Now that fall is here, you should focus on making sure your heating appliances are ready for the cold winter months. Not only do you want to make sure your heating system is working properly, but you also want to make sure it is safe to operate. A malfunctioning heating system can pose a significant threat to you and your family. Here is some information about safety checks and why they’re important.
Why Are Safety Checks Important?
Many homeowners don’t realize that heating systems are one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Many fires from home heating equipment occur during December, January, and February, the coldest months of the year. In many cases, these fires could have been prevented had the homeowners been more diligent when it comes to having safety checks conducted on their HVAC equipment.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Another threat that heating systems pose to families is carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning kills about 400 people in the United States and forces another 20,000 people to go to the hospital. Part of what makes carbon monoxide poisoning so hazardous is the fact that this gas is both odorless and colorless. Unless you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, there is no way a family can know that there is a carbon monoxide leak in the home.
How Is Carbon Monoxide Produced?
Carbon monoxide is produced as a byproduct of burning fuel in a home. The sources of carbon monoxide include gas furnaces, oil furnaces, gas boilers, oil boilers, wood fireplaces, and wood pellet stoves. Even a tiny leak in your furnace or boiler can expose you and your family to a lethal amount of carbon monoxide.
Fortunately, as long as your heating appliance is not compromised in some way, you and your family will be safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Some of the most common defects that cause carbon monoxide leaks include leaking seams, incomplete combustion process, cracks in the combustion chamber, and cracks in the exhaust piping. During a safety check, the HVAC contractor will check your heating system for these defects.
What Are the Other Advantages of Safety Checks?
Besides preserving the well-being of your family, some of the other advantages of safety checks include the minimization of costly breakdowns and the increase in energy savings. A safety check will ensure your heating system is working as efficiently as possible. Also, during a safety check, the HVAC contractor will be able to catch small issues before they become large and costly ones.
Importance of Safety Checks in Charlotte, NC
Safety checks are essential if you want to make sure your family is warm and safe this winter. For more information about the importance of safety checks, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We have been serving the greater area of Charlotte, NC for over 50 years!