Can a Furnace Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Mount Juliet, TN?

The answer to the question, “Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning in Mount Juliet, TN?” is “Yes.” In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100,000 Americans visit emergency rooms each year for carbon monoxide poisoning treatment. More than 400 Americans are also killed annually as a result of unintentional CO poisoning. 

Three common sources include portable generators, cooking appliances, and motor vehicles. However, these are far from the only things that can expose you to dangerous CO levels. 

Read on to find out more about how your heating system can put you at risk. If you believe a furnace malfunction has caused a CO leak in your home, you can call Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, & AC Repair for heating services in Mount Juliet, TN. 

How a Furnace Can Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning in Mount Juliet, Tennessee? You are in luck if you have an electric furnace in your home because, in that case, the answer is “No.” Hybrids are different, though; they use gas sometimes.

If the furnace relies only on electricity rather than gas to heat your home, it can’t produce CO because there isn’t any combustion. A gas unit burns natural gas to create heat for your home, so this combustion process produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct. Normally, a gas furnace minimizes the chances of CO leaking into your home by using a flue or vent pipe to send it outside, but trouble could arise if:

• The flue or vent pipe for the furnace is blocked.
• The heat exchanger is cracked.
• The burner is malfunctioning.

In each instance above, carbon monoxide may start to leak into your home instead of traveling outside where it belongs. If you are exposed to this gas for even a short time, you could face serious health issues. 

Signs That Suggest a Furnace-Related Carbon Monoxide Leak

Since carbon monoxide is one of the biggest residential furnace hazards, you should aim to avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Why? 

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. This makes it nearly impossible to tell when you have a carbon monoxide leak without good detectors installed in your Mount Juliet home. If you’re lucky, you might spot signs that will show when your furnace is leaking CO, such as:

• Brown or yellow stains around the furnace
• Heavy condensation on windows near the furnace
• Extremely stuffy air in the room where the furnace is
• The furnace pilot light burning yellow instead of blue
• Rust suddenly appearing on the furnace’s vent pipe

Even a few minutes could be fatal, so don’t underestimate CO exposure.

Leading Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In addition to watching for signs of carbon monoxide in the area surrounding your furnace, you should also consider how you feel. Do you think you have a furnace-related CO leak in your home? Tell-tale symptoms of CO exposure might include headache, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and chest pain.

People lose consciousness once they’re exposed to a large amount of carbon monoxide, and that can happen in a short time. Call for help right away.

What To Do If You Suspect Your Furnace Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide in Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide poisoning? Yes, it can. You’ll want to spring into action as soon as you sense a potential CO leak in your home in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. 

Here are the steps you should take:

• Open windows and doors to ventilate the home.
• Leave your home quickly.
• Call 911. 
• Consider seeking medical attention, even if you aren’t yet exhibiting CO poisoning symptoms.

Once you’re safe, contact a trusted local HVAC company to stop the carbon monoxide from leaking from your furnace. A heating technician will also provide CO leak prevention tips.