Indoor air blows over the metal heat exchanger, is warmed, and then discharged back into the home. Noxious gasses produced on the inside of the heat exchanger are safely discharged to the exterior of the home.
Carbon Monoxide is one of the deadly gasses produced inside the heat exchanger. If the heat exchanger becomes cracked or warped, then these gasses may permeate throughout your home. Cracked heater exchangers can occur when the furnace burns too hot.
The furnace may operate at a higher temperature if air filters are not replaced regularly, at least 4 times a year. Also, proper air flow is needed to keep the furnace operating at its recommended temperatures.
General maintenance performed by a licensed, qualified contractor will keep the furnace properly adjusted and working as engineered. Yearly servicing of your furnace is the best defense against conditions that reduce the lifespan of your furnace.
You should have your heater serviced prior to the heating season each year. An HVAC technician will know what to look for when inspecting your furnace, and can tell if there are impending problems with your heat exchanger.
Living in the desert, it’s easy to ignore the recommended winter service of your heater. The older the system, the more important the regular maintenance becomes to efficiently and safely operate the equipment.
You should also recognize the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, some of which are nausea, dizziness, and other flu-like symptoms. Consider the installation of a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home, even if your furnace is installed inside the attic or the garage.
For more on this or other home care subjects, contact Scott at www.scottsauer.com.
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