This holiday season you may be puttering about to get a fire going for the family. You will want to be sure your furnace is in good working order as the cold sets in, and that you have given your carbon monoxide detectors a once over since last winter.
Such are the concerns of the weather and we have put together this guide to address them. For Dipple Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical it is what we do; we have been putting the minds of Upstate South Carolina families at ease for their safety and comfort since 1979. Should any question arise regarding your heating system, our team is on the end of the line at (864) 319-3682.
The holidays are meant for good food and memories with those you love. Yet the very season that offers a warm fire and a running furnace can also present an elevated risk of carbon monoxide. With some knowledge one can keep the home safe enough.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
It is a gas without taste, smell or sight, yet carbon monoxide is made whenever fuel is combusted in your water heater, gas stove, fireplace or furnace. Provided the appliance is in order and vents as it should, the gas is expelled from the home. Not so when there is a problem, then it has a way of accumulating indoors.
Since you are not able to sense it, you must look to the symptoms for a warning:
- An abrupt headache
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea
- A tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing
- Inability to concentrate, confusion
- Fatigue out of proportion to what you have been up to
Any of these in your home and you should see to it that everyone is outside in the fresh air and call for assistance.
Making Sure Your Fireplace is Safe
There is nothing like a fireplace in the winter but it demands to be looked after. A chimney that is dirty or blocked will not let the noxious gases from the creosote build up escape.
So before you make the first fire, consider the following:
- Get the chimney cleaned and put through its paces
- The damper should be wide open to start a fire
- Treated wood, cardboard and the like are not to be burned
- Put any flammable decorations or stockings out of reach of the firebox
- See that the fire is fully extinguished before you retire for the night
For those with a gas unit, the combustion gases require proper venting and a pro can verify that is the case.
Holiday Furnace Safety
Problems have a way of manifesting when the furnace is under the strain of the coldest part of the year. Whether it is a clogged filter, a vent blockage or a crack in the heat exchanger, all can result in carbon monoxide and substandard combustion.
To avoid trouble:
- Be diligent in changing the air filter
- Do not store things around the furnace
- If the burner flame is yellow and not blue, or you hear or smell something odd, take note
- Have a professional come by for an inspection prior to heavy use
A technician will spot the small things before they become an issue. Our people are here 24/7, there is no need to wait for the office to open.
Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Nothing protects the family like a detector in good order. They should be on every floor and close to where you sleep. Make a habit of testing each month and new batteries at least annually. Older models may well be due for replacement.
With a properly maintained furnace and fireplace and these detectors in place, you are well defended against carbon monoxide.
Peace of Mind from Dipple
One ought to be able to have the holidays to oneself without fretting over what is going on behind the walls. We are a licensed and insured operation with an A+ from the BBB and 4.9 stars from 3,000 Google reviewers to our name. All our work comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and we are proud of it. We serve Fountain Inn, Inman, Powdersville, Mauldin, Easley and the whole of Upstate South Carolina.
Give us a ring at (864) 319-3682 if you would like an inspection or have any qualms about your heating system. We are at your service 24/7 to ensure your family is kept safe and warm.
