Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is both silent and dangerous. If you don’t deal with it properly, it can be a big problem in your home. Your HVAC system can be a major source of carbon monoxide leaks, mainly if it uses gas or oil for heat. To avoid getting CO poisoning, you must make sure that your HVAC system is working correctly.
At Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC in O’Fallon, MO, we work hard to protect our customers and make sure that they stay safe in their homes with proper CO monitoring. To keep your household safe, read this piece about the dangers of carbon monoxide, how it affects your HVAC system, and what you can do about it.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
CO is a colorless, odorless, silent, and tasteless gas that forms when fossil fuels like natural gas, propane, oil, or coal are burned incompletely. When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it stops your blood from bringing oxygen to your essential organs. This can cause brain damage, heart problems, or even death.
Carbon monoxide can be made in homes by furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fires, among other things. CO can get into your home and put you at risk if these systems aren’t set up or released correctly. If your HVAC system isn’t working right, it can also add to the buildup of carbon monoxide, especially if it has a gas or oil heater.
How Carbon Monoxide Can Leak from Your HVAC System
Carbon monoxide leaks from your HVAC system can be caused by a number of things. To stop these leaks, it’s essential to know how and why they happen.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the main reasons why carbon monoxide leaks happen. The heat exchanger is an important part of your furnace because it moves heat from the combustion area to the air that moves through your home. Wear and tear or failing to take care of the heat exchanger can cause the metal to crack over time. Carbon monoxide can get into your home if there is a crack.
Poor airflow is another thing that could cause CO leaks. Proper venting is essential for your HVAC system to get carbon monoxide and other combustion leftovers out of your home. These gases can get stuck in the ventilation system and leak into your living space if it’s clogged. This is especially common in older homes where the cooling systems aren’t up-to-date or need to be fixed.
Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Leak
Carbon monoxide is invisible and can’t be found without special monitors, but there are a few things that could mean your HVAC system has a leak. If you notice these signs right away, you can avoid a dangerous situation.
If your heater smells funny, old, or wrong, it could mean that the fuel isn’t burning completely, so carbon monoxide is being produced. CO doesn’t have an odor, but the problem that’s causing the incomplete burning could also be releasing other gases that you can smell.
Another red flag is if the flames in your heater or gas appliances are yellow or flickering. A healthy spark in a furnace should be bright blue, which means the fuel is burning well. If the flame goes yellow or starts to flicker, it could mean that the fuel isn’t being burned all the way, which creates carbon monoxide.
Besides these warning signs, also need to be on the lookout for signs that someone in your home is being poisoned by carbon monoxide. Some of these signs are headaches, nausea, fatigue, and feeling dizzy. If more than one person in your home starts to feel these symptoms, it could mean that the CO levels in your home are too high, and you need to get outside and see a doctor right away.
Preventing Home Carbon Monoxide Leaks
The best way to protect your home from carbon monoxide leaks is through proper HVAC system maintenance and preventive measures. Scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system, especially before the heating season begins, is crucial. During these maintenance appointments, a qualified technician will inspect your system for potential problems like cracks in the heat exchanger or ventilation issues that could lead to CO buildup.
Install carbon monoxide detectors around your home, especially in bedrooms and living areas. These detectors work similarly to smoke alarms, warning you when CO builds up to dangerous levels. To guarantee that the detectors remain working, check the batteries regularly, and replace them promptly when needed.
Keep your air filters clean by changing them periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This not only increases the efficiency of your HVAC system but also helps to avoid overheating and incomplete combustion. Proper ventilation is another important component in avoiding CO accumulation. Ensure that the vents and flues linked to your HVAC system are free of debris, nests, and other obstructions.
Contact Us Today
Carbon monoxide safety should be a top priority for any homeowner, especially if you have a gas or oil-based HVAC system. By being proactive about HVAC maintenance, installing carbon monoxide detectors, and scheduling frequent professional inspections, you can greatly lower your home’s risk of CO exposure. At Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, in addition to our work with CO detection and monitoring, we offer air conditioning, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, gas inspections, ductwork, and Wi-Fi smart thermostat services for both residential and commercial properties.
For help with your CO safety protocols in O’Fallon, MO, contact Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC today.
