The Scary Truths about Carbon Monoxide and your Furnace

09 Dec The Scary Truths about Carbon Monoxide and your Furnace

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

With over 20,000 emergency room visits per year related to carbon monoxide poisoning, this odorless toxin could be a danger in your home. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous and can be fatal. Emanating from the water heater, generator, fireplace, or furnace, carbon monoxide can cause a serious risk to you and your family’s health. Thompson Electrical Service wants you to know about the scary truths regarding carbon monoxide and your furnace.

What is a heat exchanger, and why is it essential?

While blocking the furnace exhaust from entering your home, the furnace’s heat exchanger, a key metal component, transfers heat from the burning fuel. The heat exchanger regularly expands and contracts because of the metal heating and cooling off. When the heat exchanger wears out and fails, it can cause exhaust fumes that include carbon monoxide to enter your home and present a safety concern. A furnace that is working properly should not emit significant levels of carbon monoxide.

What are the dangers associated with a cracked heat exchanger?

After a heat exchanger cracks or fails to function, it could potentially leak exhaust gases that include carbon monoxide into your home. The higher the levels of exhaust gases, the higher the risk of serious illness or death. Since carbon monoxide is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, it will be difficult to detect its presence without the help of a carbon monoxide detector.

What are the indicators of a cracked heat exchanger?

Other than having an HVAC technician in the Bristol, Johnson City, or Kingsport area conduct an inspection, there are a few other warning signs that you may see.

• Soot buildup on the inside of your furnace
• Corrosion on any part of your furnace
• A visible crack on or inside the furnace or any of its components
• Strange smells emanating from your furnace
• Water on the floor near your furnace
• Your carbon monoxide detector’s alarm sounds

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone have a carbon monoxide detector in their home. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware store. The small cost is well worth saving your life!

How can I be certain that my heat exchanger has failed?

The certified HVAC technicians at Thompson Electrical Service can troubleshoot heat exchangers and diagnose the precise problem. Also, while the technician is on-site, they will also test the air quality in both your home and furnace to ensure the carbon monoxide levels are not at a dangerous level.

What happens after an HVAC technician diagnoses a cracked heat exchanger?

After the trained HVAC technician uncovers and confirms the diagnosis of a cracked heat exchanger, the question becomes if the part can be repaired or should be replaced. The industry standard follows the replacement of the heat exchanger. According to the American Gas Association, “Any visible crack or hole discovered…is (a) reason for requiring replacement of the heat exchanger or furnace.”

If I have a failed heat exchanger, do I need to replace the furnace?

In some cases, replacing your furnace may be the best option. However, most furnace manufacturers provide a warranty for 10 – 20 years or up to the life of the furnace. The certified technicians from Thompson Electrical Service can recommend a quality and efficient unit if you need to purchase a new one.

To ensure your safety, Thompson Electrical Service highly recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors. The detectors should be checked every month to ensure they are working properly and replaced every five years. In addition to the detectors, it is recommended that regular maintenance on your HVAC system remains on your to-do list. To schedule an appointment with a certified HVAC technician, call Thompson Electrical Service today at (423) 343-5726. We proudly serve our neighbors in the Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport area.