As the weather gets colder, many of us are turning to our furnaces for a little extra heat. Unfortunately, furnaces can be faulty. This can become a problem because if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your unit, you will never know it. Here are some of the signs of a faulty furnace and the steps you can take to prevent a leak.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, is a byproduct of combustion. Any appliance that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide, including your furnace. Carbon monoxide is harmful to you and your loved ones.
This gas can cause serious illness and death. It is important to have your furnace checked regularly to make sure the system is working correctly. If you smell gas or see signs of a leak, turn off all the gas, leave the house immediately, and call your gas company from a neighbor’s house.
Signs You Should Notice
If you notice that you have to change your furnace filters more often than usual, it may be time to take a look at your unit. The most common reason that your furnace is leaking is because of dirt that has built up inside the system over time.
Your furnace uses heat to help dry out the filter, and while it is doing its job, it dries itself out as well. However, it can only dry out so much before the excess dirt and moisture are expelled out of the filter and into your home. When this happens, it can cause mildew to build up on the inside of your furnace and other parts of the unit. This is how your furnace is leaking.
Common Places to Look For Leaks
Furnace leaks, whether they are small or large, can be quite annoying. The constant noise and high bills can make you wish you had never bought your heater. However, since they are often hidden, leaks can be difficult to find. This is why we put together this list of the most common places to look for furnace leaks. You can check these areas yourself, and if you see any leaks, you can then get a professional to come and fix them for you.
The Furnace Blower
You can test the blower to see if it is working by placing a light at the end of the exhaust outlet. If the blower turns on and the light goes out, the blower is working. If the light stays on, the blower is not working, or there could be a blockage in the blower.
The Burner Head
The burner head can be tested by placing a light at the end of the exhaust outlet. If the burner head ignites and the light goes out, the burner head is working correctly. If the light stays on, there may be a blockage in the burner head.
The Return Air Duct
The return air duct should be tested for airflow by using a smoke machine. If the smoke does not enter the furnace, the duct may be clogged, or there may be a leak in the duct.
The Plenum
The plenum is the area where the furnace blower discharge and the return air duct meet. This area should be tested by placing a light at the end of the duct. If the light shines into the plenum, there is a leak.
How to Prevent Leaks
Most of us are not aware that the furnace, which keeps our home warm in winter, is one of the most expensive appliances in our household. A furnace can be used for a decade or more; however, it is important to be aware of the signs of a problem to prevent damage and costly repairs.
A furnace that is not working properly or is leaky can be an inconvenient and costly problem, but there are easy fixes available to prevent damage and costly repairs. These fixes include:
- Making sure that the gas is in working order. When you are moving into a new residence, it is best to check if your furnace system is running smoothly since this will save you a lot of headaches in the future.
- Proper maintenance. For proper maintenance, you will need a professional who will look for any issues and address them with the correct tool. Another thing to note is that the older your furnace gets, the more maintenance it requires.
- Avoiding DIY repairs. If you have any issues with your furnace, it is best to call a professional like those at Green Energy Mechanical since we have the required experience to deal with your furnace. If you fix your furnace by yourself, you could end up damaging your unit even more.
What to Do Before a Professional Arrives to Fix Your Furnace
Carbon dioxide gas is dangerous. The gas itself can cause severe long-term health problems, including memory loss and even death. It can also cause short-term symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and disorientation.
Doing everything in your power to prevent further leaks is the best step to take before a professional arrives to fix your carbon monoxide problem. First, you need to turn off your furnace, then your water heater, and then unplug the dryer.
Next, go to your windows and open them for about five minutes to let the carbon monoxide escape. After waiting for five minutes, you should turn the furnace back on to see if the problem has been resolved. If the issue is still happening, you need to call a professional right away.
Contacting a Professional
It is important to contact a professional like Green Energy Mechanical in Canton, MA, for your furnace maintenance. It is always best to turn to a professional when you need help with something because this individual has more experience and knowledge than you do.
It is often the case that you do not even know you need help, but a professional can help you realize that. If you are careful, you can find a professional who is well-known for doing a great job and providing great service. When you hire a professional, you also want someone who is licensed and insured.
When you are having issues with your furnace, you should contact a professional like those at Green Energy Mechanical to help you resolve the issue. This way, you can keep your home safe and prevent carbon monoxide leaks. One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide leaks in furnaces is improper installation. If you are unsure whether your furnace has been installed properly or if you are not quite sure about the safety of your specific unit, the best thing you can do is rely on a professional technician.
At Green Energy Mechanical, we specialize in AC installation and maintenance, tankless water heater services, and boiler services. If you have any problems with your furnace, such as carbon monoxide leaks, give us a call right away. Our team of professionals will arrive at your property, evaluate the problem, and make any needed repairs. Regular servicing of your furnace will enable you to get the most out of it and avoid any emergencies.
Call our friendly and helpful team now to find out more about leak detection and how we can put a stop to urgent or slow leaks. Call us at 781-236-3421 or email at [email protected].
Author Bio:
Jonathan Neves
Worked in the HVAC industry since he was 17. He started as an HVAC service technician for commercial buildings and eventually came into the residential market because of his love of working with people. He believes that what really sets Green Energy Mechanical apart is how long they stand behind their work and how compassionate his employees are for their clients.
