Can a Broken Furnace Contaminate the Air in a Home?

A broken furnace can cause all sorts of issues - but even one that is heating can be affecting the air quality in your home. If you are experiencing an increase in allergies, if your furniture is cracking or your plants look unhappy - your furnace may be the culprit.

More seriously, a damaged combustion style furnace can produce carbon monoxide gas, which is dangerous and toxic - if you have a furnace which burns oil, natural gas, or propane, then you need a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. A properly vented furnace should not be releasing soot and harmful gas into your home, but can easily do so if not properly maintained.

In other words, not only can a broken furnace contaminate the air in your home, but one that seems to be working fine can still be contaiminting. So, how do you keep this from happening?

First of all, always change the filter at the start of the heating season. Doing so will increase the efficiency of your furnace. Also, the dust cake that has been sitting there can develop mold, which can also affect your air quality. Use the best quality filter you can get - although you should talk to a professional before upgrading your filter to make sure you use the right one for your system.

Your furnace should be inspected annually for cracks and other issues which could be causing it to leak carbon monoxide, soot, and other harmful substances. Do all recommended maintenance - which will also reduce the risk of being left in the cold.

If you're looking for professional heating services, look no further than Heaney Plumbing and Heating!

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