With the usage of a conventional HVAC system comes a risk. As a furnace runs, it burns fuel, and whether it be natural gas, oil, or another source of fuel, burning it will produce carbon monoxide (CO). Furnaces are built with vents to get rid of this harmful gas, but there are still many concerns and myths surrounding the potential of carbon monoxide leaking into your Inverness, Florida, home. While many CO myths are just that, there are some affordable things you can do to ensure your family is safe from harmful carbon monoxide.
The Common Myth
There’s a common myth in the HVAC world that a cracked heat exchanger will immediately begin leaking dangerous carbon monoxide into the air. While you should definitely get a cracked heat exchanger fixed, furnaces are designed so that the flow of air would not allow carbon monoxide to leak out of a crack. It is also a common myth to assume that a pristine heat exchanger means pristine safety in your home.
While homeowners focus too much on the heat exchanger and leave it at that, they may be missing something that could actually cause a carbon monoxide leak in the home.
The Facts: Keep Ventilation Clean
A cracked heat exchanger may not leak dangerous gas into your home, but a dirty or clogged ventilation system is what you need to look out for. Over time, soot and other build-up can occur within chimneys and flues, causing air flow to get blocked off. When this happens, there is a possibility of carbon monoxide making its way back into your home. A ventilation system that is not properly sized in relation to your HVAC system could also cause a problem.
Chimneys, flues, and the rest of your ventilation should be checked at least once a year. This is one of the best things you can do to protect your family if you have a fossil fuel burning furnace or appliances. Having clear ventilation will also require less effort from your system, saving you money in the long run. It’s also important to have CO detectors throughout your house.
If you would like your furnace or ventilation system checked, give Senica a call at 866-881-5935.
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