Heating Hazards and How Homeowners Can Identify Them
Furnaces and heaters can keep a home warm and toasty all winter, but if they’re not properly maintained, they can cause a number of dangers. That’s part of why it is important to have all heating systems serviced and inspected regularly – preferably once a year.
Fortunately, a qualified service technician can detect most problems and complete any necessary heating repairs to make the unit safer. In this article, learn about some of the dangers faulty heaters can cause and some warning signs to watch for.
Faulty Heaters Can Cause a Carbon Monoxide Leak
Carbon monoxide – sometimes written CO – is a deadly odorless gas often emitted from various gas-burning home appliances, including water heaters, stoves, and furnaces.
In a properly functioning heating system, any carbon monoxide produced by the heater is vented outdoors via one or more metal pipes connected to the unit. However, problems with the heater can allow some of this carbon monoxide to seep into the home.
It can cause a range of health issues for the home’s residents, including headaches, chest pains, confusion, and blurry vision. In some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can even prove fatal.
Given the dangers of the gas, it is always wise to install carbon monoxide detectors to keep a home’s residents safe. At a minimum, one detector should be placed near the furnace, and additional units should be installed near all of the home’s bedrooms.
Mold Growth Is Common in Poorly Maintained Heaters
Mold often begins growing in poorly maintained heating systems. Left untreated, it can even spread to the air ducts connected to the heater.
While mold growth is often considered little more than a minor inconvenience, it can actually cause health problems. These may vary from mild allergic reactions, such as watering eyes or skin rashes, to severe fungal infections. Mold can even cause mental health problems or life-threatening reactions in some people.
Regular inspections can help detect the presence of mold and address any issues that are leading to its growth. But in addition to having a home’s heating system inspected regularly, it is also important to watch for the early signs of mold, including the appearance of black or green spots, as well as a musty odor wafting throughout the house.
Faulty Furnaces and Heaters Can Overheat
One of the most frightening possibilities associated with poorly maintained heaters is that they can overheat. This sounds a bit odd, given that heating systems are specifically designed to get hot, but overheating issues are actually quite serious.
Furnace overheating problems can not only cause smoky odors inside the home but also damage the heating unit itself. In some cases, the furnace may even catch fire.
In addition to maintaining a heater once a year, it is important to replace the furnace filter regularly. Over time, a furnace's air filter can become dirty and clogged, which can trigger problems with overheating.
About Master Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Master Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been providing heater repair and heating maintenance services for the Cedar Rapids area since 1986. With same-day service, upfront pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, they are the best choice for plumbing and heating services in Cedar Rapids, IA. Call them today!
