Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that kills you within minutes if exposed to high levels. It is essential to tell if carbon monoxide is leaking from your furnace so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.
A furnace’s blower can draw carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning system and spread it throughout your house.
Read more: When Should I Replace My Furnace? How Often Should It Be Replaced?
We will discuss how to tell if carbon monoxide is leaking from your furnace and what you can do about it.
Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Leak From Your Furnace
1) Yellow Or Orange Flames
The furnace is designed for blue flames, and if there is a yellow or orange flame, it could indicate that the furnace is not burning fuel efficiently and carbon monoxide is being leaked. This happens because carbon monoxide is heat resistant, and when the furnace is not burning fuel efficiently, it releases carbon monoxide.
2) Soot Or Stain Around the Furnace
The appearance of soot or stained areas around your furnace can indicate that an excessive amount of carbon monoxide is being released. The presence of carbon monoxide in your home can cause discoloration on walls and ceilings. If you notice any signs of staining or soot near your furnace, it is essential to get it inspected immediately.
3) Excessive Moisture Around the Furnace
Carbon monoxide can be produced in humid environments, such as a basement or a garage. If there is excessive moisture present near your furnace, this could indicate that it is leaking carbon monoxide. To check for excess moisture, examine the area around your furnace several times a month and look for any signs of condensation or water droplets. If you notice any moisture in the air or on the walls, it’s essential to contact a professional right away.
4) Frost on the Furnace Exhaust Pipe
Frosting happens when the furnace exhaust pipe is exposed to cold air. This can be a sign of carbon monoxide leakage because the gas is colder than normal air, which causes condensation to form on the exhaust pipe. It’s essential to check your exhaust pipe regularly and ensure it doesn’t have any frost or ice forming.
5) Unusual Smells
Another sign of carbon monoxide leaking from your furnace is a strange, sweet smell. This odor may be difficult to detect and could easily be missed if you are unfamiliar with the smells of a gas leak. Some unusual smells include rotten eggs, musty odor, and even natural gas. If you notice these smells coming from your furnace or its vents, it is essential to contact a professional right away.
6) Dead Plants Near the Furnace
Carbon monoxide can be deadly to living creatures, and if your furnace is leaking CO, you may notice that the plants near it look wilted or dead. This could indicate that your furnace needs to be inspected for a CO leak.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and a colorless gas that can be poisonous to humans if it builds up in a contained area. For expert furnace services in Elmhurst, contact Unique Indoor Comfort. We are a full-service heating and cooling company. We provide installation, repair, and maintenance services for all heating systems in Hinsdale.
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