Heating Hazards and How Homeowners Can Identify Them
Problems with heaters and furnaces can pose serious risks to homeowners. From fire gas leaks to gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more, these can put Franklinton, NC households in danger.
Fortunately, households can avoid these issues by properly maintaining their heating systems and scheduling heater repairs promptly when a unit malfunctions. Franklinton, NC technicians explain the dangers of carbon monoxide leaks, mold, and an overheating heater or furnace and how to avoid these situations.
Carbon Monoxide Leak
A carbon monoxide leak is one of the most dangerous threats a furnace or heater can have on a household. This serious issue can even turn deadly if households don’t detect it in time.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen when there is incomplete combustion in a heater or furnace. If the fuel doesn’t completely burn, it produces carbon monoxide. This happens if a heater or furnace is not properly maintained or experiences an issue like a cracked heat exchanger. Improper ventilation can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that homeowners might not notice until it’s too late and they start to experience health symptoms. Some common signs they might notice are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. If a family has been exposed to carbon monoxide, they must seek medical attention quickly.
A carbon monoxide detector is the best way to alert families to the presence of the gas. Like a smoke detector, these devices can quickly alert the family to the danger, allowing them to evacuate the house and call for help.
Mold Growth
A malfunctioning heating system can produce mold, which can then be carried into a home’s ductwork. Mold typically forms when there is an accumulation of moisture in the heating system or organic material present that it can feed off of.
Some common issues that can lead to the formation of mold include:
- Condensation inside the air ducts due to warm air from the furnace meeting the cooler air from the ducts
- Leaks in the ductwork that allow warm, moist air to enter the air ducts
- High humidity levels in the house add to excess moisture
- Dust, dirt, and other organic materials accumulate in the ducts
- Poor ventilation in the house results in stagnant air in the ducts
Homes can avoid mold growth by improving ventilation in their house, reducing humidity levels, inspecting their air ducts, and scheduling regular maintenance on their heater.
Homeowners should watch for the signs of mold and call for professional services when they notice symptoms. Some common signs are musty odors in the house, physical signs of mold, or increased allergy or respiratory issues among homeowners.
Overheating Furnaces and Heaters
Overheating furnaces and heaters pose numerous dangers to households. Some of the most common and dangerous threats include fires, cracked heat exchangers, carbon monoxide leaks, tripped safety switches, expensive damage to the furnace, and more.
To avoid these risks, homeowners must watch for the signs of a furnace overheating. They should call a professional for heating repairs if they notice a burning odor from the heating system or a strange humming sound.
Households can prevent overheating heaters by scheduling regular heating maintenance on their unit. Heating contractors recommend booking appointments at least once a year to have a professional inspect the system.
Property owners should also regularly clean and replace the furnace filters - about every 1 to 3 months. They should also ensure the system has proper ventilation and the thermostat works correctly. If homeowners suspect their heater is malfunctioning or their furnace is overheating, they should schedule services with a professional.
About Air Works Heating & Air
Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has provided Raleigh with quality air conditioning and furnace services. They offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed for all services and provide straightforward pricing to all clients. Call them today for HVAC services in Franklinton, NC.
