How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks in Your Furnace, Bethalto IL
As nice as it is to have heating and cooling in your home, those systems can present some dangers. It’s important to keep an eye out for problems and work to prevent or fix them as you can. Fortunately, we’ve got some great tips for helping you prevent carbon monoxide leaks in your furnace.The Origin
Before you think about preventing carbon monoxide leaks in your furnace, you need to understand where that carbon monoxide comes from. The heat exchange in your furnace is where the carbon monoxide starts. When it’s running correctly, that gas is sent through the flue pipe and out of your home safely. However, a crack in the flue pipe or heat exchange can quickly send carbon monoxide spilling out into your home. If you aren’t aware that there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your Bethalto, IL, home, the results could be deadly.
Preventing Leaks
Now that you understand where carbon monoxide leaks come from in your furnace, you can start focusing on preventing those leaks. The good news is, this mostly just means staying on top of furnace maintenance. Your furnace should be checked and maintained at least once a year. During this maintenance, a professional will clean your system, inspect all the parts and fix any problems that may be developing. You can even find professionals who are qualified to work with popular brands like Coleman.
Changing your air filter regularly is an important part of preventing carbon monoxide leaks. When there’s a backup of airflow in your furnace due to a clogged air filter, it can quickly lead to carbon monoxide leaks. You should also make sure your furnace is installed properly. If the blower motor, ductwork, or something else wasn’t installed right, it could lead to a leak.
Above all else, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide can be deadly when it fills your home, and it’s also notoriously hard to identify. With carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, you have a second line of defense in case there is a leak.
Making sure you keep carbon monoxide out of your home is crucial, and furnace maintenance plays a huge role in doing that. As long as you have your furnace maintained once a year and regularly change the air filter, you should have no problem staying safe and warm this winter. 