Any appliance that burns fuel – whether it’s natural gas, oil, propane, coal, kerosene, or wood – discharges exhaust gases. And your heating system, while it does ward off winter’s chill, is no exception. Heating systems create indoor air pollution, so proper ventilation and maintenance have to be observed.
Choosing the right system:
Not all heating systems are created equal. If you are building a new home, consider a high-efficiency furnace with sealed combustion chambers, which minimizes your exposure to exhaust gases. The combustion system you choose should be certified to meet the latest safety standards. Also make sure that the furnace is the right size for your home; a unit that is too large is inefficient.
The best fuel would be electricity – which burns with no harmful exhausts, and natural gas – which is relatively clean-burning. While oil, coal, and wood are generally cheaper, they are on the other hand not as clean.
Keeping your heating system clean:
For all heating systems except electric ones, install a carbon monoxide detector where it can be heard to protect you and your family from leaks of this colorless, odorless gas produced by combustion. At low levels, the gas causes headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. At high levels, it can be fatal, especially to children and the elderly.
In summer or early fall, make sure your heating contractor inspects your furnace before you turn on the heat – especially if your furnace is more than 10 years old. The contractor will see that the furnace is venting exhaust gases properly and has an adequate intake of air, check the flues for leakage or blockage, and inspect the vents to ensure they haven’t loosened.
During the winter, clean or replace your furnace’s air filter once a month.
Checking on dirty ducts:
Hot-air ducts can circulate pollen, dust, and other contaminants. Some experts recommend having your ducts vacuumed once a year, but others question the practice. If allergens are a problem in your family, replace the furnace’s air filter with a high-efficiency model. Ducts that go through your attic can circulate insulation particles if they leak, so make sure your heating contractor checks those each year.
Taking special attention on gas:
If you have gas heat and notice an odor, don’t touch any electrical switches, don’t use the phone, and don’t smoke or light any matches. Get everyone out of the house immediately, and call the gas company, or dial 911, from a neighbor’s house or a pay phone.
Remember that all gas appliances must bear a special plate from your local gas authority which guarantees certain safety and service standards. If any of your gas appliances do not have this plate, call your distributor right away. Your gas will be disconnected until your supplier is sure the appliance is safe. Ask your gas company to check out any used appliances you buy.
Lastly, avoid using unvented propane or kerosene heaters indoors; they can release deadly levels of carbon monoxide.
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