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Furnace systems remain one of the most dependable sources of heating in Maryland and across the country. This is especially true for natural gas systems, as they are cost-effective to run. However, one downside of owning one is the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
The combustion process produces various gases, which may include the dangerous carbon monoxide under certain conditions. Because of this, many people may wonder, “Can a furnace leak carbon monoxide when turned off?”
S&L Air Conditioning and Heating, the top choice for HVAC repair services in Bowe, MD, will discuss the details in this blog post.
Factors That Cause the Release of Carbon Monoxide in Gas Furnaces
Furnaces burn natural gas to generate the warmth you enjoy around your home. Various parts of the furnace system combine to trigger the combustion process and ensure proper gas burning. Otherwise, your furnace might produce carbon monoxide.
Some of the factors that can lead to the release of carbon monoxide as your furnace runs include the following.
Partial Combustion
If there’s an issue with the combustion process, the furnace will not burn gas well enough. The incomplete burning of the fuel will produce carbon monoxide. Some factors that may cause partial combustion include inadequate oxygen supply, poor fuel-air mixture, and a damaged burner.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
Ordinarily, the gases from the combustion process (including carbon monoxide) should never make their way into your air duct. However, a crack in the heat exchanger will allow it to.
The heat exchanger is the main hub of the combustion process. That said, it’s a metal component that may crack or corrode with age. In that situation, any gas in the heat exchanger can enter your indoor space.
Blocked Furnace Vent and Flues
The gases generated in the combustion process have to go somewhere, right? True. That’s why furnace systems have vents that go outside.
The gases leave your home through the furnace vent. Any blockage in the vent can force the gases back into the furnace system, increasing the risk of onward transfer to your indoor space. It’s not uncommon for rodents or birds to inadvertently block the furnace vent.
When the Furnace Is Not Working
Thus far, we’ve seen how carbon monoxide can enter your indoor space when the furnace is running. But can a furnace leak carbon monoxide when turned off? In a word, yes, this can happen due to the following.
Second-Hand Carbon Monoxide
Your heating system is not the only appliance that runs on gas in your home. Gas stoves and water heater systems can also burn natural gas and produce carbon monoxide.
The furnace can help spread the carbon monoxide through the vents if there’s an issue with your home’s ventilation system, such as leaky ductwork.
Residual Combustion Gases
After you’ve turned off your furnace system, some residual gases might remain in the heat exchanger. If the system produced carbon monoxide while running, some of it could flow into your indoor space. This is especially true if you have a cracked heat exchanger.
How To Detect Carbon Monoxide in Your Indoor Air
The surest way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide poisoning in your indoor air is by installing a carbon monoxide detector. You should hear an alarm if carbon monoxide enters the space.
However, the system can fail to pick up the leak. You may also be in a room inhaling carbon monoxide unknowingly because the gas isn’t reaching the area with the carbon monoxide detector. In that scenario, you’ll need to know how to detect the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Some of the most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. As you continue to inhale the gas, the symptoms will degenerate further into disorientation, vomiting, and loss of coordination.
Head outside for fresh air immediately after you experience these symptoms to avoid a blackout and possible death.
Get Professional Help With Your Furnace Trouble Today
Can a furnace leak carbon monoxide when turned off? Yes. It shouldn’t be the case, but the complexity of HVAC systems means it’s possible. If you suspect carbon monoxide troubles in your home, contact our qualified technicians for guidance.
We’ll check your furnace and the rest of your HVAC system to uncover why you may have a carbon monoxide leak. We are also the team to depend on when you need help sizing your furnace during a replacement.
Call S&L Air Conditioning and Heating in Bowie, MD, today at (301) 709-3986 to book your appointment.