Beatrice Lang
Electric furnaces are a popular choice for heating homes, but there are concerns about whether they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and is produced by furnaces that burn fuel. Electric furnaces do not burn fuel and therefore do not produce carbon monoxide. However, there are still risks associated with electric furnaces, and it is important to understand how they work and the potential dangers they pose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric furnaces producing carbon monoxide | No, electric furnaces do not produce carbon monoxide |
| Gas furnaces producing carbon monoxide | Yes, gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide |
| Cause of carbon monoxide poisoning | Cracks in the heat exchanger of a furnace |
| Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning | Get the furnace professionally serviced once a year; install carbon monoxide detectors |
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What You'll Learn
Electric furnaces don't produce carbon monoxide
Any furnace that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct. This includes furnaces that use natural gas, propane, or oil to generate heat. The combustion of these fuels produces extremely hot fumes that consist mainly of carbon dioxide and water vapour. However, if the combustion is incomplete, carbon monoxide can be formed.
In contrast, electric furnaces heat the air through electric resistance. When electricity passes through a metal wire, it encounters resistance, causing the wire to heat up. Electric furnaces contain multiple electric resistance heating coils that become extremely hot and raise the temperature of the air drawn in by the blower.
While electric furnaces themselves don't produce carbon monoxide, it's important to note that generating the electricity they require can produce carbon emissions unless it comes from renewable sources. Additionally, if an electric furnace malfunctions, it can still be a source of carbon monoxide. For example, if there are cracks in the heat exchanger due to rust, carbon monoxide can potentially leak into the air circulating through your home.
To ensure safety, it's recommended to have your furnace professionally serviced annually and to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially if you use any fuel-burning appliances.
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Gas furnaces can produce carbon monoxide
However, if a gas furnace is not properly maintained, it can start to burn inefficiently, emitting larger amounts of carbon monoxide. Modern airtight homes can contribute to this issue, as they restrict outdoor airflow, which inhibits carbon monoxide from dissipating. This is particularly problematic if a gas furnace is improperly installed or experiencing technical issues.
One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide leaks in gas furnaces is a cracked heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a metal component that expands and contracts as the furnace turns on and off. Over time, the heat exchanger can rust, become brittle, and develop cracks, allowing carbon monoxide to leak into the environment. Low or negative indoor air pressure can also cause a backdraft of the gas furnace exhaust, sucking combustion fumes containing carbon monoxide back into the home.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is recommended to have your furnace professionally serviced by an HVAC technician annually. They will inspect the furnace's gas pressure and adjust it if necessary to avoid rust and other moisture-related issues. Additionally, installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home is crucial, as they can alert you to the presence of this odourless gas. These detectors should be placed according to EPA guidelines and regularly tested to ensure they are functioning properly.
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Heat exchangers and carbon monoxide
A furnace is a combustion appliance that burns fuel to create heat energy. The combustion process produces gases and pollutants, including carbon monoxide, that are harmful to human health. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause lethal poisoning, even in low concentrations. It can result in long-term health damage, including memory impairments and motor disorders, and can be fatal at higher concentrations.
The heat exchanger in a furnace plays a critical role in separating the air that circulates through your home from the combustion process. While the heat exchanger allows heat to transfer, it ensures that the air in your home never comes into direct contact with the furnace's burners. However, over time, the constant heating and cooling of the heat exchanger cause the metal to expand and contract, leading to metal fatigue and brittleness. This makes the heat exchanger susceptible to cracks, especially in older furnaces (around 15 years and above).
When cracks form in the heat exchanger, there is a potential risk of carbon monoxide leakage. These cracks provide a pathway for harmful combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to mix with the air circulating throughout your home. While some sources suggest that cracked heat exchangers may not immediately lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels, they still emphasize the need for repair or replacement. It is recommended to have a qualified technician inspect and service the furnace to ensure safe equipment.
To ensure safety, it is crucial to prioritize equipment maintenance and professional servicing over solely relying on carbon monoxide detectors. While detectors serve as a crucial last line of defense, they should not be the primary means of protection. Regular maintenance and servicing of your furnace, including the heat exchanger, can help identify potential issues and mitigate the risk of carbon monoxide leakage. This proactive approach ensures that your heating system operates safely and effectively, protecting your health and well-being.
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Carbon monoxide detectors
Electric furnaces do not produce carbon monoxide. However, if you have a gas or oil furnace, or any other heater that uses combustion, your HVAC system will regularly generate carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a clear, odourless, and toxic gas that is responsible for an estimated 500 unintentional deaths in the US each year.
To keep your home safe, you should install carbon monoxide detectors. These should be placed near bedrooms so that they wake you up in case of a leak. It is recommended to have at least one detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. You should also install a carbon monoxide detector just inside the door that leads out to an attached garage, as well as in the room directly above the garage, as carbon monoxide can build up in these areas.
It is important to note that some carbon monoxide detectors only go off when there is already a dangerous level of carbon monoxide, so it is recommended to get a detector that goes off at low levels of CO. Additionally, if your detector starts going off while your furnace is running, it is usually a sign that you need to get your furnace or ventilation system repaired.
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Maintenance of gas furnaces
Electric furnaces do not produce carbon monoxide. However, if you have a gas furnace, it is important to maintain and service it regularly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some detailed maintenance tips for gas furnaces:
Clean and replace the filter system
The filter system is crucial in a gas furnace as it prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering and clogging the furnace, which can cause it to malfunction. Check the filter regularly, and if it is clogged, replace it with a new, affordable one. It is recommended to change the air filter every 90 days or every month, depending on usage and the level of dirt.
Clean the vents
Gas furnaces have a venting system that can become blocked by dust and debris. This blockage is hazardous, so use a large brush and a vacuum cleaner to clean the vents regularly.
Check for gas leaks
Before cleaning or performing any maintenance on your gas furnace, ensure the power and any connected circuits are turned off. Check for gas leaks, as they can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
Clean the burners and flame sensor
Remove the burners and wipe them down with a cloth or vacuum them. The flame sensor should also be cleaned at the same time by wiping it with a cloth to remove any dirt.
Check for signs of leaking
Listen for any hissing sounds or smell for propane near the shut-off valve, as these could indicate a leak.
Get a professional inspection and tune-up
It is recommended to get a professional HVAC technician to service your gas furnace at least once a year. They will check the manifold pressure, gas pressure, and for any blockages or restrictions in the openings and vents. A professional tune-up can save you money on utility bills, extend the lifespan of your furnace, and improve indoor air quality.
Remember, proper maintenance of your gas furnace is essential to ensure its safety, efficiency, and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
No, electric furnaces do not produce carbon monoxide. They use electricity to heat the air and do not burn fuel.
Gas furnaces do produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of burning fuel. However, when functioning properly, the carbon monoxide does not enter the circulating air.
It is important to get your gas furnace serviced regularly by an HVAC technician. They will ensure that the heat exchanger is not cracked and that the furnace is venting fumes outside properly.
If you smell something like burning plastic while your furnace is running, it could be a sign of a rusty heat exchanger.
It is recommended to equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors and place them as directed by the EPA.
