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The Dangers of a Leaking Furnace
Posted On: January 28, 2025
A leaking furnace can pose significant risks to your home and family. Here's a detailed look at the dangers, causes, and solutions to protect your household:
1. Dangers of a Leaking Furnace
a. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A leaking furnace can release carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas. Symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Even small leaks can be harmful over time, making proper maintenance essential.
b. Fire Hazards
Furnace leaks, particularly those involving gas or combustible materials, can create fire hazards. Gas leaks can ignite if exposed to an open flame or spark, posing a serious safety threat to your home.
c. Water Damage
In high-efficiency furnaces, water leaks are common due to condensation issues. This water can damage floors, walls, and ceilings, leading to mold growth, structural deterioration, and costly repairs.
d. Increased Energy Bills
Leaks reduce the furnace's efficiency, forcing it to work harder to heat your home. This results in higher energy consumption and inflated utility bills.
2. Common Causes of Furnace Leaks
a. Cracked Heat Exchanger
A cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks and is one of the most dangerous furnace issues. Over time, heat exchangers can deteriorate due to age, overheating, or lack of maintenance.
b. Condensation Drain Issues
In high-efficiency furnaces, condensation drains may clog or crack, leading to water leaks. Improper installation or poor maintenance often exacerbates this problem.
c. Loose or Damaged Seals
Seals within the furnace may wear out over time, allowing gases or water to escape. These issues can often go unnoticed until a leak becomes evident.
d. Gas Line Problems
Faulty gas connections or leaks in the gas line can lead to dangerous situations, including fire risks and CO poisoning.
3. Signs of a Furnace Leak
- Unusual odors (e.g., sulfur, metallic smells)
- Water pooling around the furnace
- Soot or discoloration near vents or the furnace
- Increased humidity in the home
- Frequent headaches or flu-like symptoms among family members
4. Prevention and Solutions
a. Regular Maintenance
Schedule annual furnace inspections by a certified HVAC technician. Routine checks help identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
b. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Place CO detectors near bedrooms and furnace areas to alert you to dangerous gas levels. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.
c. Address Repairs Promptly
If you suspect a leak, contact a professional immediately. Delaying repairs can worsen the problem and increase risks.
d. Upgrade to a Newer Furnace
If your furnace is old or experiencing frequent issues, consider replacing it with a high-efficiency model. Modern furnaces are safer and more energy-efficient.
5. When to Call a Professional
Contact an HVAC technician immediately if you notice any signs of a leak or suspect your furnace is malfunctioning. Professionals can conduct a thorough inspection, repair damage, and ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Nov 7, 2017
I first met Greg and Grant (The Twin Brothers from Twin Tech - yup -it's not just a cool company name) back in 2014 when our furnace broke down and they installed our Carrier Furnace and AC that we purchased through Sears. I liked them instantly when I met them due to their friendly and professional service, and the fact that they didn't mind taking a little extra time to explain things in terms I could understand. Since that time they have reached out to me at least once a year to ensure that everything was running smoothly with my system and to keep me appraised of their evolving services. Due to this high level of proactive customer service I didn't hesitate to call and obtain their help for a Gas Stove removal and installation. When I scheduled the call Greg and Grant let me know that they would arrive the morning of the appliance delivery to disconnect the old gas stove, and then return in the afternoon to connect the new stove. Sure enough, they did just that as promised. Where they exceeded my expectations is with the extra level of support helping to assemble the burners and grills on the stove and in the oven. This may seem like a small thing to some but to my wife who was at home during this entire process it meant a stress free transition to the meal prep for the day. When I called home to ask about the install she commented that, "they left the place cleaner than it was when they arrived and they setup all the grills on top of the stove and in the oven... they didn't have to do all that -Wow!". You know what they say, Happy Wife, Happy Life. So in summary, I am recommending Twintech Heating & Cooling for all of your Furnace, Air Conditioning, and Gas Line needs. I've even called on these guys to help swap out a leaky water valve. They are just so easy to reach and communicate with by phone, and they don't mind a text message to confirm the details. You can rest easy when you have the Twins on your side as an extension of your household maintenance plan.
Oct 19, 2017
First thing, they actually showed up for a quote. Other big name companies in the area didn't even return my call , job was done as expected and new equipment is quiet and installed very clean and professional. Would highly recommend these guys.
Oct 17, 2017
They removed our old furnace and replaced it with a new furnace and AC system.
Sep 28, 2017
Work was performed in a clean and timely manner. The furnace and metal work was performed by the Twintech team (did not require separate contractor to do the metal work). Energy audit was arranged and promised rebates were received. The overall price was very competitive. We have recommended Twintech to several of our friends and family. Awesome job.
Sep 20, 2017
Grant and Greg installed a heating and AC system in our new Linwood post and beam home. Post and beam can be challenging structures for running ductwork and their high ceilings and open concept frequently frustrate efforts at balancing air flow and controlling temperatures. But these guys did it and did it right the first time. Even the building inspector was impressed with what he saw. More importantly, the boys brought a high degree of trust and integrity to the job. Something in short supply these days.
Sep 13, 2017
Very polite and professional. They removed my o
ld furnace and A/C and installed my new ones. They were efficient and thoroughly cleaned up when they were done! I would highly recommend them!
Sep 13, 2017
Pro from start to finish. They were able to fix my gas fireplace at very little cost as well.
Aug 8, 2017
Excellent installation very knowledgeable gentlemen! Would highly recommend them to all my friends for any hvac work !
Jul 23, 2017
I have used Twintech many times over the years. They always arrive quickly and get the issue fixed. The most recent incident was when my air conditioner broke last week I called Greg at 11:30am and he was at my home by 2:30pm he had the unit fixed by 3:30pm. Twintech are very reliable and honest and they are experts in the field. I have already recommended them to many of my friends. I would not use anyone but them for my heating and air conditioning issues.
Jul 17, 2017
I would highly recommend these guys, professional, fast and competitive pricing. I moved into this place with no working AC unit with a 8 month baby, he was able to come with in a week to fix even in the busy summer days. He really values his customers , I am already recommending to my neighbors.
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