Furnace Dangers

Furnaces use flammable fuel to produce heat, so they can be dangerous. It’s important to keep flammable items like chemicals, gasoline, cleaning products and even laundry well away from furnaces.

It’s also important to leave any repairs or tinkering with the furnace to professionals who have the proper equipment, training and experience. Otherwise, amateur tinkering can create gas leaks and fire hazards.

1. Debris Buildup

The gas line that delivers fuel to your furnace can get clogged with soot and other materials. This is a fire hazard and must be cleaned by a professional. Likewise, a sewer odor coming from your furnace or ductwork is another sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.

You can usually spot dirt and dust accumulating on your furnace by looking at your filter or noticing a foul smell. Dirt buildup impacts air flow and can cause your heat exchanger, blower fan, and other components to overheat and break down.

Your furnace has a flue that ventilates combustion byproducts, including toxic gases like carbon monoxide. But if your flue gets blocked, it forces those byproducts back into your home. Blocked flues are caused by bird and rodent nests, leaves and debris, and damage from storms. Corrosion and accidental damage from improper repairs during tune-ups can also block your flue. When this occurs, you should evacuate your home and call for a repair immediately.

2. Gas Leaks

If you detect the odour of sulfur or rotten eggs in your house, this is a sign that your furnace has a gas leak. Pure natural gas does not have an odour, but producers add the odourless chemical mercaptan to it for safety reasons. If you smell this odour, turn off your gas supply immediately and leave the house. The odour is caused by the unburnt gases in the leak.

If the odour is accompanied by a hissing sound, you may have a severe leak. This is because the leaking gases are being pushed through a cracked heat exchanger or a crack in the gas line.

A leaking furnace can also release carbon monoxide, which is lethal when inhaled. This is because it limits the uptake of oxygen in your blood, causing nausea and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even cause a coma or death. To avoid this, make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector.

3. Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide is created as a byproduct of gas furnace operation and is supposed to be expelled safely outside. However, when there is a breach in the exhaust venting system or the heat exchanger cracks, poisonous carbon monoxide can leak into your home.

The odorless, tasteless and colorless gas is very dangerous. If someone inhales large quantities of CO, it can block oxygen from entering the bloodstream, leading to unconsciousness and eventual death. Symptoms of exposure include headache, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Having your gas furnace checked by a professional every year can prevent this deadly problem. Make sure there is plenty of clearance around the furnace and don’t store any flammable materials near it (such as cardboard boxes, paper, cloth or shelving). Make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are in place throughout your home, with one located by each furnace. A professional can also check for minuscule cracks that could let carbon monoxide escape.

4. Electrical Issues

If you’re concerned about safety issues, it might be time for a professional furnace inspection. Our heating repair technicians are experienced and trained to quickly diagnose and fix electrical problems.

Furnaces need a lot of electricity to operate, but that doesn’t mean they can’t experience electrical problems. Loose wires, overheated components, and broken parts can all lead to fire hazards. If you have a gas furnace, carbon monoxide leaks can also occur.

A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to escape into your home. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it’s a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas.

If you notice a yellow flame or flickering, you should call us right away. It may be an indication that there’s a carbon monoxide leak or an electrical problem. It could also be a sign that your furnace needs to be replaced. It’s important to keep the area around your furnace clean to prevent fires from starting. Avoid storing clutter in the area, especially paper and cleaning products.