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A Step-By-Step Guide To Stopping Your Furnace's Carbon Monoxide Leaks

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A Step-By-Step Guide To Stopping Your Furnace's Carbon Monoxide Leaks

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The solutions offered by SouthCoast Heat and Air can assist in preventing carbon monoxide leaks in your furnace. Learn more by reading on!

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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that's toxic to humans and animals. If you have a gas-fueled furnace in your home, constantly having the carbon monoxide level tested is the best way to be on the safe side. However, there are many ways you can prevent carbon monoxide leaks and possible fatalities before they happen.

HOW CARBON MONOXIDE FROM YOUR FURNACE BECOMES A PROBLEM

Carbon monoxide is, in fact, one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning. If there's a crack in the heat exchanger or furnace, it can lead to problems like leaks. It could direct carbon monoxide toxins into your home if this were to occur. In high amounts, carbon monoxide can be hazardous and even lethal.

Here are eight ways of preventing carbon monoxide leaks with your current furnace equipment.

1. Get Annual Maintenance for Your Furnace

If you have a gas-fueled furnace, you need to have the system's piping and other components inspected at least once a year by an authorized service technician. A carbon monoxide leak could be caused by one of the many parts of your system. If there's a leak, have it repaired quickly before it causes damage. Our technicians will perform a full-blown check of your system during an annual maintenance visit. This will include a combustion safety test, which is used to determine any leaks in the system.

2. Proper Venting of Your Furnace

Having your furnace vented properly is another important way to prevent carbon monoxide from building up in your house. The flue pipe on your furnace should be routed above the roofline and away from other structures, fences, or trees. You should also never block the vents with insulation or drapes, or you could end up with severe problems. If your furnace vents into the attic space, you should also have a separate vent from the wood stove, fireplace, or water heater. Combustion gases need to be able to escape away from the living areas of your home.

3. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you have a gas-fueled furnace, install carbon monoxide detectors certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). An alarm will go off if the concentration of carbon monoxide reaches unsafe levels, which is usually over 30 times the safe level. Nowadays, many smoke alarms double as carbon monoxide detectors as well.

4. Keep Your Ventilating Fans Clean and Unblocked

If you have a forced-air furnace, the filter needs to be cleaned regularly so that dust does not build up and block the vents. If the filter is blocked, it will not do its job properly, so this is another area you should keep an eye on.

5. Venting Carbon Monoxide Into Your Chimney? Make Sure It's Going Up, Not Down

The problem with venting carbon monoxide into your chimney is that the gas will turn into CO2 and go back into your home. If the gas is going down, your family could be at risk. You should only vent combustion gases up through the flue pipe of your furnace and then out through the top of your chimney. Never vent carbon monoxide into your chimney unless the system is equipped with a safe-burning device.

6. Avoid Unintended Backdrafting

There are instances when a furnace can emit carbon monoxide on its own, even if there's no problem with the piping. This is known as unintended back-drafting. Backdrafting can be caused by improper venting, blocked filters, and furnace malfunction. That's why it's always best to have your technician inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.

7. Don't Use Barbecues, Charcoal Grills, or Camping Stoves Inside Your Garage, Basement, or Home

Furnaces, fireplaces, and other combustion appliances produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct. You should not use campers, charcoal grills, or barbecues inside of your garage, basement, or house. The carbon monoxide released could build up in the enclosed space and kill you.

8. If You Have a Gas-Fueled Furnace, Test the Safety Shutoff Valve

You should have a safety shutoff valve installed on your gas-fueled furnace in case of emergencies. The valve ensures that if there's an explosion in your house, the gas won't leak out. The safety valve should only be used as a last resort and never during regular maintenance.

Dealing with a carbon monoxide leak is never easy. The best thing you can do for your family is to prevent one from happening in the first place. However, if it proves difficult to prevent the leak, you can contact our professionals to repair your furnace.

Contact SouthCoast HVAC in Santa Fe, TX, today to learn more about preventing carbon monoxide leaks. We can also assist with heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance.

