If you clicked on this blog post then we congratulate you for being concerned about something that we are always worrying over. Since we set up countless gas furnaces and are experts with furnace repair in San Ramon, CA we’re committed to keeping everyone as comfortable and as safe as possible.
Chances are, you’ve got a perfectly safe gas furnace system and, if you’ve got carbon monoxide detectors, you’re most likely a-OK. However, that doesn’t minimize the real danger that carbon monoxide leaks pose to our customers and community. So, we’d like to go over a few signs that can be easy to recognize that signal your furnace is starting to leak carbon monoxide. Stay smart, stay vigilant, and keep reading about how we can help you.
Seriously Silent
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it’s incredibly hard to detect. It’s odorless and can’t be noticed visually, which means that unless you’re vigilant or have carbon monoxide detectors, it’s nigh impossible to spot. That being said, there are a few clues that carbon monoxide leaves behind which can signal that you’ve got a serious leak occurring.
- Excess Moisture. While this could also be a signal that your humidifier is working as expected, moisture condensing on your window can be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. This moisture condensation on windows and walls could signify that your furnace is having trouble venting properly, because water vapor is one of the byproducts of the combustion process.
- Headaches, Nausea, Dizziness. If you’re noticing any unusual symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness, it could be caused by carbon monoxide. While these are usually the last things you should be noticing when dealing with a carbon monoxide leak, they’re some of the most important. Get outside and call 911 and a professional ASAP.
- Confusion and Memory Loss. While a little different from the last few symptoms, these can be much more insidious effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you’re dealing with unusual health effects like confusion and memory loss, you could be dealing with a leak in your furnace.
- Stale, Stuffy, or Smelly Air. While carbon monoxide is odorless, sometimes it is accompanied by a stench that results from the combustion process in your furnace. Not only that, but some noses are especially sensitive when detecting gases. If anything smells or feels out of the ordinary, exit your home and call a professional. Better safe than sorry!
- Cracks in Exhaust Pipes. If you notice cracks in your furnace exhaust piping, or anywhere on your furnace for that matter, there could be a potential leak. While it could signify that there’s a carbon monoxide leak, it also could signify a natural gas leak (which is not good either).
As you can tell, this is as serious of an HVAC problem as it can get. We’re not trying to freak anyone out—we’re just concerned with getting the information out there and helping our community stay aware and vigilant. Keep your furnace in good condition, check your CO detectors, and give us a call if you’ve got problems.
Concerns with gas leaks are best left to the professionals. Call Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. today for any questions you might have on your furnace issues.