Archive for the ‘ Carbon Monoxide ’ Category

Heating Maintenance for Your Furnace

I know, we don’t want to even talk about it, but….before you know it, we will need to turn on our furnace. So, before the chilly fall weather hits us, you should make an appointment to have a routine maintenance check on your furnace.

People often remember to have their cars winterized, but they often forget about their furnace.  Remember, you are home more than you are in your car (in most cases). Without a yearly cleaning and inspection of your furnace, your system may not be in proper working condition.  Worse yet, carbon monoxide could be leaking into your home.

Regardless of the type of heating system you have, you don’t want to wail until it breaks down before you call Emerald Heating and Cooling.  A heating system, in top working condition, will save you money and will extend the life of your furnace. Let Emerald check your heating system. Below is just a brief overview of your checklist.

Checklist – Preventative Care – Furnace Check

  • Inspect and clean blower assembly
  • Inspect ignition system
  • Inspect heat exchanger
  • Inspect flue system
  • Inspect control box, wires, etc.
  • Clean and/or replace air filters
  • Inspect ductwork and check for leaks
  • Lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt (where applicable)
  • Check for lint and debris in the filter and clean as necessary
  • Inspect coils, drain pan and clean as needed
  • Check for gas leaks
  • Clean and clean burner assembly (where applicable)

We will also check your system while it is in operation. We will monitor your system for abnormal sounds and unusual odors. We will also ensure your pumps, temperature and flow is in proper working condition.

Call Emerald Heating and Cooling today at 681-0100 and schedule your heating system routine maintenance today.

Don’t Risk CO Poisoning

Before the heating season got underway, we were already getting reports of carbon monoxide poisoning.  This winter, people will die from CO poisoning. Tragically, these will be preventable deaths.

The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of stomach flu.  They include nausea, diffculty catching your breath, headaches and light-headedness.

Our Buffalo heating company can inspect your home today.

Unlike the stomach flu, CO symptoms will disappear when you leave the source. If you have flue like symptoms that appear only when you are at home or work, this may be carbon monoxide. Further evidence is provided when more than one person shares these symptoms.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open doors, turn off appliances, and leave the building.

Remember, infants, children and the elderly are at greater risk and affected by lower levels of exposure.

Pregnant women should be especially alert since a fetus is more sensitive to carbon monoxide than the mother. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to a hospital or clinic and describe your concern. A simple blood test can confirm carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t risk it.

Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that’s a by product of gas combustion. CO can cause illness and death before you’re aware of its presence.

Fortunately, with good ventilation and well maintained, properly adjusted gas and wood burning appliances, the chances are good you will have little fear from carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the stomach flu. They include nausea, difficulty catching your breath, headaches and being light headed.

Unlike the stomach flu, CO symptoms will disappear when you leave the source.  If you have flu-like symptoms only when you were at home or work, this may be carbon monoxide. Further evidence is provided when more than one person shares these symptoms.

What Should I Do?

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open doors, turn off appliances and leave the building.

Remember infants, children and the elderly are at greater risk and affected by lower levels of exposure. Pregnant women should be particularly alert since a fetus is more sensitive to carbon monoxide than the mother.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to a hospital or clinic and describe your concern.  A simple blood test can confirm carbon monoxide poisoning.  Don’t take the risk.

Also, if you suspect a problem, or have had an alarm sound, call us immediately and we can test any gas appliance for proper operation and safety.