A properly functioning furnace will not only keep yourself and your family warm and cozy throughout Edmonton’s cold winter months but will also ensure that your family is kept safe. Like any fuel-burning appliance, a furnace can cause serious problems within the home if not well-maintained. One of the main concerns is carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel is burned and is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as it is both colorless and odorless. This makes it very difficult to detect until the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are evident. Common symptoms include headaches, vomiting, stomach complaints, and chest pain.

In concentrated amounts, it can lead to unconsciousness and even death in severe cases. Young children, the elderly, and the infirm are at a greater risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning than healthy adults, but it is a health risk that should concern everyone.

Because carbon monoxide poisoning is so dangerous, it is absolutely vital that any appliance in your home that can potentially release this harmful and sometimes deadly gas is serviced annually. Your furnace is one such appliance and it should be one of your top priorities to ensure that it is inspected and maintained by a qualified professional heating company on a regular basis.

Over time, cracks can appear in the combustion chamber of your furnace and it is through these cracks that carbon monoxide can leak into your home. By hiring a reputable and accredited Edmonton furnace service such as Capital Plumbing and Heating Ltd., any cracks or damage can be identified and repaired before toxic gases can build up in your home.

As well as having annual inspections carried out, it is highly recommended that homeowners have carbon monoxide detectors installed. A furnace that leaks is a huge threat to the safety of your family, so ensure that you routinely test your detectors and change the batteries on a regular basis.

Carbon monoxide detectors can be found in any decent hardware or DIY store, but feel free to contact your local heating specialist for more advice on how to choose the best device. Most heating engineers and furnace repair specialists would suggest changing the entire device at least once every five years.