Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a “silent killer” since inhaling it can lead to a myriad of health issues, including death. For homeowners in Plano, TX, who use a gas-powered furnace to heat their home during winter months, knowing the warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak is vital. There are several warning signs that can indicate that your home has a carbon monoxide leak from the furnace.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Some of the earliest signs of exposure to carbon monoxide coincide with symptoms of the flu. If you or other members of your household begin experiencing dizziness, nausea, weakness and other symptoms, you may need to consider the possibility that you have a carbon monoxide leak.
Allergy-Like Symptoms
A “milder” side effect of carbon monoxide poisoning is a burning sensation in your nostrils and itchy, watery eyes. In many cases, people brush these symptoms off as allergies, but they can mean something far more serious. If the heat exchanger inside your furnace cracks and carbon monoxide begins to leak, these seemingly mild symptoms can often be a sign of something more serious.
Mental Side Effects
Another more troubling side effect of carbon monoxide poisoning is confusion and disorientation. Depending on the length of the exposure to carbon monoxide, the confusion and disorientation can become so severe that they lead to long-term issues.
What Should You Do?
If you or your family begin to experience any of these issues, you should get out of your home as soon as possible. Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, there is a chance that the exposure has gone on longer than you realize. Once you have vacated the home, call a professional HVAC service technician to inspect your furnace and possibly install a new system.
Our team of professional service techs wants to ensure that your home is both safe and comfortable for you and your loved ones. Call Samm’s Heating and Cooling today to find out about our repair, maintenance and installation services.
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