How a Broken Furnace Can Pollute The Air in Your Home
You may think that your furnace is working just fine, but in reality, it could be polluting the air in your home. A broken furnace can release dangerous toxins and chemicals into the air, which can lead to serious health problems for you and your family. If you suspect that your furnace is not working properly, it is essential to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
If allergy symptoms, dry nose, asthma, dry throat, chronic cough, or headaches are common problems in your household, you might be experiencing poor indoor air quality. If these symptoms are a regular occurrence in your home, contact Liberty Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule furnace maintenance.
When furnaces are not properly maintained, they can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death. Below are several ways a furnace that is not working properly may be polluting your indoor air.
Dirty, Dusty Furnace And Ducts
One of the most significant disadvantages of forced-air heating systems is that dust can sometimes find its way into your space. If you don’t change the air filter often enough, dust and dirt will eventually build up and clog it. This prevents air from getting through, making the furnace work harder and forcing the particles through the filter. These systems tend to recirculate the dust in your home through the ductwork. If your furnace and ducts are not cleaned regularly, this dust will build up and be released into the air every time the furnace turns on. This can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including allergies, asthma, and even bronchitis.
Poor Ventilation of Carbon Monoxide
Does your furnace run on propane, natural gas, or heating oil? If so, it produces carbon monoxide. This gas is odorless and colorless, so you won’t be able to see or smell it if there’s a problem with your furnace. If your furnace isn’t working properly or well-ventilated, this gas can build up in your home and cause serious health problems, including headaches, nausea, and death. That is why CO monitors are important to have in your home if you have a fuel furnace.
Lack of Adequate Humidity
Since your furnace works almost nonstop in the winter, it is normal for it to dry out the air in your home. However, if you observe that the air is excessively dry, it may be a sign that your furnace is not working properly. A furnace that doesn’t humidify the air enough can cause problems such as dry nose and throat, dry skin, and static electricity. It can also damage wood furniture and floors. When your home starts feeling like a dry desert, it is time for a professional to check your furnace.
Mold In The Furnace
If your furnace is not properly maintained, it can develop mold and mildew. This can happen if there is a water leak in the unit. Water leaks can occur for a number of reasons, such as a cracked heat exchanger or a loose drain line. When mold spores are released into the air, they can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. If you notice mold or mildew around your furnace, it is important to have it professionally cleaned as soon as possible.
If you think your furnace may be causing indoor air quality problems in your home, contact Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning today. We can come and take a look at your furnace to see if it is the source of your indoor air quality problems. We can also recommend ways to improve the air quality in your home. Give us a call today to talk to one of our friendly staff.
Contact Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning For 5-Star Furnace Maintenance
The best way to prevent your furnace from polluting the air in your home is to have it regularly maintained by a professional. Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning offers furnace maintenance services that can keep your furnace running properly and help prevent indoor air quality problems. We recommend having your furnace serviced at least once a year before the heating season begins. Contact us today at (951) 760-4215 to schedule a maintenance appointment.
