Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. Too much gas can easily cause great harm. Every single year, over a hundred thousand people head to the emergency room with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Several hundred will die. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent problems. Getting your furnace tuned up is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. There are many things an expert will examine when looking at your home furnace.
Flue Integrity
The flue plays an important role in your home. This is how gasses emitted by the furnace escape harmless into the atmosphere. However, over time, the flu can be compromised. Cracks may develop anywhere across this pipe. A specialist can identify these cracks and let you know if something is amiss. That way you can fix it and avoid carbon monoxide seeping into your home.
Inadequate Combustion
Another major problem many homeowners may face is what is known as inadequate combustion. This is when the gas to air ratio is off in your furnace. This ratio needs to be precise in order for the furnace to function safely. When does not, you’ll burn more fuel to heat your home and increase the overall cost of heating your home. You’ll also be at increased risk of excessive carbon dioxide levels and potential poisoning.
Cracks in the Heat Exchanger
Your furnace has a part known as the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger allows the transfer of heat between each element of your furnace. Over time, cracks can develop in this part of the furnace. These cracks can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. An expert can examine the entire heat exchanger and see how well it works. They can identify where any cracks have developed. In doing so, they can develop a plan to remedy this problem. That way, you can head off the possibility of carbon dioxide poisoning.
