How to Identify and Respond to Heating Hazards
Heaters provide warmth for homes through the winter, but they can also present hazards. Anytime a piece of equipment works as hard as a heater, it is likely to accumulate enough wear and tear that it can malfunction.
Without routine attention from professionals, heaters are much more likely to develop problems, some of which can be hazardous to the family and home. Here are three common dangers presented by heaters and how to prevent or manage them.
Catching Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide leaks are a common threat with any appliance fueled by natural gas, especially furnaces. When natural gas burns, it produces a small amount of carbon monoxide that usually is harmlessly vented outside.
When the heater starts to malfunction, it can produce much more carbon monoxide and fail to expel it outside, where it won’t build up inside the home. An excess of carbon monoxide in the home can cause:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Since carbon monoxide is imperceptible, homeowners should install special carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. These devices sniff out small traces of the gas and sound an alarm so homeowners can call HVAC professionals for help. To prevent the risk of carbon monoxide formation in the furnace, homeowners should also remember seasonal heater maintenance so that malfunctions are less common.
Signs of Mold Growth
Mold is a common problem in homes in the winter because indoor air can become stagnant due to not being refreshed by incoming outdoor air.
With condensation building up on windows and bathrooms, mold blooms can occur that spew spores into the air to be picked up by the heater. As the spores make their way through the ductwork, they can become trapped and start to grow, leading to musty odors in the home and poor lung immunity of those in the home.
Preseason maintenance is the best choice for preventing mold growth in the furnace or heater. Heating maintenance can address why the heater may not be properly removing humidity from the air and fix the problem before it encourages mold growth.
Likewise, air filter replacement every three months can help reduce mold spores in the air, making mold less likely to make it into the unit and ductwork.
Overheating Furnaces and Heaters
The most efficient way to heat a home is to produce a lot of heat quickly and pull cold indoor air across the heat exchanger to diffuse the heat into the home. If interrupted, this process can cause too much heat to build up inside the heater, leading to overheating.
All heaters have high-temperature shut-offs to prevent damage to the unit and fires, so the first sign of overheating is usually a tripping safety device. Often, homeowners also notice smells or humming noises when the heater starts to get too hot.
Replacing air filters often is the best way to ensure good airflow that efficiently removes heat from the heater. Likewise, heater maintenance can look for any problems in the blower that might reduce airflow. If overheating problems still pop up, it is vital that homeowners call for professional repairs immediately.
About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning
Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning protects homes with good maintenance and tune-up practices. By relying on their services for repairs and heater maintenance, homeowners can keep their homes safe and utility bills low. Call today for heating services in Boston, MA.
