Is Your Heating System Leaking Carbon Monoxide?

A carbon monoxide leak is just one of the dangers of a malfunctioning heating system. Once this issue occurs, it’s crucial to schedule a heating repair in Oklahoma City, OK immediately.

What Is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when fuel isn’t burned completely. But this isn’t just any ordinary gas. Once inhaled, CO displaces oxygen in the victim’s blood. Vital organs, including the brain and heart, are deprived of oxygen. If you’ve paid attention to your anatomy class, you know what happens when vital organs do not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen. 

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. These gas characteristics make it more dangerous – you might have been poisoned by this toxic gas unknowingly. That’s why it’s crucial to be knowledgeable and know when there’s a presence of CO in your home.

However, there’s no need to be afraid of owning and operating a gas-powered heating system. Modern furnaces and other heating systems are designed with vents and other components that safely release these gasses outside your home. As long as your heating system is in good condition, you and your family are completely safe from CO poisoning.

However, if there’s a problem with the heating system, like blocked vents, carbon monoxide can start to build up inside your home. That’s why it’s crucial not to procrastinate on heating repair in Oklahoma City, OK.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

There are several reasons why your heating system might start leaking carbon monoxide into your home. Here are some of them: 

Yellow-colored pilot light flame: This indicates incomplete combustion, producing carbon monoxide. A pilot light can turn yellow or any colors other than blue when the air-fuel ratio isn’t balanced. In this case, it’s best to schedule a heating repair in Oklahoma City OK.

There’s a blockage in the exhaust flue: An exhaust flue is a metal tube that vents gasses, including carbon monoxide, from the heat exchanger to the outside. If this component is blocked, CO and other gasses will have nowhere to go but indoors, circulating with the indoor air.

Crack heat exchanger: This component is designed to transfer heat from the burning fuel to the air passing through the unit. If it cracks, carbon monoxide can leak into your home.

Those were just a few of the common reasons carbon monoxide leaks in your home. If you spot those issues, don’t wait – contact your heating repair technician in Oklahoma City OK. We’ll also discuss other signs of a CO leak below.

How to Tell If There’s a Carbon Monoxide Leak

It’s impossible to detect carbon monoxide leaks just by using your senses. But don’t worry because there are many other ways to tell if there is a CO leak. You only need to have the proper knowledge and equipment in place. Here are some ways to determine if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector is your best friend when it comes to detecting the presence of this noxious gas. It’s best to install the device on every floor of your home. A carbon monoxide detector will alarm when it senses unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in the air. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, it’s time to buy one. It’s best to choose a CO detector that’s proven reliable and will really notify you in time when there’s CO accumulation in your place. 

If you have an existing CO detector, ensure it stays in its top condition. Check its batteries now and then to see if they have gone bad. If they did, replace them and make sure the detector is working. 

But even if you already have a CO detector in place, still don’t forget to be proactive and pay attention to other signs of CO leak. Check your heating system for problems and schedule a heating repair in Oklahoma City OK as soon as you notice or suspect issues with the equipment.

Health Issues

As mentioned above, carbon monoxide can wreak havoc on your body. Inhaling this gas can result in a variety of health issues, some minor while other illnesses are deadly.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary depending on the length of exposure. Short term exposure may result in minor health problems like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. The symptoms can be similar to those of flu or food poisoning. But unlike the flu, CO poisoning doesn’t cause high temperatures. 

If you have been breathing in carbon monoxide for a long time, you may experience more serious health problems such as chest pain, confusion, and seizures. Worst case scenario, someone may die due to CO poisoning. If you experience these symptoms, it’s vital to get fresh air immediately and call for medical help. You should also contact your trusted HVAC contractor for heating repair in Oklahoma City OK.

If you are unsure of whether what you feel is a result of inhaling CO, check out the following signs:

• Other people going inside the building or living under the same roof also experience the same health issues.
• The symptoms go away when you leave the building and return when you’re back.
• You experience headaches every winter season when you run your gas-powered heating system constantly.
• Your furry friends also experience health problems.

If you have the symptoms of CO poisoning and you notice the signs above, it’s best to seek medical help. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. 

If you see any of these signs, call a heating repair technician right away and don’t go back inside the house until the problem has been fixed.

What to Do If There’s a Carbon Monoxide Leak

If you think there might be a carbon monoxide leak, the first thing you should do is stay calm and open all the doors and windows to ventilate the house. Then, turn off all fuel-burning appliances and get out of the building immediately.

Do not try to find and fix the root cause of the problem yourself. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas, and it’s better to let a professional heating repair technician in Oklahoma City, OK take care of the problem for your safety. 

Do not go back to your property unless the professionals say so.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Leaks

You can do several things to prevent carbon monoxide leaks in your home. Here are some tips:

Ensure the fuel-air ratio is balanced – You will likely need professional knowledge of the heating system to ensure a balanced fuel-air ratio. If you’re not confident to handle the task, call a heating repair technician in Oklahoma City OK.

Keep the flue clear: Make sure there’s no blockage in the vent that could prevent carbon monoxide from escaping. 

Let a professional install or repair your heating system: CO leak is one of the possible results of a DIY heating installation or repair project. To make sure this problem won’t occur, let a licensed and trained heating repair technician in Oklahoma City OK handle your heating needs.

Have your heating system inspected and serviced regularly: This is the best way to prevent CO leaks. When you schedule routine HVAC maintenance, a professional technician will check for any problems with your heating system and make necessary repairs. 

Install a carbon monoxide detector – While this will not prevent carbon monoxide leaks, it will help you know its presence and avoid further consequences.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call a professional heating technician. They can help you identify any potential problems with your heating system and provide the necessary repairs to keep you and your family safe.

Have Your Heating System Fixed Properly! Contact Triple Play Home Services Today!

You may not think about your heating system often, but when it stops working properly, you’ll certainly notice. If your heater is on the fritz, don’t suffer in silence- contact Triple Play Home Services today. We’re a full-service heating company that’s been serving the residents of Oklahoma City OK and the surrounding areas for years, and we’re ready to help you with all of your heating needs.

Our technicians are all highly trained and experienced. They can easily spot any problem with your heating system, including a carbon monoxide leak. When you contact us to take care of your HVAC needs, we’ll make sure your heating system is efficient and safe to operate.

In addition to heating repair in Oklahoma City, OK, we also handle HVAC installation and maintenance. We can help you with any heating project, big or small. So if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable heating company, contact Triple Play Home Services today. We’ll take care of everything for you!

When it comes to your home’s heating system, don’t take chances- contact Triple Play Home Services at 405-283-3977. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service, and we’ll make sure your heating system is running efficiently and safely.