Identifying the Hazards of a Malfunctioning Heater
With the seasons decidedly turning towards the lowest temperatures of the year, it has never been more important to have a fully functioning, well-oiled heating machine. For the next few months, the furnace is every homeowner’s best friend unless that furnace stops working as it should and starts showing warning signs of a defect or a malfunction. If this is the suspicion, read on to see what hazards can arise from a problematic heater and what one can do to mitigate the problem.
Presence of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas for several reasons. Inhaling can cause a host of health issues that range from headaches and fatigue to nausea, palpitations, and hallucinations. Without immediate medical attention, people who breathe in enough CO can suffer from brain and heart damage, short-term memory loss, blindness, and, at its most severe, can lead to death.
Unfortunately, carbon monoxide is unavoidable at home since it is a byproduct of burning fuels. The simple act of firing up the stove to prepare a meal or turning on the heater during the cold winter months produces enough carbon monoxide to present a danger to a home’s occupants. Fortunately, venting and exhaust systems are in place to make using the stove or heater a safe domestic activity. The problem arises not in engaging in these carbon monoxide-producing activities but in the defects and malfunctions in these systems.
Therefore, homeowners must have a carbon monoxide mitigation system in place. This can be done in a two-fold approach: first, by installing carbon monoxide detectors that can identify the presence of the gas when human senses fail to catch it, and second, by scheduling regular heating maintenance to allow professionals to check for problems that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Unchecked Mold Growth
Mold growth is the natural course of things left to their own devices in warm and damp environments. This fungal growth may seem harmless and even organic, but if left unchecked inside the home, the spores that mold releases into the air in a bid for reproduction can cause respiratory distress. Homeowners with mold problems may experience allergic reactions such as coughing, sneezing, or a sore throat.
Because mold thrives in moisture and humidity, the HVAC system is one of the places where it is likely to flourish, so homeowners who experience the symptoms above or notice either a musty odor in the house or visible signs of mold should contact their trusted HVAC technician. A professional can help inspect the home’s HVAC system and determine where mold is present so that the conditions in which the mold thrives can be resolved to prevent mold growth from recurring.
Too Much Heat In Furnaces and Heaters
While plenty of heat is encouraged during the cold stretch of winter, there is still such a thing as too much heat - enough to cause heaters to malfunction due to furnace overheating. A furnace or heater that exceeds its expected heat production can present many dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning, heater damage, and even the possibility of a furnace fire.
Homeowners who notice a burning smell or strange noises when the heating comes on should pay attention since these are likely signs of a furnace overheating. When this occurs, it is recommended to check the HVAC air filter and see if it is dirty and clogged with dust and other particulate matter. If the furnace filter is dirty or hasn’t been changed in months, it is likely causing the heater to overwork and overheat.
Another way to deal with an overheating furnace is to call for heater repair. A local HVAC technician should be able to conduct heating repair on a home’s HVAC system and, in doing so, identify and resolve the overheating problem and avert a possible catastrophe.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing is a reliable plumbing services provider in Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods. Their flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service availability, and true satisfaction guarantee all speak to their dedication to providing the best service to the people in their community. They have a team of trusted technicians equipped with fully stocked trucks and use the latest technology to ensure that they provide the right solutions on the first try. Call them today for HVAC service in Philadelphia, PA.
