Most homeowners are unaware of furnace pollution or how it impacts the comfort and health of their houses. A broken furnace immediately introduces extra carbon dioxide and other dangerous pollutants into the house, much like an old automobile engine. Let’s look at how a broken furnace can harm the air quality inside your house and possibly contribute to pollution outside.
Emissions Of Carbon Dioxide
Your furnace probably uses natural gas if you have a gas stove. Carbon monoxide is produced when a furnace transforms fuel into heat, whether it runs on heating oil, propane, or natural gas. It can exhaust the carbon monoxide outdoors when your furnace is operating correctly.
However, a broken furnace can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning since it cannot adequately vent carbon monoxide emissions outside the home. Because you can’t see or smell it, this potentially lethal menace is sometimes called a “silent killer.”
If carbon monoxide is not soon identified, it can be lethal. This hazardous gas can result in significant sleepiness, brain damage, respiratory problems, and loss of consciousness when breathed in high doses. According to studies, even mild concentrations of carbon monoxide might aggravate cardiovascular problems, especially in those with heart disease.
A carbon monoxide detector is essential in your house, mainly if you use a heater that runs on natural gas or propane. The likelihood that your furnace may break down and release carbon dioxide will be lower if you get it professionally tested and maintained. Since CO doesn’t rise like smoke, most experts advise putting a CO detector at or above knee height.
Dust And Allergens
Your HVAC system’s ductwork can get clogged with dirt, dust, and other impurities. Poor furnaces have trouble purifying the air effectively. As a result, the air in your house will get contaminated as all the stored particles wind up blowing out the vents.
Additionally, a broken furnace restricts airflow, which forces it to work harder to draw particles through or around the filter. This may limit the lifespan of your furnace and result in extra wear and tear.
To reduce the accumulation of dust, mites, and other particles in the air, it is essential to change the filters routinely. However, filters are not entirely effective, and some pollutants, such as:
- Cigarette smoke
- Pet allergen
- Viruses and bacteria
- Dirt and dust mites
Low Levels Of Humidity
The air in your house can start to seem dryer than usual. Your furnace’s capacity to control moisture or humidity levels may decline as it gets older. Conditions of dry air can result in:
- Wooden furniture cracks
- Dead plants
- Static accumulation
- A worsening of respiratory diseases, allergies, and skin issues
How To Lower Pollution Resulting From A Defective Furnace
Thankfully, there are several actions you may do to lessen the pollution brought on by a broken furnace. Implementing measures to increase your home’s ventilation may be one of the finest decisions you can make.
It’s not recommended to leave the windows open all the time to ventilate your home, especially in the winter. Venting smells and moisture outdoors will ensure that the dryer vents, stove hoods, and bathroom ventilation fans operate correctly.
Vent filters, also known as inline purifiers or air filters, are an excellent solution for lowering furnace pollution. Before allergies and other contaminants enter your HVAC system, these purifiers linked to the air ducts can assist in eliminating them. UV technology is used in some vent filters and cleaners and is quite effective at destroying germs and allergies.
Concerning filters, you want to think about switching to a high-efficiency furnace filter, particularly if you have an old furnace towards the end of its useful life. Quality filters are significantly better at removing interior pollutants from a malfunctioning furnace.
Restoring Indoor Air Quality By Repairing A Broken Furnace
90% of American time is spent indoors, according to significant research, and this percentage has risen throughout the epidemic. It only makes sense that you feel secure and at home, given that we spend more time indoors than ever. Ensure that you are breathing clean indoor air first.
One of the numerous problems a damaged furnace brings is pollution from the furnace. Make sure to contact a reliable and knowledgeable provider, for assistance if you need furnace repair services or feel that your furnace or HVAC system isn’t functioning correctly.
Conclusion
If your furnace is 18 years or older and frequently needs maintenance, it might be time to get a new one. The best option in some instances is to replace an outdated or damaged furnace. Compared to earlier models, modern furnaces are made to function more effectively. Additionally, they generate fewer pollutants and are generally safer to use.