If your home in Vernon Hills, IL has a furnace, scheduling maintenance every year is incredibly important. A professional can help ensure that it works correctly and is safe for your family. Furnaces are among some of the most common sources of carbon monoxide leaks within homes. Annual professional furnace maintenance allows technicians to catch small problems before they turn into larger, potentially life-threatening issues.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO for short, is an odorless and colorless gas. Breathing in too much of it causes carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to severe symptoms and even death in certain cases. Exposure to CO prevents your blood cells from carrying oxygen throughout your body. After an extended period of time, your vital organs will eventually start to shut down.
What Are Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are typically headaches, dizziness, and nausea. More extreme symptoms include confusion, vomiting, and chest pains. Many people describe the experience as feeling like they have the flu.
If you inhale too much CO, you could also pass out. At this point, it becomes extremely dangerous because you’re unable to remove yourself from the situation. Experts refer to CO as the silent killer, and it’s not uncommon for carbon monoxide poisoning to occur while people are asleep. This is particularly true in households without a functioning carbon monoxide detector.
Professional Furnace Maintenance Can Help Save Lives
There are two key ways to help protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. The first is to install detectors in your home near all of the bedrooms. Much like a smoke alarm, these devices beep when they detect CO in the air.
The second way is to have an expert ensure that your furnace is in proper working condition every year. During maintenance checks, a technician will check and evaluate your equipment for things like clogged filters and blocked vents. They’ll also check the heat exchanger for cracks, which could potentially allow CO to leak into your home.
Count on Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning to Keep Your Family Safe
Have you had a professional check your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks recently? If not, it may be time to do so. Our trained technicians can perform annual maintenance on your furnace to help ensure that it remains in good condition and has no CO leaks. Reach out to us to learn more about our furnace and heating services.