Things To Be Aware of This Fall
Once temperatures start to drop and homeowners begin using their heaters more often, there are certain dangers that homeowners should look out for and do their part to prevent. Homeowners should be on the lookout for mold growth, carbon monoxide leaks, and strange sounds coming from the furnace that indicate it’s overheating. Keep reading for tips to avoid heating system scares this Halloween.
What To Do About Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with a broken furnace. It’s difficult to detect carbon monoxide because it is both odorless and invisible. Cracked heat exchangers in furnaces put a household at risk. These cracks allow gas to seep from the vents and into the home. Pilot lights that frequently blow out or have yellow instead of blue flames are signs of danger and indicate that homeowners should call a professional immediately.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide leaks are clear. Cases of chest pain, muscle weakness, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath are well reported. Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended for every household for quick detection and in case initial symptoms are too mild to be noticed or thought to be unrelated. Since carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t happen in minutes, many of these symptoms will linger for hours. The entire household must immediately evacuate if a leak is suspected. Only trained professionals with the right tools and protection can help.
Mold Growth
High indoor humidity and moisture from the heating or cooling systems can both migrate to the air ducts and cause mold growth. Moisture in the air ducts creates a humid environment perfect for mold growth. Because air ducts are usually closed, they are likely to go unnoticed unless there is a problem.
Most homeowners can smell or feel the warning signs even if the mold is not visible due to it growing in the ductwork. Mold has a musty odor that lingers close to areas with excessive moisture. Bathrooms, closets, and kitchens are especially at risk. Mold also causes a variety of health issues. Symptoms include wheezing, headache, runny nose, itching, and fatigue. Mold is also known to cause asthma. Difficulty with breathing is a serious problem and will need to be treated by a physician. If homeowners suspect they have mold growth in their HVAC system, they should call a qualified technician immediately.
Can Furnaces Overheat?
A furnace is a heating system that produces warm air for a home during the colder seasons. Although this is the desired effect, sometimes furnaces overheat, which can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Homeowners who smell burning should immediately leave home and call a professional because this signifies an overheating furnace.
Poor air circulation affects the internal parts of a furnace. If the inside components become too hot, they can create sparks from contaminants in the air filter. Once the furnace coil is covered in grime, the heat exchanger can no longer support the blower motor. Thus the furnace continues to over-ventilate.
A loud humming noise can also indicate an overheating furnace. If this occurs, especially if accompanied by a burning smell, it is essential that homeowners call professionals for help to prevent a fire. Trained technicians can tell if the furnace is cycling at odd times and whether a replacement or repair is necessary.
Homeowners are advised to replace the air filters routinely to prevent their furnaces from overheating. If the air filters are non-disposable, they will need to be cleaned regularly instead. Annual furnace maintenance and tune-ups by a professional are also recommended every fall to keep it running efficiently and safely and to catch any potential issues before they worsen.
Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.
Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL residents, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, a membership plan, and financing options. Call them today for a furnace tune-up or repair in Daytona Beach, FL.
