How safe is your home heating system? Have you ever envisioned what you would do if your heating system leaked carbon monoxide (CO)? If your answer to this question is no, it may be time to start thinking about this potentially deadly problem.
By understanding CO leaks and knowing when to get a heating repair in High Point, NC to fix the issue, you can save yourself and your family from a potentially perilous situation.
What is Carbon Monoxide & How Does It Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of various fuels, including gasoline, kerosene, wood, coal, and natural gas.
Heating systems are actually designed to safely get carbon monoxide out of your home or any enclosed spaces. Unfortunately, some instances prevent the unit from venting all the dangerous gas out of your home.
One of the problems with the heating system that could cause a CO leak is a cracked heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is made of metal that constantly expands and contracts during the heating process. This constant expansion and contraction can cause cracks in the component over time. The metal pipe can also rust over time, creating holes that would allow CO to escape.
The main job of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat between two or more fluids while preventing these fluids from mixing. It basically prevents the indoor air from mixing with your heating system’s exhaust. But a crack in the heat exchanger would sabotage the process, causing the exhaust gases, including CO, to mix with the indoor air. That’s why once you suspect a problem with the heat exchanger, contact a heating repair company in High Point, NC immediately.
A problem with the exhaust flue can also cause a carbon monoxide leak. An exhaust flue is a round pipe that exhausts the air out of your home. This component can have holes over time, leading to a CO leak. You’ll also need to contact a professional heating repair tech in High Point, NC to fix this problem fast.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Leak
Carbon dioxide leak is tough to detect because you cannot see, smell, or taste it, which makes this gas more dangerous. It may have been slowly poisoning the people inside the home without anyone noticing it.
Fortunately, there’s a way to spot this sneaky problem. One of which is to install a Carbon Monoxide detector. But it can only detect high levels of CO, so you still need to be vigilant and look for the subtle signs of a leak, such as the following:
- Black, sooty marks on the heating system
- Yellow or brown stains on or around the fire or heating system
- Yellow flames
- Carbon Monoxide poisoning symptoms (according to CDC, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are dizziness, headache, upset stomach, chest pain, vomiting, & confusion)
Once you notice signs of CO leak, immediately schedule a heating repair in High Point, NC.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leak?
Prevention is always better than cure. Below are some steps you can take to minimize the risk, if not prevent, carbon monoxide leak at home:
- Only hire a licensed, trusted HVAC tech to install your heating system. Experienced and licensed techs are less likely to make errors that lead to CO leaks.
- Let a professional HVAC tech assess and tune up your unit at least once a year. An equipped, knowledgeable HVAC pro will be able to detect even the most minor issue with your unit.
- Do not procrastinate on heating system repair in High Point, NC. Schedule a repair service as soon as you discover something wrong with the unit.
- Keep the vents clean and unobstructed. This is to make sure the exhaust gasses can quickly and seamlessly leave your home.
- Keep your home well-ventilated. Let fresh air in if possible.
- Install a CO alarm. This should serve as your second line of defense.
Your source of warmth in the winter does not need to be a source of fear. Just follow the aforementioned prevention tips, and be vigilant.
If you suspect a CO leak at home, contact All About Care Heating & Air at 336-771-9000 for a dependable heating repair in High Point, NC. The company also offers installation and comprehensive heating maintenance service.
