Winter is now in full swing, which means we’re all relying on our furnaces to keep us warm, but it’s important to remember that they have the potential to be dangerous if they aren’t properly maintained. Old or damaged gas furnaces are one of the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning, but even if you have a relatively new furnace, you should have carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

All gas-burning furnaces produce some carbon monoxide, but in a properly functioning unit, the harmful gas travels up the flue pipe, or exhaust, and is expelled safely outside of your home. Older furnaces produce more CO than new ones because they don’t burn as cleanly or efficiently, which means more of the gas is expelled. If there is a leak in the exhaust or you have a damaged heat exchanger, the carbon monoxide could be released into your home. It’s important to remember that carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, which is why it is crucial to you and your family’s safety that you have multiple carbon monoxide detectors in your home. It’s a good idea to place a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home, and you should frequently check to see that the batteries are charged, especially during the winter when you are using your furnace more.

We’ve listed a few tips below to help reduce your likelihood of experiencing CO leaks, but it is still imperative that you use carbon monoxide detectors.

• Annual Maintenance: Having a licensed technician service your unit at least once a year will give you a good idea of the condition of your furnace. A certified HVAC technician can diagnose any problems during these visits and advise you whether to have them repaired or if it’s better to replace your unit.
• Change Your Furnace Filter: Blocked and dirty filters are one of the many causes of carbon monoxide leaks because they create a backlog of airflow. You should change your filter at least every 90 days, and more frequently if there are a lot of occupants or pets in your home.
• Make Sure Your Furnace Was Properly Installed: A certified technician will check to see that your furnace was properly installed during your annual maintenance, which is just one of the many reasons why those appointments are so important. If your system was not installed correctly, it may not be venting properly, or there could be a backlog of air. In either case, a certified technician can diagnose the problem and rectify it.

Worried about a potential carbon monoxide leak in your home? Call Fahrhall for help!

Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists has been proudly serving the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions’ HVAC needs since 1967. Providing clients with reliable equipment and quality service is our number one priority.

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