Lessen Your Risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
A safe, warm home is every Texas homeowner’s priority. But did you know that an undetected carbon monoxide (CO) leak from your furnace can threaten this safety?
The best defense? Discovering and addressing it before it happens.
Keeping one or more carbon monoxide detectors in working condition in your Round Rock home is a first step toward securing your health and safety.
The next step is scheduling a furnace tune-up and approving any necessary repairs. You also will want to know the signs of a carbon monoxide leak.
To get started with a furnace tune-up, look no further than our pros at AiRCO Mechanical, Ltd.. We service all makes and brands of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and believe in annual preventative maintenance to keep your furnace safe and operating at peak efficiency.
Safety First
Our four AiRCO Mechanical maintenance plans each include a 40-point inspection and performance test, lubrication of moving parts and motors, repair discounts, priority service, and no minimum after-hour fees.
An annual furnace tune-up is the best way to prevent damage to your furnace. Our experienced technicians can spot problems and correct them before they worsen.
We recognize system weaknesses and failing components that can cause carbon monoxide leaks. Repairs or replacement parts can remedy the issue.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that can result from improperly vented kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, and back-drafting from wood stoves, fireplaces, and gas-powered heating systems and appliances, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Car exhaust in attached garages and tobacco smoke also contribute to carbon monoxide in indoor air.
The EPA notes how even low concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause fatigue and chest pain. Reduced brain function, impaired vision, confusion, nausea, and dizziness can result from moderate concentrations. High concentrations can be fatal.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Leaks?
An improperly sized, disconnected, or blocked furnace flue pipe can give carbon monoxide a path into your living space. Moisture in flue pipes can lead to holes and cracks, allowing carbon monoxide to escape the vent system.
When our AiRCO Mechanical technicians inspect your furnace, they will check the flue and repair any related issues.
An easily avoidable issue involves your furnace’s air filter. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace heat exchanger to overheat and crack. You can avoid restricting airflow and overheating your furnace by maintaining its air filter.
At AiRCO Mechanical, we recommend you inspect your furnace filter every month and replace it at least every 90 days.
Cracked heat exchangers are a major source of carbon monoxide leaks in furnaces. We replace cracked heat exchangers and do not repair them. If your furnace is nearing the end of its service life, replacing the entire furnace may be the best solution.
Consider installing a high-efficiency condensing furnace in your Round Rock home.
Older, standard furnaces are more prone to carbon monoxide leaks than high-efficiency condensing furnaces, which use a sealed combustion system. A standard furnace draws air for combustion from inside your house.
A sealed combustion chamber draws air from the outdoors through a pipe. It prevents exhaust gas, including carbon monoxide, from flowing back into your home.
Signs of Potential Carbon Monoxide Leaks
- Yellow instead of blue flames
- Rusty or cracked vent pipe
- Yellow or brown stains around your furnace
- Condensation on the windows in your furnace room
- Your CO monitor sounds an alarm
Schedule Maintenance Today
Don’t leave your safety to chance this winter. Let the experts at AiRCO Mechanical, Ltd. inspect your furnace in Round Rock, Texas, for potential carbon monoxide leaks. We can repair or replace faulty parts promptly. Call us at (512) 537-1234 or request service online.