Carbon monoxide leaks can be disastrous for your home or business.
Everyone knows just how dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can be. No doubt you’ve heard stories of people getting sick or dying from inhaling the odorless, colorless gas. As a home or business owner, you certainly don’t take carbon monoxide risks lightly. But, CO detectors only alert you to active leaks. They can’t prevent leaks or save you from the damage caused by them.
Dunn’s Heating and Cooling is here to help you understand what role your HVAC system plays in CO leaks. We’ll also tell you what to do if your alarm ever goes off. Finally, we’ll show you some ways to prevent CO leaks in the first place.
Leaks and Your Furnace
Regarding your heating and cooling system – air conditioners do not cause CO leaks or CO poisoning. Air conditioners don’t burn any kind of fuel or produce CO in any way. Your heater, on the other hand, can produce carbon monoxide. As part of your routine heating and cooling maintenance, you must make sure your furnace remains safe to operate.
What to Do if Your Alarm Goes Off
If your carbon monoxide detector ever goes off, you should:
- Ensure your HVAC and appliances are turned off.
- Open windows/doors to help the building air out.
- Leave the building. Make sure everyone evacuates.
- Call 911
- Call Dunn’s to inspect your HVAC system and fix your furnace if it’s the source of the leak.
Detectors Aren’t Perfect
Home and business owners should know that you can be exposed to harmful CO even if the alarm isn’t triggered. Exposure to lower levels of CO over time can be detrimental to your health. You might experience persistent nausea, fatigue or headaches. If multiple people start experiencing these symptoms, it’s important that you have your HVAC system checked.
Preventing HVAC-related Leaks
Since your home or business’ furnace can be the source of CO leaks, you should rely on a reputable HVAC provider to help prevent leaks. Dunn’s Heating and Cooling can:
- Inspect your furnace and perform necessary repairs
- Inspect other fuel-burning appliances (fireplaces, stoves, etc.)
- Clean vents, flues and ductwork
- Inspect your heat exchangers
Schedule a Carbon Monoxide Checkup with Dunn’s
Autumn is the perfect time to schedule a CO checkup through Dunn’s Heating and Cooling. Call today and make sure your furnace is safe to operate this winter.