A gas furnace burns either natural gas or propane to produce heat throughout your home. Due to a malfunction, the system could end up leaking high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely dangerous. In this guide, we’ll review how to fix a carbon monoxide leak on a furnace and the steps you can take to avoid carbon monoxide leaks.
Reach out to the team at Crew Heating & Cooling if you need furnace repair personnel in Spring, TX. Our licensed technicians can inspect your furnace for safety hazards and prevent carbon monoxide leaks.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Leaks From Furnaces?
A furnace can leak carbon monoxide for a few reasons. It could be nearing the end of its lifespan and start to break down, which increases your risk of a dangerous gas leak. It’s also possible that your venting system contains gaps that allow gas fumes to fill your home.
One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide leaks is a cracked furnace heat exchanger. This safety component filters dangerous gases from the combustion chamber and leads them through the venting system instead of toward the motor blower. If the heat exchanger cracks, the furnace will distribute combustion changer gases through your air ducts.
Many high-efficiency furnaces contain a second heat exchanger, which prevents carbon monoxide leaks. The additional heat exchanger keeps you safe should one of them crack and helps the furnace run more efficiently.
What To Do If Your Furnace Leaks Carbon Monoxide
Since carbon monoxide has no smell or color, the only way to tell if it’s in the air is by using alarms. If your household carbon monoxide detector sounds off, quickly evacuate the house and call an HVAC technician. These professionals know how to fix a carbon monoxide leak on a furnace and can repair your furnace.
Don’t linger around the furnace if the detector goes off. You’ll increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which presents serious health concerns like:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Invest in a high-quality carbon monoxide detector and don’t waste any time leaving the house if the alarm triggers. Contact a professional who offers emergency HVAC services to intervene.
How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Only qualified experts know how to fix a carbon monoxide leak on a furnace. The best thing you can do as a homeowner is take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Below are some recommendations for keeping your furnace functioning properly.
Replace Furnace Filters
Replacing your HVAC air filter is essential for optimum furnace performance. The filter catches allergens and improves your indoor air quality. However, when it clogs, it can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat.
Changing the filter regularly protects the furnace from damage that may lead to a carbon monoxide leak. Remember to replace yours before it gets too dirty.
Clear Debris Around Vents
The harmful gases that burn in the combustion chamber should travel from your furnace to your outdoor exhaust pipes. Any debris blocking these pipes will cause the gases to remain inside your house. Periodically check your furnace vents and remove any leaves, twigs, or other outdoor debris plugging them.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance
Ask any professional HVAC technician how to fix a carbon monoxide leak on a furnace, and they’ll tell you that preventative maintenance is key. You should schedule a furnace tune-up once a year, ideally before the start of each heating season. During this appointment, technicians will check vital components of your heating system.
Tune-ups often involve the following tasks:
- Changing the air filter
- Lubricating the motor
- Inspecting the gas valve
- Cleaning the flame sensor
- Checking the heat exchanger
Technicians will perform on-the-spot repairs if anything appears wrong with the furnace. Investing in annual maintenance not only helps you prevent carbon monoxide leaks but it also keeps your furnace running efficiently so you can save money.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance or Repairs With Crew Heating & Cooling
If you need an expert who knows how to fix a carbon monoxide leak on a furnace, reach out to Crew Heating & Cooling. We specialize in furnace repairs and maintenance services so you don’t have to worry about dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Our technicians can help keep you safe with tips like our furnace tune-up guide and regular inspections.
Call (832) 345-1696 or use our online booking tool to schedule service in your home. Let us help with your needs.