Skipping Furnace Maintenance Can Create Health Hazards

Skipping annual furnace maintenance might not seem like that big of a deal for your Denver, NC, home. However, it can lead to a range of issues with your furnace that put your family’s comfort and safety at risk. Read on to learn about the health dangers of foregoing furnace maintenance and why it’s important to choose qualified professionals to handle this task for you.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Furnaces burn fuel. This process creates waste products that include carbon monoxide gas. This gas can cause serious health effects if you’re exposed to high enough levels. Those health effects range from nausea and confusion to loss of consciousness and even death. A problem with your furnace or its flue could put you and your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20,000 people visit the ER each year for carbon monoxide poisoning. What’s more, about 400 of these people die from it. Furnace maintenance performed by qualified technicians ensures that the furnace burns fuel properly and waste products are vented away from your home.

Higher Risk of Illness

Furnace maintenance includes checking and cleaning or replacing air filters. Many of these filters capture some of the bacteria and viruses in your home’s air. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray droplets that can be laden with germs. If the filter is clogged, it can’t capture those droplets. This makes you more likely to spread germs throughout your home. A clean filter is far more likely to help removes some of those airborne viruses and bacteria.

More Breathing Problems

A neglected furnace contributes to poor indoor air quality. Skipping furnace maintenance could cause you to have more allergy and asthma symptoms because of the higher concentration of particles in your home’s air. A tune-up includes cleaning the furnace, which can help improve your home’s air quality.

To learn more about the perks of HVAC maintenance, check out Lakeside Heating & Air Conditioning’s maintenance services, or call us today for additional details.