Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Your Furnace?

The furnace in your East Bay home should provide reliable heating during the colder months. However, as it ages it becomes prone to damage which could lead to more than just higher energy bills, like carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely hazardous to your health. In fact, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year. 

The trained professionals at Hassler Heating understand the importance of furnace maintenance. We can also determine if an old or broken furnace is in need of replacement. Let’s take a look at carbon monoxide and how to tell if your furnace has a leak.  

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and tasteless gas that can be found anywhere there are fumes from burning fuel; like cars, stoves, furnaces, etc.. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it can deprive your body’s vital organs of oxygen in a matter of minutes without warning. When CO builds up indoors, anyone from pets to children and adults are at risk of poisoning. Here are the symptoms to look out for: 

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Headaches

• Chest pain & difficulty breathing  

How to Tell If Your Furnace Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide

If your furnace is operating as it should be, CO will be contained in the heat exchanger and vented out of your home. However, if your furnace is not properly maintained, or getting older, there are several ways it can start leaking into your home. 

Let’s take a look at common symptoms of carbon monoxide from a furnace. If you think your furnace is at risk of a carbon monoxide leak, it is critical to have it inspected by a professional. Though a furnace cannot technically leak carbon monoxide when it’s turned off, built up CO can remain in your HVAC system and leak.

Soot Marks

When carbon is not completely burned, it produces a powdery soot. If you notice a black, brown, or yellow powder around your furnace, you might have a carbon monoxide leak.

Unusual Smell

While carbon monoxide does not have an odor, the combustion process creates a burning smell. If your furnace has a leak, this smell is not being filtered out appropriately. 

Flame Color

A furnace flame should have a clear blue flame. If your furnace’s flame is yellow, there could be excess carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion. 

Heating Bill Increases

If you notice an unusual increase in your heating bills, your furnace is not working properly. While this could mean a variety of issues, it can also point to a carbon monoxide leak. 

Furnace Age 

The life of a furnace is about 15 years. As it ages, your furnace is more likely to get a crack in its heat exchanger and develop a carbon monoxide leak.  

Furnace Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement from Hassler Heating

The most important thing you can do to protect your Marin home from carbon monoxide leaks is regular furnace maintenance. You can also install carbon monoxide detectors, and change your air filter to help. Unfortunately, an aging furnace will still be more prone to breaks and leaks. At Hassler, we believe your safety is most important, and will recommend furnace replacement if it’s beyond repair. 

Our team of experts at Hassler are trained to improve the comfort of your Contra Costa home’s environment. Whatever your HVAC needs, we go above and beyond with all of our maintenance, repair, and installation services. We can also help California homeowners qualify for several rebate programs to make your home more energy efficient.  

Experience the Hassler Difference with your furnace. Call 510-848-3030 or contact us online today!