Calling for furnace repair when you need it is not limited to staying warm for the last few months of winter. It also keeps your household safe from the possible dangers that could arise when your heating system is not working properly. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often linked to malfunctioning furnaces, which is why you need to pay attention to any irregularities. Here is what you need to know so you call for furnace repair in Cleveland, TN before there is a dangerous condition in your home:
- Be familiar with carbon monoxide signs: Excess carbon monoxide in your home can wipe out your whole household. You can prevent symptoms and stay safe by knowing the signs carbon monoxide leaves in your home. These include soot streaks, condensation on windows, rusting on fuel pipes or an orange or yellow flame instead of blue or purple. Be especially wary if these are sudden developments, since leaks can occur quickly. HVAC technicians check for these signs during your annual maintenance appointment, but being aware of them empowers you to call for service before carbon monoxide is a serious problem.
- Purchase alarms: The danger of carbon monoxide is that you cannot see or smell the fumes. Fortunately, technology can detect its presence. Purchase alarms made for carbon monoxide detection and install them near bedrooms, since most poisoning deaths occur at night when people are sleeping. Consider putting one in your utility room, too, so you can get an early heads-up just as your furnace starts leaking. Much like smoke alarms, these became a staple in households with gas heat. If your furnace did not come with alarms, there are models available that plug into your electric outlets.
- Know physical symptoms: Carbon monoxide poisoning is often ignored because early symptoms resemble a minor cold. That is likely the case if only one household member complains of the symptoms. However, if everyone is sick at once, but they feel better once they leave home, it is likely carbon monoxide—especially if your pets are also ill. Err on the side of safety and vacate your home before calling in a technician. Even if the technician discovers that carbon monoxide is not the problem, you can at least be reassured that your home is safe.
- Stay on a maintenance schedule: Many issues with carbon monoxide are easily avoided with preventative care and furnace inspections. Arrange for a service appointment at the end of winter, and consider another one in the fall. You want at least one inspection and service appointment per year, although two is optimal. Your furnace can still develop combustion chamber cracks when it is not in use, and those frequently cause carbon monoxide leaks. By scheduling that additional appointment, you know for certain your furnace is ready to operate safely each year.
Call us today and schedule your appointment for furnace repair in Cleveland, TN with Higdon Heating & Air LLC. We also offer 24/7 emergency services and repair commercial HVAC systems, as well.