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Four Health Risks of an Old Furnace

Woman adjusting the thermostat in a Hicksville, NY, home.

Your family’s health and wellness should be at the top of your priority list. When a home service provider is working on your furnace, it’s their top priority as well. They want you to be safe and comfortable long after they leave, so they perform the best service possible. Unfortunately, no service provider can see the future and guarantee that your furnace will work perfectly forever. An old or broken furnace may have potentially dangerous risks, so it’s important that you keep an eye on it between services. Here are four ways that an old furnace can put your health at risk:

Stress

You probably have enough stress in your life – your home should be a place where you can unwind. This can be hard to do when your bills skyrocket due to excessive repair costs and higher electricity bills. If you notice a spike in your electricity bill, your furnace may be the cause. An outdated or inefficient furnace needs more electricity to work, and this can create a huge dent in your wallet! To save money down the line, it’s best to call a specialist at the first sign of a problem.

Respiratory Problems

Did you know that an old or broken furnace can be linked to breathing problems among your household? An old furnace that isn’t working properly can cause dust, mold, and other pathogens to flow into your home. This can worsen asthma and cause other chest related illnesses to pop up. The air quality in your home is extremely important, so speak up if you notice an increase in these symptoms.

Fire Hazard

The first time you turn your furnace on for the season, it’s normal to be able to smell a faint hint of gas or oil. This is simply your furnace warming up for the first time in a while. If after several consecutive uses you can still smell it, you should call a professional immediately. This means that something isn’t working right in your furnace and that gas or oil may be leaking. Leaks can be a major fire hazard, so it’s best to figure out the problem right away.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

It’s important that you keep a watchful eye on the pilot light in your furnace. The light always needs to be blue. A blue flame is a visual confirmation that the gases working inside of your furnace are perfectly balanced, and that your home is safe. If the flame of your pilot light ever turns yellow, the balance has shifted, and dangerous carbon monoxide is leaking into your home. Exposure can lead to serious injury or death. Any change in color should be treated as an emergency.

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