Sunday, December 9, 2001
Among other dangers, a furnace that doesn't operate properly can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
BY REBECCA SLOAN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
he average homeowner probably doesn't give much thought to a furnace -- until it breaks down one frigid December morning at 3 a.m.
Scott Thompson, of Thompson Heating and Cooling in Warren, said cleaning furnace filters on a regular basis will prevent many major problems.
"Filters that are clogged with dust and debris -- that's the biggest problem we see when we get a call from a customer saying their furnace isn't working properly," Thompson said.
Thompson, who's been in the furnace business for 23 years, said furnace filters should be cleaned or replaced monthly, regardless of whether the furnace burns gas or oil. Oil furnaces also have an oil filter that should be changed every few months.
"A clogged air filter cuts down on the life of the furnace because it allows debris to plug up the blower, which allows the furnace to overheat," Thompson explained.
When a furnace starts and stops at very short intervals, called short cycling, it can be a sign that the air filter is clogged.
Vent pipe: In addition to making sure filters are clean, Thompson said homeowners should inspect their furnace's vent pipe every few months to make sure the pipe has no holes.
"A vent pipe with holes could be leaking flue gas, and this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning," Thompson said.
If the vent pipe connects to a chimney, homeowners should also make sure the pipe is properly and securely fastened to the chimney, and both the chimney and flue are free of debris and clogs.
According to the Home Doctor Web site at homedoctor.net, most carbon monoxide deaths occur in the early fall and winter and are the result of clogged flues or chimneys.
Frequent headaches or flu-like symptoms are signs of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
A sooty build-up around register vents is another sign that dangerous carbon monoxide fumes are infiltrating into the home.
"This is always a sign that the furnace isn't operating correctly and that it should be looked at by a professional," Thompson said.
Thompson said sometimes gas or propane furnaces emit carbon monoxide fumes because of "incomplete combustion."
"Incomplete combustion simply means that the flame isn't burning strong enough," Thompson said. "If the flame is burning correctly, it should be a blue flame. If you see that the flame is yellow, this means it isn't strong enough and could be a sign of a dirty burner or a cracked or plugged heat exchanger."
Solving this problem requires adjusting the gas or propane burner. Since adjusting a burner can be dangerous, it's often better to call in a professional to fix this problem.
Annual inspection: Even if you clean your furnace filters often and your furnace is running like a charm, Thompson recommends an annual furnace inspection.
"All furnaces have safety controls that keep them from overheating," he said. "If a furnace overheats, it can cause a house fire, so it is best to have your furnace inspected at least once a year."
Storing cardboard boxes or other flammable items too close to a furnace can also be a fire hazard.
"Remember, your furnace needs plenty of air to burn properly, so keep the space around it open," he said.
Furnace inspectors should have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning license. This license is required by law, and you can find out if a company has one by contacting the Better Business Bureau.
Thompson said homeowners should expect to pay about $40 to $80 for an annual inspection.