Is Your Gas Furnace Leaking Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. When it's released into the air we breathe, deadly carboxyhemoglobin forms within minutes and blocks blood from carrying oxygen throughout your body. In short, you collapse from asphyxiation, lose consciousness and die.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide claims the lives of about 400 people in the United States every year. They also estimate around 50,000 people in the US visit the emergency department every year because of accidental CO poisoning. 

Carbon monoxide exposure has become a severe problem that isn't going to go away anytime soon, as the use of natural gas and propane heat — two of the most popular heating fuels — increases.

How To Tell If Your Gas Furnace Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide?

If you own a gas furnace in Hammond, LA, you have to be cautious about CO leaks. It is a massive threat to your family. 

A properly working gas furnace is entirely safe to operate. You only have to be wary when it starts acting up. That's why when you notice that something isn't going well with your unit, you should immediately hire a licensed furnace technician in Gonzales, LA.

It's also important to install a carbon monoxide detector inside your property. It's a tool that will help you know when there's a CO leak inside your property. You can purchase this life-saving device in your local hardware store. It's also not that expensive - well, compared to what it would cost you when your loved ones get poisoned by the toxic gas. 

You also have to pay attention to what your family or any other occupant is feeling. Exposure to CO will cause many health issues like dizziness, headache, upset stomach, weakness, vomiting, confusion, and chest pain. The symptoms are like those of the flu.

If someone in your home exhibits those symptoms while your gas furnace or any gas appliances at home is turned on, you have to consider CO poisoning. It is better to be safe than sorry. Turn off the equipment and contact your local furnace technician in Gonzales, LA.

How To Prevent CO Leak?

As we have mentioned earlier, CO leaks can be deadly. So it would be best if you did everything to avoid them and make your gas furnace as safe as possible.

When servicing or repairing your unit, ensure that you don't damage the chimney, the flue pipe, and the heat exchanger; these are components that drive the CO produced during the heating process out of your property. Damage to these components can lead to CO leaks. The same goes for any other cracks and openings. If you have the slightest suspicion that there are openings where CO could escape, it's better to hire a professional furnace technician in Gonzales, LA.

If you smell something funny inside your property while using your gas furnace, immediately turn it off and ventilate your house properly. Also, make sure that all doors and windows are open. Otherwise, this will only lead to more CO accumulation inside your home or property.

There are also certain safety precautions that you should follow to reduce the risk of CO poisoning when using your gas furnace. Remember, just because it's winter doesn't mean you can be carefree about your heating system and the way it works.

Hire a Licensed Heating Technician

When dealing with a CO leak, it is crucial to let a licensed heating technician take care of your gas furnace problem. Only by doing so can you guarantee you and your loved one's safety.

If you are in Gonzales, LA and looking for a dependable HVAC contractor, check out Fire and Ice Heating and Air. The company has been around for many years and has many loyal customers. You can check out their website or contact the team at (225) 954-2312.