The Potential Dangers You Can Face with an Old Furnace
By Guest Blogger, Heather Hernandez
Having an old furnace may not seem like a big deal if it is still doing its part to heat the home. There are dangers involved, however. You may not need to replace it immediately, but you should be more careful with an older unit. There are certain furnace hazards to watch for, and you may need more HVAC maintenance than you would with a new furnace.
Potential Dangers
There is a vast array of possible dangers with an old furnace. By knowing what you are potentially dealing with, you will be able to make better decisions about your furnace.
- Faulty or malfunctioning parts
- Carbon monoxide leak
- Gas leak
- House fire
- Respiratory problems
Carbon monoxide leaks are the biggest worry for an old furnace. It can lead to poisoning, which can cause nausea, dizziness, and even death. Carbon monoxide has no odor, and you can’t see it, so it can go unnoticed until it is too late.
Fires may happen if there isn’t adequate ventilation. By ensuring proper ventilation and keeping flammable materials away from the furnace, your chances of a fire can be decreased.
Gas leaks can lead to your furnace exploding. If it doesn’t cause an explosion, it can still make you and your family sick.
Furnace Hazards to Watch For
You can watch for certain signs of a potential hazard, which could prevent something serious from happening. The things to watch for include:
Burner flame color
The flame should be blue so if it is any other color, you need immediate maintenance. Commonly, when there is an issue, the flame color will be yellow.
Burner flame flickering
If this happens, you should seek help from a professional or you may find yourself without heat.
High energy bill
If you notice an unexpected increase in your energy bill, you may need to have your furnace maintained or completely replaced. Even if you don’t mind paying the higher bill, it could still be a sign that your health and home are at risk.
Symptoms that seem like the flu
Having flu-like symptoms can be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Since you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, you have to watch for other signs of a leak. This is an extremely serious concern, so if you suspect this problem, don’t hold off on scheduling a service technician.
What You Can Do
The most important thing for you to do is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance. An HVAC professional will inspect your furnace to make sure all of the parts are working properly. They will also check to see if there is enough area around the furnace to allow for air circulation. If there are any threats, the technician will tell you.
You can also check your furnace often to see if anything seems off. By checking the color of the burner flame and also keep an eye on your electric bill, you can prevent many dangerous outcomes. If you have a concern, even if you’re not certain, it is still a good idea to have a professional take a look to ensure furnace safety.
Final Thoughts on Potential Dangers You Can Face with an Old Furnace
Although you don’t necessarily need to replace an old furnace immediately, there are many potential dangers that you should be aware of. Through proper maintenance and watching for issues, you could prolong the life of your old furnace. If you fail to maintain the unit properly or avoid having repairs done, you could be putting yourself, your family, and your home in serious danger.