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8 Ways to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks in Your Furnace

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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that's toxic to humans and animals. If you have a gas-fueled furnace in your home, constantly having the carbon monoxide level tested is the best way to be on the safe side. However, there are many ways you can prevent carbon monoxide leaks and possible fatalities before they happen.

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Potential Ways to Fix Uneven Heating in Your Home | Southcoast Heat and Air

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Potential Ways to Fix Uneven Heating in Your Home | Southcoast Heat and Air

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Cold spots and uneven heat in your home is not a lot of fun. Check out a few of these potential ways from Southcoast heat and air on how to fix the issue!

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Although Texas isn't well known for cold weather, it is still vital that your heating system works properly on those days when the temperature starts to plummet. Unfortunately, when it comes time to crank up the furnace, many homeowners find that some rooms of their home just never seem to warm up properly. Uneven heating is a common problem that affects many houses, and there are a number of different factors that can contribute to it. The good news is that there are also several possible solutions that may help overcome this issue.

1. Get Duct Inspection and Sealing

Old, damaged or leaky ductwork is one of the most common causes of uneven heating. In fact, studies have shown that the average American home loses as much as 30% of the heat from its furnace due to duct leaks. These leaks not only force your furnace to work overtime to heat the home, but they can also make it nearly impossible to heat up the rooms near the end of the ductwork. This is because these leaks make it much more difficult for the blower to properly circulate the hot air throughout the entire length of the ductwork. Luckily, these problems can easily be overcome by having your ducts inspected and any leaks or damaged connections sealed up.

2. Have Your Furnace Repaired or Replaced

Uneven heating can also be directly related to your furnace. If the unit is old or not functioning properly anymore, it may not be able to produce enough hot air to adequately heat the home. Similarly, a malfunctioning furnace will often shut off before it fully completes its heat cycle, which also results in insufficient and uneven heating. As with duct leaks, these problems will be most noticeable in the rooms farthest away from the furnace. For this reason, it is also recommended that you have your furnace inspected and either repaired or replaced if needed.

3. Make Sure Your Vents are Unobstructed

If your uneven heating problems are mostly confined to a single space, it's also a good idea to make sure that your vents are unobstructed. Any furniture that is too close to the vent can obstruct the airflow and prevent the hot air from circulating throughout the room. The same issues can also be encountered if your vents and grates are dirty or clogged, which is why it's a good idea to vacuum and clean the vents periodically.

4. Check Common Sources of Heat Loss

Heat loss can be another major cause of uneven heating. This is especially true if you have old or drafty windows or insufficient insulation in your walls or attic. Replacing or resealing your windows and doors is an easy way to ensure the cold air stays out and the warm air stays in. As well, you might want to have a professional check the insulation in your attic to ensure it is sufficient as this is one of the biggest sources of heat loss.

5. Turn Your Blower Fan to On Instead of Auto

If you're like most people, you probably have the blower fan on your heating system set to "auto," which means that the fan only runs whenever the furnace is on. Unfortunately, this isn't always sufficient to fully circulate the hot air throughout your home. For this reason, you may also want to consider changing the blower to the "on" setting so that the fan runs constantly. Although this will use a bit more energy, it may help alleviate uneven heating issues by continuously circulating warm air throughout the entire home.

6. Upgrade Your HVAC System

Uneven heating may also be caused by the design of your HVAC system or even due to your furnace being too small for your home. These problems are especially common in homes that have undergone remodels or additions. Replacing your ductwork or upgrading your furnace may help in these situations. Alternatively, people in larger homes or with multiple stories may opt to install a zone-control system in order to better control the heating in each specific part of the house.

If you're experiencing uneven heating at your home in Santa Fe, the team at SouthCoast HVAC is always available to help. In addition to heating, we specialize in all types of air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repair, and we also offer solutions to help you improve your indoor air quality. To learn more, contact the professionals at SouthCoast HVAC.

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6 Potential Ways to Fix Uneven Heating in Your Home

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Although Texas isn't well known for cold weather, it is still vital that your heating system works properly on those days when the temperature starts to plummet. Unfortunately, when it comes time to crank up the furnace, many homeowners find that some rooms of their home just never seem to warm up properly.

