The
official start of fall is just 10 days away, but many of us have already jumped
into the autumn spirit with gusto. Pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations
have been around for weeks, and while the heat of summer isn’t totally
behind us, we all know that a cool down is coming soon.
Before kicking on the heat, it is important to make sure that your furnace
is working properly. An annual checkup can ensure that your furnace is
not leaking carbon monoxide. Because the gas is odorless, homeowners are
almost always unaware when their furnace is leaking carbon monoxide. Unfortunately,
this problem is more common than you would expect. Each year sees about
10,000 cases of and more than 200 deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
One of the reasons carbon monoxide leaks go undetected until it is too
late is because the symptoms mimic common flu-related maladies. To make
matters worse, flu season coincides with the months you are most likely
to use your furnace. Be on the lookout for these symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
How to Keep Your Family Safe
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, often masquerading as a flu. Because
it can be so difficult to diagnose, your best course of action is preventative.
To keep your family safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning,
do the following:
-
Schedule an annual checkup for your furnace: Carbon monoxide leaks can be cause by a number of issues, such as improper
ventilation or a cracked heat exchange. While most people only have their
furnaces serviced when there is an issue, an annual checkup allows you
to be proactive.
-
Install a carbon monoxide detector: While annual checkups will allow you to stay on top of repairs that may
lead to leaks, a carbon monoxide detector will give you peace of mind
for the rest of the year. The detector will alert you to when there is
a problem, allowing you to resolve the issue quickly before damage is
done to your health.
Keep your family healthy.
Schedule an annual furnace checkup today with our Murrieta HVAC experts. Call now!