There May Be A Killer In Your Home!

A Furnace Failure Could Harm You and Your Family

According to the Department of Health, twenty-two people died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in Minnesota in 2014.  The number has been steadily increasing since 2010. Setting aside the mortality rate of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, many more people suffer illness as a result of non-lethal levels of Carbon Monoxide.

Such cases are usually preventable with annual furnace checkups combined with the use of carbon monoxide detectors. Imagine preventing something as tragic as this by having a simple annual inspection done to your furnace each fall. The cost just doesn't compare to the peace of mind knowing your family is safe this winter.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can kill you in minutes, exposure to low levels will make you and your family ill. Often the symptoms are subtle and may appear to indicate other illnesses, helping people to ignore the early signs until it is too late. The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are:

• Dull Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of Breath
• Confusion

Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is by forcing the expulsion of the gases from the victim by having them breath fresh air. The hospital will give the victim oxygen though a mask and monitor their condition until they are out of danger. In extreme cases they may need to be treated in a hyperbolic chamber. This is a special chamber that will force the gases from the victim's system by pressure, it is commonly known for use in treating  divers suffering from the bends.

If You Suspect You Or Your Family Have Been Exposed To Carbon Monoxide

• Get everyone to fresh air immediately and dial 911.
• If you can not move people out of the house, open all windows and doors immediately. Turn off any appliances that use combustion, especially your furnace. Dial 911 for emergency assistance.
• Get everyone that was exposed to the hospital emergency room as quickly as possible. A simple blood test will confirm if there was exposure to Carbon Monoxide.
• Do not re-enter the home until emergency personal say it is safe to do so. Then call a qualified HVAC Service Provider, such as AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. and have them find the source and repair it.

Protect Your Family, Have Your Furnace Inspected By A Professional

The most common cause of carbon monoxide leaks in the home is a cracked heat exchanger, but that doesn't mean there are not other things that need to be considered. AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. will thoroughly check your furnace and make recommendations that will protect the safety of your family. Each inspection includes:

• Thoroughly check the heat exchanger for cracks and holes caused by high tempertures.
• Verify proper pressure on gas valve.
• Verify proper millivolt output of thermocouple.
• Tighten and clean thermocouple connections.
• Check all gas connections for leaks.
• Remove and clean burners, reset and adjust air shutters for proper flame.
• Clean blower blades for full capacity.
• Check to see if filter needs replacement. (You will need to replace the filter if it is dirty.)
• Oil motor bearings.
• Check fan belt tension.
• Check flue for leaks and proper connection to outside.
• Check thermostat connection for tight, clean connections.

Schedule an annual furnace checkup with AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. by calling 320-587-0991.