Your Home Heating Furnace and Carbon Monoxide

Homes today are well insulated and sealed tight. While this reduces winter heating costs, it also increases your vulnerability to carbon monoxide poisoning because there is little or no fresh air coming inside. The presence of carbon monoxide always exists whenever fuel is burned indoors such as in your furnace. A well maintained and properly functioning furnace normally doesn't present a danger.

However, the homeowner should always be mindful of this problem because carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. The most important precaution every homeowner should take is installing multiple carbon monoxide detectors within their homes inside of each bedroom and near potential sources such as the furnace. Additionally, don't forget to be aware of the following sign of leaks:

Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Leak from Your Furnace

• Yellow burner flame instead of blue
• The chimney has no upward draft
• Lots of water condensation on windows and walls
• Furnace soot streaks According to the CDC, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

Hopefully, it won't ever come to this because your carbon monoxide detectors will have warned you instead. Manufacturers recommend that furnaces be inspected annually. To schedule your next service, contact a local Montgomery AL heating repair professional.