The Heating Hazards Every Homeowner Should Look Out For
When the home’s heater is used frequently, homeowners should familiarize themselves with the often-overlooked issues that can plague these handy appliances. Some of them, such as carbon monoxide, can be quite dangerous quickly. Others, such as mold growth, may go unnoticed before problems become apparent. This is why homeowners should know the signs and prevent potentially dangerous issues before they have a chance to crop up. Read on to find out how!
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Gas heaters are extremely popular because of natural gas’s relatively low cost and efficacy. However, older gas furnaces or those without regular maintenance carry a high risk of developing a carbon monoxide leak.
Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, can cause severe reactions or even death if it builds up in the home. This is why spotting a carbon monoxide leak is important for those with gas furnaces.
To check for a carbon monoxide leak, homeowners should look at the pilot light flame. If the flame is yellow, it could indicate a leak. Normally, the flame should be blue. Soot around the furnace can also indicate a leak.
Finally, if the pilot light constantly blows out, a carbon monoxide leak could be the cause. Whether or not the home has a gas furnace, installing a carbon monoxide detector is always a good idea. After all, it’s better to be safe than to risk it.
Mold Growth Around Furnace and Ducts
The home’s furnace is often located in an ideal place for mold growth. However, this doesn’t mean it’s normal and nothing to worry about. Since mold spores are spread through the air, if mold is growing around the furnace or in the ducts, chances are the spores are being spread all over the house.
Mold can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions, especially in people with respiratory issues. Infants or people over 65 in the house could be more affected by mold than others.
Mold growth around the furnace often results from too much moisture in the area. A leak could cause this, a clogged condensate drain line, or simply high humidity. Unfortunately, until the moisture is dealt with, the mold will keep growing and spreading.
Homeowners who see mold around the furnace, smell musty air from the vents, or experience cold-like symptoms for extended periods should contact an HVAC expert to address the issue.
Overheating Heaters
The last dangerous heater issue is an overheating furnace. There are plenty of potential causes that can lead to a furnace overheating. The usual suspects are poor maintenance, a dirty furnace, an old unit, and restricted airflow from furnace filter neglect.
An overheating furnace can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, severe damage to the unit, and, in some cases, it can even cause a fire. This is why spotting an overheating furnace is extremely important.
The number one sign of an overheating furnace is a foul, burning odor throughout the home. If the heater is to blame, the smell will persist for a half hour or more and be strongest near the furnace. If there’s an abnormal humming noise coming from the unit, it could be overheating. Lastly, the heater shutting off unexpectedly is also an overheating sign. If any of these things happen, contact a professional HVAC company immediately for heating repair.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling has been proudly serving Livermore, CA, and the Tri-Valley since 1998. This award-winning HVAC company is family-owned, fully licensed, and insured. Contact them today for heater repair in Livermore, CA.
