All fuel-combustion appliances produce carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Given that people cannot see or smell it, most won’t detect its presence until serious and potentially fatal symptoms manifest. If you have a fuel-burning furnace, boiler, or water heater in your Richardson, TX home, the following is everything you need to know about CO and the potential for exposure.
All Fuel-Combustion HVAC Equipment Must Be Vented Outdoors
While you can easily pick up a heat pump or air conditioner at a local big box store, you’ll have a hard time purchasing a gas-fired furnace. All fuel-combustion HVAC equipment must be installed by licensed professionals and duly permitted with good reason. Improper installation can lead to both fires and explosions. It can also result in CO poisoning and death. Among the most important parts of getting these installations right is putting the necessary venting in. Furnace exhaust vents release CO and other harmful exhaust gasses outdoors.
Why Does Certain HVAC Equipment Produce CO?
Any time you burn fuel, CO gas is released. This includes wood, coal, propane, heating oil, kerosene, and more. This is why it’s unsafe to run your vehicle in an enclosed area or use an unvented grill or generator in your living space. CO is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.
Why Annual HVAC Inspections Are a Must
Annual heater maintenance extends the lifespan of fuel-burning heating equipment. It reverses much of the wear that heaters have sustained in prior heating seasons, and it increases their efficiency. Most important of all, it allows HVAC technicians to inspect venting systems and make sure that they aren’t blocked, crushed, collapsed, or impacted by nests, burrowing animals, or other pest problems.
CO Detectors and Alarms
If your home has one or more fuel-burning appliances, you should have CO alarms installed throughout the building. These devices detect this odorless, colorless gas and send out urgent alerts. We check and test CO alarms during your annual furnace service. You should test and replace their batteries monthly and replace them every six months.
CO alarms are usually installed at least 9 to 15 feet away from fuel-combustion appliances. This is because even properly vented heating equipment can have minute amounts of residual CO around their perimeters.
Homeowners in Richardson, TX can count on us for superior heat pump, furnace, and air conditioner service. We also provide indoor air quality improvements, ductless mini-splits, and preventative maintenance agreements. Call Hammack Service Company, Inc. now to find out more!
