Furnace Dangers

Did you know that hundreds of Americans die every year from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning?

http://en.rian.ru/infographics/20091209/157175942.html

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, but can kill a human in minutes with even small amounts if it is concentrated enough. It is actually the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the world with 500 deaths in the U.S. per year. It is dangerous because it is attracted to the hemoglobin in our bloodstream and if we inhale CO, it replaces the oxygen that our cells need in order to function properly. It accumulates in our blood and is often hard to tell if you are contaminated, but a few of the signs include headaches, symptoms liken to the flu, nausea, dizzy spells, brain damage, etc. Those who need the most oxygen such as babies, children, elderly, and those with respiratory problems are the greatest at risk.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/09939.html

Above is shown the possible areas of CO problems in your home.

CO clues you can see:

a. Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney.
b. Loose or missing furnace panel.
c. Sooting.
d. Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections.
e. Debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace or appliance.
f. Loose masonry on chimney.
g. Moisture inside of windows.

CO clues you cannot see:

h. Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components.
i. Improper burner adjustment.
j. Hidden blockage or damage in chimney.
Only a trained technician can detect and correct these hidden problems.

Carbon monoxide poisoning comes from many places around your home including the furnace. It is created when gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned from fireplaces, space heaters, wood burning stoves, gas refrigerators, and gas or oil furnaces. When you use these appliances that burn fuel properly and make sure they are clean and maintained, the amount of CO emitted is not usually considered hazardous. If otherwise, in such an enclosed place as a house with no adequate ventilation, it can be deadly. New homes usually do not come across this problem, but vents can become blocked, homes can be too "tightly constructed", furnace heat exchangers can crack, etc. According to nationalfurnance.com, you should replace or clean your furnace filter 3-4 times a year. If you have a newer furnace, they should have features that shut it off if there is a problem, but the older ones need more maintenance. 

Other mistakes during the colder months is turning on your vehicle with the garage door still shut. Whether or not it is connected to your home, it can begin to accumulate and the best way to detect it is to install a CO detector. Ways to tell if your furnace is not "feeling well" click HERE and The Senseless Killer.

Warnings

Never have a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
Never burn charcoal in houses, tents, vehicles, or garages.
Never install or service combustion appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools.
Never use a gas range, oven or dryer for heating.
Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances in a closed room or in a room in which you are sleeping.

Read More:
Carbon Monoxide Emissions
http://www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com/co-emissions.html
Effects of CO Poisoning
http://www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com/effects.html
Furnace Air Purifiers
http://www.indoor-air-health-advisor.com/furnace-air-purifiers.html