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Here are some tips on how to assess the HVAC equipment in a new house

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Here are some tips on how to assess the HVAC equipment in a new house

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SouthCoast Heat & Air provides helpful tips on assessing your HVAC equipment. Keep reading to find out more!

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Moving into a new home can be exciting but stressful at the same time. Your heating and cooling system can be one of the major stressors, especially if you aren't confident about how well it will work. Consider the following tips for assessing your new home's heating and cooling system and whether you should plan to replace it.

CONSIDER YOUR SYSTEM'S AGE

The very first thing to consider is the age of your system. Even if the previous homeowner didn't know when it was installed, it's relatively easy to find out.

Locate the system's serial number. If you remove the access panel from the unit, there should be a tag or label with the serial number listed. If you don't see it there, turn the unit off and look at the fan and fan blades. Older units often put the serial number here so that you could find it even without the label.

Once you find the serial number, look at the first four digits. The first two indicate the week during which it was manufactured. The next two indicate the year when the unit was made.

The average furnace has an expected service life of 15 to 20 years. An air conditioner may last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. If your equipment is nearing these ages, you may want to start planning for a replacement. A new unit will certainly improve on energy efficiency.

IS IT THE RIGHT SIZE?

Next, consider the size of the system compared to the size of your home. HVAC systems are measured in British thermal units or BTUs. A professional technician can easily assess the size of your home, determine its needs, and evaluate the size of your system.

If your house had any renovations since the system was installed, it may no longer meet the needs of your home. A unit that's too small will run longer heating and cooling cycles, increasing your utility bills and shortening the service life of the system.

What is the Maintenance History?

To achieve its intended service life, your HVAC system must receive routine maintenance, ideally every fall and spring. Try to get records of when your home's system received professional maintenance.

If you didn't receive any records when you bought the property, you'll want to inspect the system. Take the access panel off, and look to see how much dirt and dust is built up on the circulating fan. While in there, see if there are a lot of cobwebs in the housing. Look to see if there is a lot of debris around your outside air conditioning unit, and check how dirty it is.

If it's apparent that your unit hasn't had proper maintenance, you may want to schedule a tune-up. The technician will get your system operating as efficiently as possible, and they'll identify any underlying issues so that they can be addressed.

Is There Any Physical Damage?

You now want to look for any physical damage to either the indoor or outdoor unit. Most likely, the outdoor unit will show signs of damage such as cracks in the housing, dents, and bent fins on the condensing coil.

On the inside unit, look for rust on the exterior of the unit and other signs of corrosion. Check the condensate drain to make sure it's not clogged. Depending on the amount of damage you find, it may be worth planning your upgrade.

Does It Have a Programmable Thermostat?

Check your thermostat to see if it's a modern model. At a minimum, it should have a program that allows you to automatically manage your temperature while you're away at work. If it doesn't, chances are it's beyond its expected service life, and this could indicate that your system is as well. Have your system inspected, and plan to change your thermostat to a newer model that will offer better options for temperature control.

Review Energy Consumption and Repair History

If you can get your hands on it, review the recent energy consumption and repair history for the equipment. Industry experts have seen that HVAC systems tend to decline in efficiency and need more repairs in the last two years.

Since 2006, SouthCoast HVAC has offered dependable heating and cooling services to residents in and around Santa Fe. In addition to heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair, and installation, our expert NATE-certified technicians provide indoor air quality solutions. If you'd like to thoroughly assess the heating and cooling system in your new home, call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our HVAC experts.

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Tips for Assessing the HVAC Equipment in Your New Home

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Moving into a new home can be exciting but stressful at the same time. Your heating and cooling system can be one of the major stressors, especially if you aren't confident about how well it will work. Consider the following tips for assessing your new home's heating and cooling system and whether you should plan to replace it.

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No matter the climate, environmental concerns, or structure of your home, air quality should be a top priority. So, why is indoor air quality so important? Read our blog to find out.

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Indoor air quality is important for everyone, not just those that deal with allergies or pets in the home. No matter the climate, environmental concerns, or structure of your home, air quality should be a top priority. So, why is indoor air quality so important? Read our blog to find out.

