Government experts recommend the inspection of central heating systems across households by fall this season. In the interest of general safety, the public is encouraged to cooperate with the aforementioned advisory.
The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) urges households to comply with an annual inspection of their central heating systems through the services of a qualified heating contractor. All critical heating components like the boiler/furnace, thermostat control system, safety valves and automatic switches, along with the other electric/mechanical components are to be inspected for proper maintenance. Regular reviews of the entire heating system would be crucial in preventing life-threatening fires and explosions due to potential fuel leaks or overheating concerns.
Contractors don’t normally check the ventilation system when they perform routine inspections so households are encouraged to request for it accordingly. Flue and chimney inspection would go a long way in ensuring that there would be no problems. Doing so would give importance to the proper maintenance and care of the entire central heating system.
Leakage of potentially harmful gases into the home due to air passageways clogged by debris raises a valid safety concern. The system should be cleared of any loosened mortar, dirt, or nests. One thing to watch out for is to make sure that the ventilation system allows for the safe release of carbon monoxide outside the home. Seals and fittings on the chimney and flue should be properly checked for any perforations or holes. Rusted or corroded passages could very well result in the entry of harmful gases inside the house.
Know for its infamous reputation as a “silent killer”, carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that can float undetected in harmful quantities inside the home. Hence, there is every reason to avoid having the fumes from going into the house. Compounding the danger is the fact that households might not even be aware that the gas is present.
This explains why there is very good reason in guarding against carbon monoxide fumes from entering the home. Of particular importance is identifying the signs of the possible entry of carbon monoxide fumes into the home through faulty heating and/or ventilation systems. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can actually mimic flu-like illnesses.
Prolonged exposure to the gas can result in nausea, fatigue, painful headaches, or even difficulty in breathing. Based on CPSC data, as many as 60 fatalities have been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty central heating equipment. Inspections of the chimney should be made a top priority, especially when the heating system has undergone a conversion from solid fuel to gas.
In addition, the CPSC also recommends that chimney inspections and/or reviews be performed on a yearly basis as part of the maintenance process. This is even more important when homes decide to change the current heating system to a gas fueled one.
Learn more about the truth and the Hazard of carbon monoxide fumes in your environment.