4 Dangers of A Poorly Maintained Gas Furnace
For many of us, the holiday season is an excuse to get creative with decorating. From colored ornaments to popcorn strings, it’s a time to put in a little extra effort to spread a little extra cheer. This is why thoughts of your furnace may get lost in the hubbub of holiday lights.
Though it may not be the cornerstone of your aesthetic, it is imperative that you schedule a yearly maintenance check-up for your furnace. Take a look at our list of four consequences that could severely impact your health, and wallet if your furnace is left unattended.
4 Reasons to Schedule Furnace Maintenance Today
1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Though we all know that our furnace is a major reason we are able to stay warm during the winter months, many of us are unaware of how the components within it work. There is a mechanism within each furnace called the heat exchanger. During combustion, poisonous gases like carbon monoxide are created and this device is responsible for venting them away from your home.
However, because the temperature is constantly changing the heat exchanger is always expanding and contracting, which eventually lead to cracks. When this happens, your furnace is unable to properly expel toxic gases and will instead release them into your home.
Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous as it is colorless and odorless, so you don’t know your heat exchanger has cracked until you’re experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. To avoid this considerable health hazard, schedule a maintenance check-up to check for carbon monoxide leaks.
2. Debris in the Air
Your heat exchanger is not the only apparatus at risk of failing over time. Filters within your furnace that catch allergens and other particles in the air need regular maintenance as well. When these filters become clogged, this debris will be released into your home. These irritants are damaging to your health, and are particularly harmful to those with asthma or other breathing problems.
Though it may be tempting to save some money and skip the inspection, yearly furnace maintenance is crucial in ensuring you and your family are in good health.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
The holidays are a perfect time to bring families together and celebrate the season, but if your home has uneven temperatures it can be difficult for everyone to enjoy the visit. Why is one room boiling and another frigid? It could be because your furnace’s blower motor is not circulating air properly due to a thick coat of accumulated filth. Or it might have to do with holes in your air ducts.
There are many different reasons why your air circulation may be inconsistent, but a trained specialist can identify the issue easily and fix it upon scheduling an inspection.
4. Shutting Down
Most furnaces are meant to last around 15-20 years with proper care and attention. If not adequately maintained each year, your system will most likely fail significantly earlier than it should.
If dirt and debris are allowed to clog essential components of your furnace over time, it will cause significant damage to the furnace’s overall function. Additionally, moisture and condensation can build up and cause your system to rust. Not only could your furnace crash and leave you without heat, but it could also result in a hefty and unnecessary replacement bill. Experienced professionals can spot and address premature issues before they lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
At a time when we can get distracted by incoming guests and family dinners, it is easy to let important HVAC maintenance slip your mind. Don’t leave your furnace out in the cold! Call Alco Air tune-up your gas furnace! (903) 309-1333.