The Truth About Air

If there's one thing we all need a lot of, it's air. However, the one thing we need the most is often the thing we take for granted. Air isn’t visible or palpable which makes it less of a consideration for many homeowners worried about other parts of their home like the plumbing or HVAC system.

While air may be the unsung hero of well, everyone and everything, it isn’t as clean as it used to be. Over time, pollution, decay, and disease have reduced the quality of the air we breathe causing respiratory issues in people of all ages. The things we do every day like driving, flying, and recreation release pollutants into the air that pose varying degrees of risk.

Contrary to widespread belief, there is no barrier that protects your in-home air from the outside world. Pollutants from factories, highways, and cities can enter your home and wreak havoc on your health and wellness. Studies show that long-term exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, strokes, heart attacks and more. In fact, air pollution is the most significant environmental risk for early death over AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.

You may not have control over the air you breathe, but its important to understand pollution and take measures to eliminate it in your home.

Popular Pollutants

Pollution can come in many shapes and forms, from germs to chemicals released into the environment. Air pollution is the combination of a variety of factors and chemicals that cause health issues over time.

Particulate Matter

One of the most common pollutants in the air (and your home) is particulate matter. This includes dust, soot, and drops of liquid that may be floating around. Particulate matter can be visible to the naked eye and may come from power plants, cars, non-road equipment, industry, dust, and secondary particle formation from gases.

There are two types of particulate matter:

Coarse: This includes particles that are less than 10 microns in diameter that can cause upper respiratory issues. Examples include household dust, environmental dust, and larger liquid droplets.

Fine particles: These particles are less than 2.5 microns in diameter and can penetrate deeper into the lung tissue and cause strokes, asthma, bronchitis, and premature death or cancer. Some fine particles have been linked to impaired brain development in children. Examples include industrial toxins and vaporized chemicals.

Black Carbon

Black carbon (BC) is another common pollutant that comes from burning fuel like wood, coal, and natural gas. While black carbon is not as harmful as fine particles, it can cause hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various cancers.

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen oxides like NO and NO2 are produced exclusively by the transportation sector. Nitrogen oxide is a normal chemical compound that can be transformed into NO2 or nitrogen dioxide in sunlight. The combination of the two can be found around high-volume roadways and may worsen existing respiratory illnesses.

Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide, (SO2 ) is emitted into the air by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur. Coal, metal extraction, smelting, industrial engines, and diesel equipment often use fuels that contain sulfur and may emit sulfur dioxide when in use. While SO2 does not cause health issues directly, it can exacerbate existing illness. When combined with water, sulfur dioxide become sulfuric acid which makes up a phenomenon called acid rain which can erode forests and break down metals exposed to the downpour.

Ozone

Ozone which can be found in the atmosphere, can become a pollutant under certain conditions. Ozone protects us from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but at ground level it becomes what we call smog. This respiratory irritant can sometimes be a visible haze that consists of fossil fuel, nitrogen oxides, and other volatile compounds that cause chest pain, throat irritation, and decreased lung function.

Mold

Mold can often affect air quality and cause respiratory distress. For those who live in a humid or damp environment, mold in the home is a concern.

Biological Pollutants

In addition to industries, biological pollutants contribute to poor air quality and disease. Viruses travel through the air and infect others. Many respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses including the Coronavirus or COVID-19.

Preventing Pollution in Your Home

While it may seem scary to think about the pollutants in your home, it is important to understand that even though you cannot control the level of pollution outside, you can take control of the air quality in your home.

At SouthCoast Heating & Air, we use top of the line products to help our customers keep their home pollution free and safe for the whole family. The ActivePure Air Scrubbers we use have been proven to reduce SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) by more than 99.9% on surfaces and in the air.

We also provide:

24/7 surface decontamination and air purification

Allergen and contaminant reduction that installs directly into existing ductwork

Efficient heating and cooling systems that prevent buildup and improve circulation

Don’t wait! Take control of your indoor air quality today and contact SouthCoast Heating & Air for more information.

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No matter the climate, environmental concerns, or structure of your home, air quality should be a top priority. So, why is indoor air quality so important? Read our blog to find out.