Harvey W. Hottel, Inc.

Since 1945

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Regular Furnace Check-Ups Essential in Preventing Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Did you know that without regular maintenance and inspection, your home's furnace could leak dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into your indoor air? Worn or poorly maintained combustion devices, including furnaces, are an alarmingly prevalent source of carbon monoxide. While all gas furnaces produce small amounts of carbon monoxide, that carbon monoxide is usually carried away from your home via furnace venting. However, a dirty, inefficient furnace can produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide, causing flu-like systems and even death.

It is essential that a trained professional inspect, clean, and repair your furnace on an annual basis and that any leaks are repaired immediately. Carbon monoxide can leak out of small cracks in your furnace's combustion chamber; these cracks can sometimes be invisible to the naked eye. There's no way of knowing that your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide, as it is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas that can not be smelled, tasted, or seen. At low levels of exposure, carbon monoxide can cause mild flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. At high levels, carbon monoxide can lead to death. For this reason, it is highly recommended that every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

The older your home's furnace, the more important it is to have it regularly serviced and checked for any necessary repairs. Newer gas furnaces are often equipped with auto shut-offs when a problem is detected; however, many older furnaces do not have such features. If you or any of your family members experience flu-like symptoms that seem to disappear when you are not at home, have your furnace checked immediately. If you ever suspect a carbon monoxide problem, open the windows and leave your home immediately.

For more expert advice on furnace and heating appliance maintenance and repair, contact Harvey W. Hottel. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Harvey W. Hottel provides superior heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and geothermal services throughout the entire Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC metropolitan area, including such areas as Columbia, Sterling, Silver Spring, and Germantown.

Repairs to gas heating systems should always be done by an expert.