Carbon Monoxide Safety in Mind
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer for a reason, and it’s important to start these proactive measures as soon as possible. If you are a homeowner or a renter, it might be time to schedule a regular inspection with HVAC professionals today, before the colder season comes in full swing. It’s important to be vigilant and understand the precautions when it comes to CO safety. If you’re in need of an inspection or would like a tune-up on your HVAC before you need to use the heating elements in the winter, contact us at All Year Cooling. We offer regular maintenance, repairs, inspections, and tune-ups to ensure that your system is running efficiently, with no problems that could lead to a carbon monoxide leak. It’s better to get your unit checked out earlier than later, so that it is ready to use when the colder months roll around. Schedule your HVAC safety inspection with All Year Cooling today, and let’s ensure your family is safe from the risks of a carbon monoxide leak.