Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A clean, efficiently running gas furnace provides safe, economical heat. A gas furnace
that is not running at peak performance can be deadly. Carbon Monoxide is
a natural product of incomplete combustion. That includes wood, kerosene, gasoline,
oil, propane, or natural gas. Virtually every gas furnace produces some Carbon
Monoxide, which is usually carried away from your home through the furnace's
venting. A clean, efficiently burning gas furnace produces very small amounts
of carbon monoxide, while a dirty, inefficiently burning one can produce deadly
amounts. CO is a toxic, tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas. Even
small amounts can cause severe illness and even death. Symptoms include headaches,
dizziness, faintness, drowsiness, pain in the ears, or seeing spots. Many people
often mistake CO symptoms for the flu. If you or any of your family
members are experiencing flu-like symptoms that seem to disappear when you leave
your home, have your furnace checked immediately. If you suspect a carbon monoxide
problem, open the windows and leave the home at once.
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